A Preview of the San Diego 3-Day Route

Walkers at the 2024 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

In just a few days, the 2025 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day® kicks off! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with inspiration, the Pink Bubble community and the beauty San Diego gives year after year.

Day 1

Our 60-mile adventure begins Friday morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with the inspiring Opening Ceremony. If you walked the San Diego 3-Day before, your heart and soles may find this year’s route to be both familiar and fresh.

We’ll start along Del Mar Dog Beach, where playful dogs run and swim while watching surfers ride the waves. From there, we’ll follow the beautiful shoreline of Torrey Pines State Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views. The nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve remains closed for construction, so our alternate route will not have quite the steep climb 3-Day veterans are used to.

Along the way, you’ll pass Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Ellen Browning Scripps Pier and UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where scientific research and oceanographic studies are conducted to maintain the beautiful waters and marine life you will see on your walk. Keep your eyes peeled in La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove for leopard sharks, sea lions, harbor seals and bottlenose dolphins gliding through the clear blue waters. You’ll also pass the Children’s Pool La Jolla, a favorite for visitors watching sunbathing harbor seals and sea lions, and the historic Taylor Branch Library.

Pink tints near the bay at the San Diego 3-Day.

When you arrive at Camp at Crown Point Shores Park at the end of Day 1, you will be able to relax in the Bank of America massage chairs, enjoy some delicious food and attend the Celebration of Champions ceremony.

Day 2

Make sure to fuel up with breakfast before setting out on the second day toward Mission Bay’s South Cove. Home to various bird species, you and your fellow walkers can enjoy some bird watching and the calm waters. From there, head into the coastal neighborhood of Ocean Beach and to Narragansett Hill, a hidden gem offering panoramic views of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Point Loma and even La Jolla.

The 2024 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Next up: the Sunset Cliffs National Park that stretches from Point Loma to Ocean Beach. It’s a well-known destination for locals and visitors who crave natural beauty. Breathe in the ocean air as you venture toward South Mission Beach and Sail Bay, where you’ll find paddleboarders, kayakers and sailboats on the water. When you return to camp for the end of your second day, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you, followed by the touching Honor Ceremony.

Day 3

Our final day begins along Ocean Front Walk and the lively Belmont Park, a historic amusement park that’s been entertaining visitors since 1925 and home to the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Capture the nostalgia on the historic beachfront boardwalk before heading to Bonita Cove, a peaceful spot with stunning views of Mission Bay. This secluded area is always a great place to reflect on your reason for walking the 3-Day.

The final day of the 2024 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Continue toward the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, where scientists work to protect marine life and promote ocean conservation. Close by, you’ll approach SeaWorld San Diego, home to sloths, penguins and countless marine animals. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, a step back in time to San Diego’s early days. From there, walkers will move on to the Old Town Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the city’s historic heart.

The 2024 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day went through the city's Little Italy neighborhood.

The 3-Day journey will wrap up near vibrant Little Italy and end with the Finish Line Festival at Waterfront Park. As the sun starts to set on your final day, be sure to take a moment to reflect at the Closing Ceremony on the amazing adventure you completed. We can’t wait to see you in San Diego!

The Finish Line Festival at the 2024 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Veteran-Approved Camping Tips for the San Diego 3-Day

Pink tints near the bay at the San Diego 3-Day.

Camping along Crown Point Shores at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is part of the Pink Bubble magic. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are forged and your incredible body finally gets a well-deserved break. The pink tents lining the shore are quite the sight, and after walking up to 20 miles each day, being well prepared can make all the difference.

To help make camp life a little more comfortable, we gathered advice from some 3-Day veterans who’ve camped here before. Here’s what they recommend:

Headlamp: Flashlights are helpful, but when you’re navigating your way to the restroom in the middle of the night, juggling a flashlight and toilet paper is no fun. Bring a headlamp to keep your hands free!
Yoga mat or air mattress: While some veterans prefer a yoga mat to sleep on because it’s simple, lightweight and easy to roll up, others prefer a thin air mattress for a bit more cushion after a long day on your feet. Blanche H. says, “If you bring a battery-operated pump, travel with the batteries separately. They wear out before you use them. I learned the hard way.”?
Tarps: San Diego nights along the bay can bring damp grass and chilly air. Place a tarp or plastic drop cloth under your tent to keep your gear dry. Shannon S. says, “I usually get a plastic drop cloth at the dollar store or Walmart.” Some walkers even bring a second tarp to cover the tent and prevent condensation from dripping inside.
Sweatpants with elastic cuffs: After a long day of walking, you want to be warm and comfortable. There’s one small detail veteran walkers know that works well.: Suzie R. says, “Sweatpants with elastic cuffs are great post-walk because they keep them off the porta-potty floor.”
Ziploc bags: Put each outfit in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. This will keep you organized and your garments dry. Jacquelyne G. also recommends putting your shoes inside your tent at night, so they don’t get damp. Speaking of shoes, veterans also suggest bringing shower shoes.
Yes, there are showers! The showers are housed in converted semi-trucks, equipped with private shower rooms that include a bench and hooks for your belongings. There are also large sinks, tables with mirrors and clean towels provided daily.
All the warm things: Toss a couple of hand warmers into your sleeping bag before bed to help stay cozy and to warm up your hands in the mornings. Veterans also recommend packing layers, fuzzy socks and mylar blankets. “I glamped in SD 2024 and felt so bad for campers because it was so cold in the morning,” Sue S. said.
Glow sticks or battery-operated lights: When the sun sets, camp gets dark. And with rows of identical pink tents, finding yours could be tricky. Veteran walker Walter H. recommends bringing glow sticks or battery-powered string lights to clip onto your tent. “Clipping glow sticks over the tent helps find yours when it’s dark,” he said. They’re also helpful to add some light inside your tent when you’re getting ready for bed or digging through your gear.”
1-inch binder clips: Seasoned 3-Day walkers swear by these! They’re perfect to clip around the cross-poles of your tent, and you can use them to secure the rain flaps open or fasten a tarp or plastic sheeting over the tent.

