Half Marathon San Francisco: Run Through the Awesome City by the Bay 2024

If you’re seeking a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views of San Francisco, consider participating in a half marathon. San Francisco hosts several half marathons throughout the year, catering to runners of all levels.

The Half Marathon San Francisco, offers runners the chance to experience the stunning scenery of Golden Gate Park and the Pacific Ocean while supporting local charities. Additionally, the Golden Gate Half & 5K presents a more demanding race, featuring two crossings of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and a hilly course with unpredictable weather.

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Overview of San Francisco Half Marathon

Welcome to our guide to the San Francisco Half Marathon! We are excited to share with you all the information you need to know about this amazing half marathon San Francisco.

  • The Half Marathon San Francisco is a USATF-certified 13.1-mile race.
  • It is a popular event attracting runners from around the world and takes participants through iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • The race is suitable for runners of all levels, offering a challenging yet scenic course with ample support from aid stations, medical assistance, and volunteers.
  • Registration for the race can be completed online, with the fee including a race t-shirt, finisher medal, and access to the post-race party. Additional registration options are available for extra perks.
Dennis Heinrich Mallorca Marathon 24.10.2023

“The first few days when you started running were sometimes a real struggle. However, the whole thing quickly becomes a passion and passion. It’s awesome to see how your body becomes more efficient and which places you discover.”

Registration Details

Half Marathon San Francisco Man runs across golden gate bridge
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📝 How to Register – in 10 Points

Registering is easy and can be done online.

  1. Visit the official website of the San Francisco Marathon at thesfmarathon.com/register.
  2. Select the specific half marathon event you wish to register for, such as the first or second Half Marathon San Francisco.
  3. Click on the registration link for your chosen event.
  4. Complete the registration form with your personal details, including name, contact information, and any required medical information.
  5. Choose your desired race distance, whether it’s the half marathon, 10K, or 5K.
  6. Review the registration details and ensure all information is accurate.
  7. Proceed to the payment section and complete the registration fee payment.
  8. Upon successful registration and payment, you should receive a confirmation email with all relevant details regarding the event.
  9. Make a note of any important dates or additional requirements provided in the confirmation email, such as race packet pickup details or event-specific instructions.
  10. Prepare for the half marathon by following any training guidelines provided and staying updated with event-related communications from the organizers.

💻 Registration Fee

The registration fee for the Half Marathon San Francisco, varies depending on the race you choose to run. The fees are as follows:

Event DateRegistration Fee
July 28, 2024$212.49 (1st Half Marathon), $199.99 (2nd Half Marathon)

Course Information

Half Marathon San Francisco Crowd running across golden gate bridge
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As runners, we know that the course is one of the most important aspects of a race. That’s why we want to give you all the details you need for the San Francisco Half Marathon course.

🏁 Start Line

The start line for the San Francisco Half Marathon is located on Mason Street, near Crissy Field.

🌉 Finish Line

The finish line for the first Half Marathon San Francisco is located at Golden Gate Park. This is a great location for the finish line which offers beautiful views and invites you to relax.

The finish line for the second Half Marathon San Francisco is located at Embarcadeo near Bay Bridge.

🗺️ Course Map

The course map for the first Half Marathon San Francisco takes runners through some of the most beautiful areas of the city. The course starts on Mason Street and then heads out towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Runners will cross the bridge twice, which provides breathtaking views of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean.

After crossing the bridge, runners will make their way through the Presidio and then finish at Golden Gate Park.

The course map for the second Half Marathon San Francisco is also full of beautiful views. The course starts on Mason Street and then takes runners through Golden Gate Park. Runners will run through the iconic city and then finish at Embarcadeo near Bay Bridge.

Race Day Details

Half Marathon San Francisco Running Crowd
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On the day of the Half Marathon San Francisco, we want to make sure that everything runs smoothly for all participants. Here are some important details to keep in mind for race day.

⏰ Start Time

The first half will start promptly at 6.30 am and the second half at 8.15 am, so we recommend arriving at least an hour beforehand to give yourself enough time to get ready and warm up. We will have a clear start line marked, and we ask that all participants line up according to their expected pace time.

🎒 Gear Check

We know that many runners will be bringing extra gear with them on race day, so they will have a gear check area available near the start line. You can drop off any extra clothing or personal items that you don’t want to carry during the race, and we will make sure that they are safely stored until you finish.

