The San Francisco Marathon is not for runners seeking flat and fast - it's for runners seeking iconic and unforgettable. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Haight-Ashbury, and up San Francisco's famous hills creates an experience unlike any other marathon.
The Course
The course tours San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge crossing. The terrain is genuinely challenging with 400 meters of elevation gain - this is a hilly marathon that will test your preparation.
San Francisco's Greatest Hits
The course showcases the city:
- Embarcadero (Start) - Waterfront start
- Fisherman's Wharf (miles 2-3) - Tourist district
- Golden Gate Bridge (miles 6-8) - THE highlight
- Sausalito views - North of the bridge
- Presidio (miles 9-12) - National park
- Golden Gate Park (miles 16-20) - Urban oasis
- Haight-Ashbury (mile 21) - Counterculture history
- Embarcadero (Finish) - Back at the waterfront
The Hills Are Real
San Francisco's reputation is earned:
- 400m elevation gain is significant
- Multiple notable climbs throughout
- The bridge crossing has grades
- Not a PR course - embrace the challenge
Why San Francisco?
San Francisco offers what flat courses can't - drama, views, and a genuine athletic challenge. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge, possibly through the famous fog, is a bucket-list running moment.
The city itself is endlessly fascinating, and July temperatures (while cool) provide relief from summer heat elsewhere.
Getting In
San Francisco uses open registration:
- Registration opens approximately 10 months before race day
- No lottery or qualification required
- Multiple race options (full, two half options, 5K)
- Popular destination race - register early
Race Day Tips
- Train on hills - You cannot fake this course
- The bridge is early - Enjoy it while fresh
- SF weather is unique - Cool and often foggy
- Forget your PR expectations - Embrace the experience
- The views compensate for the climbs - Stop and look occasionally