Check out some of the upcoming marathons in San Diego

From 'Anthony Goto' via Flikr

San Diego Marathons are among the most popular in California because they provide great weather and scenery.

There are only two in San Diego, the Rock and Roll Marathon and the Carlsbad Marathon. Both of these will take place next year. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for them. San Diego Marathons are extremely difficult, they are 26.2 miles of up and down roads. It is advised to take months of preparation and demands dedication. This means proper diet, daily runs and managing pains and aches. While this will take plenty of your time and energy, crossing the finish line will be an incredible accomplishment and an extremely satisfying sensation.

There are several San Diego half Marathons and runs to help you prepare for the big ones. This weekend — Saturday August 22 — the 3rd Annual NNCR Wild Duck 5k XC Race will take place in Oceanside, which benefits Rancho Buena Vista High School and Vista water polo teams.

The following run, The Silver Strand Half Marathon, begins Sunday, November 15, in Coronado.

These types of races are great ways to start off in preparation for full marathons. Running San Diego marathons and half marathons are great way to keep in tip top shape, but they also benefit a variety of charities and organizations in San Diego County.

Major Marathons:

Rock and Roll Marathon

• Sunday, January 24, 2010
• 6:00am Full Marathon & 7:30am Half Marathon
• Plaza Camino Real 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Carlsbad Marathon

• Sunday, June 6, 2010 6:30 AM
• 6th Avenue & Palm Street San Diego, CA
• Online Registration Closes: May 29, 2010.