The San Francisco Marathon

What I love about the San Francisco Marathon is that it offers several options for runners and walkers, whether a full marathon, two different half marathons, or a 5K. Moreover, the race is well-​organized, whether at expo/​bib pickup; sweats drop-​off the morning of; plenty of hydration, first aid, and porta-​potty stations throughout; and a decent finish line festival with an adequate array of refreshments.
I did the second half in 2013 and the first half in 2014. Both were great ways to rediscover San Francisco anew, whether the Haight, Mission, and Dogpatch areas in the second half, or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the first half. The swag that comes with your hefty registration fee — a tech tee and some nice medals (particularly the Half it All Challenge medal) — is an added bonus.
Definitely a highlight of the year if you’re a local into running, and worth making it part of an overall sightseeing routine if you’re visiting from afar.

The 2015 episode of the San Francisco Marathon was no different and just as successful for me as previous years. This isn’t so much of a review as it is more of guide and preview from someone that has participated in some form of the race 16 times. The planning and logistics of this race is based on the geography of San Francisco which makes it one of a kind marathon that really can’t be compared to others. It’s amazing that they are able to pull everything off despite their spatial challenges.
Some adjustments must be made that are probably never going to change because of the geographic uniqueness of San Francisco and should be considered before registering. But these are things that can be addressed if you have knowledge in advance. The early start time will not change. Having one lane going each direction on the Golden Gate Bridge will not change. The rerouting of your course for automobile traffic flow in the Richmond District and just after The Haight will not change. Unfortunately, for the 6+ hour marathoners, you will most likely be dealing with auto traffic and an open course in the second half of your race. This will not change.
Despite a couple of minor obstacles to overcome, there are many reasons to run this marathon. You have an opportunity to run out and back over one of the modern wonders of the world. You can experience an extremely organized event that has an ultra, a loop full marathon, two point to point half marathons, and a 5K. For those dealing with intense summer heat like me, you can experience a race in ideal weather conditions. You can run a course that will push your limits in one of the most unique, scenic cities in the world.
If you’re looking for electric crowd support from start to finish, you’re not gonna get it. It’s just too early. If you need a crowd to magically lift and carry you to the finish, then you’re probably under trained. While I appreciate the support that is there, this isn’t a significant concern for me. I’ve got plenty of other things to focus on which include controlling my heart rate, engaging my gluts, and maintaining the proper stride rate. In fact, on race day of this marathon, I tell my wife to sleep in, and I wake her up when I get back to the hotel.
Don’t expect a PR for this race. You’ll be slowed on the bridge, be patient and appreciate that you get to run across it. Be courteous to your fellow runners by letting them know you are passing and always look before any lateral move. Prepare for the hills and have plenty of nutrition on board.
Review and know the course. There are maps on the website and there is even a time lapsed youtube video of the entire course. Drive the course if and where possible. There is a split between the full and halfers just before the 13 mile mark and again at around the 15 mile mark. Know which direction to go and don’t blame your lack of preparation on someone who is giving up their time on a Sunday morning. In fact, thank them for their help.
The shuttle from the Hyatt is the most convenient way to get to the Expo. As far as the bag drop (knocking on wood), I’ve not had one problem or issue ever. I put a dry clothes change in my bag so I can enjoy festivities after the race.
I ran the first half this year and it was my seventh year running one of the halves. I’ve run the full nine times. I’ll probably continue to run this race every year until my legs won’t let me anymore.

(Half #17, 2015)
Well, I completed the «Half It All» challenge, running Half #2 (Haight-​Ashbury) last year, and finishing Half #1 (The Bridge) this year!
Who wouldn’t want to run across the Golden Gate Bridge, right? It was a tougher run than last year, more demanding hills than Half #2, but it was definitely more scenic. I’d driven across the Golden Gate numerous times, even walked it a few years ago, but to have a lane dedicated solely for runners was a complete privilege. Despite the cold – I was so glad to have worn my compression pants and a long-​sleeved tech shirt – it was one of my most memorable runs.
What’s even better about running the San Francisco Marathon, whether in Half segments or the Full, is that it ties in to many challenge medals along the way. Yes, by running both Halfs consecutively – and Half #1 always sells out quickly – you’ll receive the Half It All medal; but by also running one of the Halfs and then running the Surf City Half in Huntington Beach, you’ll snag the California Dreaming’ medal, a super cool California medal that doubles as a bottle cap opener.
And not only that! Running one of SF’s Halfs and then – either before or right afterward – running the Berkeley Half Marathon warrants you the SF/​Berkeley Challenge medal! (For me, it’ll happen this November.) And if that weren’t enough, there’s also the SF Original Run Series medal: finish Bay to Breakers, the SF Marathon (or Half), and the San Francisco Giant Half Marathon! (Also mine by August’s end!)
I was beat after completing this run, possibly pushed myself too hard during the first six miles – but I made it. A great race! Great swag! Awesome medals! And an amazing time!

Use TSFM2015MAY for $ 25 discount on any of the distances and training program. Good until June 1^st!

