Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, conquer the hills. San Francisco, a 42.195km challenge
The San Francisco Marathon is one of the world’s most unique urban marathons, combining breathtaking scenery with challenging ups and downs. Held annually in late July, it’s a spectacular 42.195km journey starting near the Expo at the Embarcadero, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and winding through the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and more.
The moment of running across the Golden Gate Bridge is truly spectacular, and the hills scattered throughout the city ignite runners’ competitive spirit. The sweeping views of San Francisco Bay below and the warm cheers of spectators along the course powerfully push runners forward.
An unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment awaits, as you experience the diverse charms of San Francisco with all your senses.
The San Francisco Marathon: A 42.195km journey of spectacular views and challenges
The San Francisco Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through the grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge and the beauty of a city filled with hills. In the cool, misty air of the city, push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The challenging journey begins at the Embarcadero start line. In the early morning, with the historic Ferry Building and Bay Bridge views behind them, runners set off into the vibrant city of San Francisco. The first few miles are relatively flat, perfect for warming up.
Sights along the way
The San Francisco Marathon course captivates runners with its diverse scenery and unique challenges.
・5-9 miles：This section, heading towards the Presidio National Park, features a gradual uphill climb, but at the same time, the panoramic views of San Francisco Bay that spread out are exceptional. The lush greenery and the distant sight of the Golden Gate Bridge will elevate the runners’ spirits.
・10-12 miles：Finally, the highlight: crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge can be windy and foggy, but the view of the Pacific Ocean and Alcatraz Island below is simply breathtaking. This experience of running on one of the world’s most beautiful bridges will be a lifelong memory. The out-and-back on the bridge is one of the course’s biggest challenges, but it’s well worth it.
・13-17 miles：After returning from the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll run along the beautiful coastline of the Marina District. Here, you can experience the lively atmosphere of the city, passing tourist attractions like Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. This relatively flat section is ideal for regaining your pace.
・18 miles to the finish：Towards the end of the race, hills once again await the runners. The inclines around Haight-Ashbury and the Mission District are particularly challenging, but the enthusiastic cheers from local residents provide a strong boost. Then, on the final straight toward the Embarcadero finish line, the magnificent view of San Francisco Bay welcomes runners, and a supreme sense of accomplishment awaits.
Finish point
The Embarcadero finish line! With the magnificent view of the Bay Bridge behind you, the joy of completing San Francisco’s iconic marathon and the cheers and applause from the crowds filling the roadside will create the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The San Francisco Marathon is known for its many ups and downs. The total elevation gain for the entire course is said to be over 300m, with the ascents and descents to and from the Golden Gate Bridge and the city’s hills being particularly characteristic. The highest point is on the Golden Gate Bridge, but overall, there are continuous undulations with varying grades.
・Weather：San Francisco in late July, when the race is held, has a unique climate known for its “summer fog.” Early mornings are often cool (average temperature 10-15°C) and foggy, but it can clear up and warm up during the day. The temperature is relatively suitable for running, but it can feel colder due to the fog, so temperature regulation is important.
Participants’ comments
・ “Running on the Golden Gate Bridge was like a dream! It was windy, but the view was amazing.”
・ “The hills in San Francisco were certainly challenging, but that made the sense of accomplishment even greater.”
・ “Some say the roadside support isn’t as much as New York, but the warm cheers from the locals really helped me.”
・ “Summer in San Francisco was cool, perfect weather for running.”
・ “Running through the greenery of Golden Gate Park felt great.”
・ “This marathon has truly amazing scenery. I never got bored.”
・ “It’s a unique race where you can truly feel the charm of the city as you run.”
・ “It was a tougher course than I expected, but the moment I finished was the best feeling ever.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the San Francisco Marathon is to find your rhythm in the relatively flat early sections and prepare for the ups and downs of the Golden Gate Bridge crossing. On the undulating hills throughout the city, don’t overexert yourself, and maintain your pace while enjoying the scenery. Especially, it’s crucial to choose appropriate gear and manage your body temperature to cope with the fog and cool climate. Although it’s a challenging course, the unique spectacular views of San Francisco will bring out the best in runners.
The San Francisco Marathon is a 42.195km journey where spectacular views and challenges intertwine. In the cool, misty air of the city, run through majestic scenery with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life!
2024 The San Francisco Marathon Summary
・Date and time: July 28, 2024
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1:Charlie Lawrence:2:22:30
2:Michael Vernau:2:28:19
3:Jack Rager:2:31:58
4:Matthew Walker:2:32:32
5:Hiroki Fujinaga:2:35:23
6:Garrett Gardner:2:36:15
7:Connor Montgomery:2:37:12
8:Aneesh Sampath:2:38:11
9:Sheel Patel:2:40:09
10:Austin Stoner:2:41:01
WOMEN
1:Jenna Wolfrum:2:52:10
2:Itzu Villarce:2:55:12
3:Aide Laura Hernandez Rivera:2:58:51
4:Thia Angelo:2:59:23
5:Lindsay Nickel:3:00:21
6:Sara Bagnell:3:05:41
7:Liana Eisler:3:05:59
8:Liv Paxton:3:06:45
9:Georgina Goode:3:06:56
10:Liz Ozeki:3:07:39
2025 The San Francisco Marathon
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, conquer the hills. 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location: San Francisco, Embarcadero (Start/Finish area)
・Date and time: Sunday, July 27, 2025
・Start time: 5:15 a.m.
San Francisco: A magical city of hills, fog, and diversity
San Francisco, located at the gateway to the Pacific, is a captivating city where diverse cultures and a free spirit intersect. Its iconic Golden Gate Bridge captures the hearts of visitors, and the unique misty landscape is unforgettable once you set foot in it. The city, with its steep hills, is lined with colorful Victorian houses, creating a picturesque scene.
The hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf, the sea lions relaxing at Pier 39, the lively back alleys of Chinatown, and the diversity of the Castro District – each tells its own story and captivates visitors. Riding a cable car up a steep hill to enjoy the panoramic view is a unique San Francisco experience. The vast greenery of Golden Gate Park and the art-filled murals of the Mission District are also must-sees.
This city, where Silicon Valley’s technological innovation coexists with bohemian artistic culture, and which constantly disseminates new trends, offers new discoveries with every visit. It’s known for its restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, unique cafes, and as a mecca for third-wave coffee. San Francisco, filled with creative energy and infinite possibilities, is a place where anyone can find their “own adventure.” Once you visit, you’ll be captivated by its charm and want to return again and again – it’s truly a special city.