We hope these tips from our long-time walkers help make camping fun and as enjoyable as possible. Don’t forget there’s also a tent decorating contest, so bring your lights, signs and decorations that showcase your story and help build the amazing 3-Day community spirit.

We can’t wait to see you at camp in San Diego!

Common First-Time Walker Worries … Debunked!

Two women showing their "This is my first 3-day" button in 2024.

Whether you’re already registered or are thinking about joining your very first Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, welcome to the Pink Bubble!

Signing up is a big commitment, and we’re sure that you have a lot of questions, worries and maybe even second thoughts. Regardless of what’s going through your head, we’re here to support you from the day you register to the memorable moment you step across that finish line. We like to say that the support we offer matches the commitment you’re making!

Remember, everyone who’s ever walked the 3-Day started exactly where you are right now—full of questions and anticipating an event that is unlike anything else you’ve experienced. There’s a reason why so many walkers come back year after year, and we’re excited for you to be a part of it.

To help manage your expectations and quell any lingering anxieties, we’ve debunked some common first-time walker concerns so that you can strut into the Pink Bubble with confidence!

“60 miles is way too far for me to walk.”

We get it, 60 miles is a lot, and it is hard … but, as you’ll hear a lot on the 3-Day, it’s not as hard as breast cancer.

You’ll be surprised by how far you can push yourself when you set your mind to it and are surrounded by like-minded people who encourage you every step of the way. It’s a big challenge, and because of that, it will inspire your donors to give big when they support you.

Participants of all ages and fitness backgrounds have been able to train for and successfully complete all 60 miles. But if you can’t walk all 60 miles, that’s OK, too! There are support vehicles (we call them sweep vans) along the route that will take you to the next stop if you need a break. How ever many miles you complete at the end of the day, you’ve raised the money and are helping end breast cancer!

If you’re still unsure, we offer 1, 2 and 3-Day walker options, allowing you some peace of mind if you want to dip your toe into the Pink Bubble before fully diving in.

A woman walking her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day in 2023.

“I don’t think I can meet the fundraising requirements.”

Fundraising for the first time may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Your 3-Day coaches are your main point of contact for anything fundraising related and will help you every step of the way.

From goal-setting techniques to tips on reaching out to donors, we have plenty of resources to help you get where you need to be. All coaches have been (or currently are!) 3-Day walkers and can give you first-hand advice from what they’ve heard from the thousands of walkers we’ve supported.

Additionally, our city-specific Facebook groups are another great tool to connect with other walkers for fundraising advice. Get creative, ask everyone and never give up. You’ll hit your goals before you know it!

“I don’t even know how to get started with training.”

Much like fundraising, training may seem daunting at first. Our recommendation? Use our 24 or 16-week training plans and take it one step at a time.

Remember, the 3-Day is not a race, so your training shouldn’t be either. Start slow and follow the plan and you’ll slowly build up until you’re racking up miles you never thought were possible. For more tips on training, reach out to your coach, find a training walk near you and go at your own pace.

“I’m not very athletic.”

That’s OK! You’ll be in great company; at the 3-Day, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join. From avid walkers to those with physical limitations, every participant is given what they need to succeed. Simply show up exactly as you are, and we will do this together.

“Nobody will sign up with me.”

The 3-Day happily welcomes solo walkers, and we promise you’ll never feel alone. The Pink Bubble is a community of people who are all on the same team, walking together to find the cures.

Though you may arrive alone, you’ll leave part of something greater than you ever thought imaginable. Furthermore, your coach can help you find a team to join.

A button that says "This is my First 3-Day"

“I’ve never been affected by breast cancer.”

You certainly don’t need to have been directly affected by breast cancer to help find the cures. Whether we realize it or not, we’re all affected by this disease in some way, and the funds we raise at the 3-Day help to advance all forms of cancer research. Everyone is welcome at the 3-Day, and the Pink Bubble is waiting for you with open arms.

Do you have any other questions or concerns? Reach out to your 3-Day coach via Facebook or email and ask away. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.

We hope to see you at the 3-Day soon! Visit the 3-Day to register and learn more.