San Francisco, I’m so glad you took my full marathon cherry. I wouldn’t have given it to anyone else other than my fair city by the bay… even though you might be «The Race Even Marathoners Fear» as per the Wall Street Journal.
Much to love about this race:
1. Lovely running weather. The morning fog providing some refreshing misting action although it did warm up considerably when the sun appeared around 9am.
2. You cover all the major landmarks. My training runs take me through all the usual spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, AT&T Park, Fort Mason, and the Golden Gate Bridge but there’s nothing like running through them with newbies to the city and feeling proud that you get to call this home. Yes even the «industrial» parts of Dogpatch.
3. You discover new spots. I’ve never run on Lincoln Blvd and the ocean view with the crashing waves was just sublime. Also never ran around Stowe Lake before so check that one off the list.
4. Plenty of hydration stations along the way. In hindsight, I should have started the run with a less than full bottle of water in my belt because I hardly touched it in the beginning till it got warmer. That’s because the hydration stations were plenty, close together, and manned by enthusiastic volunteers.
5. For the most part, a well organized race day. From clear directions to your respective wave starts to the closures of streets including the GG Bridge, everything has been fairly well-​thought out.
The SF Marathon is not without its kinks. For one the marathon app didn’t exactly work and honestly was a little extraneous since you can cover most of the content on a website. 7 miles circling around GG Park felt REALLY long especially when you’re already 13 miles in by then. Lastly, the lines for the beer garden was ridiculous so I skipped it. Didn’t need it really since my friends were waiting for me armed with mimosas. Special thanks to them and all the supporters along the route. You made my first full marathon especially enjoyable and I’ll high-​five you guys anytime again.
#loveSF

Their website boasts that San Francisco is the #1 destination to do a marathon, and I have to say, I do agree!!!
If you had to do one marathon ever in your life, well this one will suit everybody. You get so much of San Francisco, that’s its hard to pass up this event. If doing a full marathon is too much for you, well you can do the half marathon version, either the first or second half, and you’ll still have a great time.
The expo was decent. Nothing spectacular or anything, but it was definitely one of the larger expos compared to the other races I’ve seen.
But the course and the amenities are the reasons why you should do this race. My favorite is running on the Golden Gate bridge. I mean, just looking up at those majestic structures, I regret not bringing my cell phone to take pictures. It was an out and back on the bridge so you got twice the views.
And the views along the coast were breath-​taking. There’s no other place that can you give you all these and a run through Golden Gate park in one race.
The hills are expected when you do this race, and since the majority of the hills are located in the first half… all I can say is, to start off slower than what you are normally used to and then pick it up on the second half.
Once you make it to mile 24, you’re already at the home stretch and seeing the Bay Bridge, it will give you that extra push to make it there since the finish line is only 0.2 miles passed that.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of street hazards such as bollards, transitions on the bridge that were slippery, potholes, etc that we were not given any safety warnings so you just had to be aware of your surroundings as you are enjoying the awesome views.
Post race festivities included a free pint of beer (well beer is included in the race package so I guess it’s not free), a big 3.25″ coaster medal, plenty of goodies and views of the Bay Bridge and Embarcadero as you celebrate finishing strong at the marathon. Security was extra tight in light of the recent Boston bombings so it was great to have that comfort whilst you celebrated you accomplishments.
I would probably do this again because it’s challenging and you get to experience SF that only a few have ever tried. Plus, if you do the Los Angeles marathon in consecutive order, you also get the LA/​SF challenge medal. Pretty neat stuff.
Note to self: 3:33:30 in 2013

Half Marathon #3 Completed!
I chose to run the 1^st Half Marathon because one item on my bucket list:
Run across the Golden Gate Bridge!
I also wanted to complete the LA/​SF Challenge since I completed the LA Marathon (my first) in March.
My start time was at 6:22AM and I was afraid it was going to be super cold since the previous day was. Luckily the sun was out and I didn’t have to layer up as much as I expected. I took a cab to the start line and there was no traffic at all and finding my wave was easy to spot. My only gripe at the start line was how they positioned some of the porta potties. Some lines were crazy long and I saw people just cutting like no one’s business!
The course itself had great views! I did the Nike Women’s Half Marathon last year and part of the course is similar. Although I wished they had more entertainment at mile markers and I noticed that were weren’t a lot of spectators as well. I loved feeding off their energy at the Nike Women’s and at the LA Marathon, it just pushed me even more. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was amazing! I did think they were going to close off the whole bridge but then realized that would be impossible to do. There was only one lane reserved for runners going each way. I wouldn’t be surprised tp hear if there were any collisions especially with the slippery surface. The hills are no joke, and you should train for them properly! Throughout the course I didn’t spot too many photographers, which was a bummer but I don’t buy the pictures anyways =P
Finally the finish line was pretty organized. Right away they gave your medal, bottle water, and heatsheets to keep our bodies warm. I was very surprised and loved the goodies they had for runners! We had bananas, yogurt, King’s Hawaiian rolls, and scones from Panera Bread. I can’t say that I’ve had better snacks after a race.
Unfortunately at mile 8 I started to feel a pain in my left arch that kept me from the time I wanted to reach. I’m still happy that I finished the race and that my injury wasn’t too bad. I’d love to come back next year and complete the 2^nd Half and get the Half It All Challenge medal.
My favorite sign:
«That isn’t sweat, it’s your fat cells crying»