🚑 Aid Stations

There will be aid stations set up along the course at regular intervals to provide water and fuel for runners. We recommend bringing your own water bottle or hydration pack, but there will be plenty of water available at each station. They will also be providing Charge Energy Gel at some of the aid stations to help keep you fueled throughout the race.

⚕️ Medical Assistance

At Half Marathon San Francisco they take the safety of runners very seriously, and they will have medical staff stationed at various points along the course to provide assistance if needed. If you experience any medical issues during the race, please seek out one of our medical personnel or notify a volunteer.

“I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.”
– Dean Karnazes

Races

Half Marathon San Francisco people running bridge
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If you’re looking to participate in a half marathon in San Francisco, you have plenty of options to choose from. In this section, we’ll break down the different races available, including 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, and ultra marathon.

🏃‍♂️ 5k Run

The 5k run is a great option for beginners or those who want a shorter race. The San Francisco Bay Area Running Race Calendar on RunGuides lists several 5k races throughout the year. These races typically take place in parks or on city streets and offer a fun and festive atmosphere.

🎽 10K Run

The 10K run is another great option for those who want a bit more of a challenge than a 5k. The Active website lists several 10K races in San Francisco. These races typically take place on city streets and offer a great opportunity to see the city while getting some exercise.

🌉 Bridge Half Marathon

The Bridge Half Marathon is a popular race that takes place on the Golden Gate Bridge. The race starts on the San Francisco side of the bridge and crosses over to the other side before returning to the starting point. The views of the city and the bay are stunning, making this a truly unique and memorable race.

🌆 City Half Marathon

The City Half Marathon is another popular race that takes place on the streets of San Francisco. This race typically starts and ends in Golden Gate Park and takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, including the Haight-Ashbury district and the Mission district.

🏅 Full Marathon

For those who want to take on the ultimate challenge, the full marathon is the way to go. The San Francisco Marathon is a popular race that takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, and Golden Gate Park. This race is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a truly unforgettable experience.

🏞️ Ultra Marathon

If you’re looking for an even greater challenge, the ultra marathon is the way to go. The San Francisco 50/50 is a 50-mile race that takes runners through some of the city’s most challenging terrain, including steep hills and rocky trails. This race is not for everyone, but for those who are up for the challenge, it offers a truly unique and rewarding experience.

No matter which race you choose, participating in a half marathon in San Francisco is a great way to see the city and challenge yourself physically.

Participant Information

At the Half Marathon San Francisco, we want to make sure that all participants have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some important details to keep in mind:

🎽 Bib Collection

Bib collection for the Half Marathon San Francisco takes place at the Health and Fitness Expo, which is typically held two days before the race. Participants are required to attend the expo to pick up their bibs, as bibs are not available for pick up on race morning.

🏆 Age Groups

The San Francisco Half Marathon offers age group categories for both male and female participants. The categories are as follows: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 and over. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group.

🏁 Corral Start Times

To ensure a safe and organized start to the race, participants will be assigned to a specific corral based on their estimated finish time. Corral assignments will be communicated to participants via email prior to race day. Please arrive at your designated corral at least 15 minutes before your assigned start time.

Post-Race Activities

Half Marathon San Francisco people are running
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Congratulations on completing the half marathon in San Francisco! After the race, there are a variety of activities to enjoy in the city. Here are some suggestions for post-race activities.

🏅 Awards

First, let’s talk about the awards. We know how important it is to recognize your hard work and achievements. The top finishers in each age group will receive awards. Additionally, every participant will receive a medal for completing the race. The medals are unique and feature a beautiful design, so be sure to show it off!

🎉 Post-Race Festival

After the race, you can head to the post-race festival. The festival is a great place to relax and celebrate your accomplishment. You can enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, listen to music, and mingle with other runners. The festival is a fun way to unwind after the race.

🌁 Must see in San Francisco

Finally, we recommend checking out some of the must-see attractions in San Francisco. One popular spot is the Rose Garden in Golden Gate Park. The garden features over 60 rose beds and is a beautiful place to take a stroll. Another popular attraction is the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or bike across the bridge and take in the stunning views of the city and the bay.

We hope these suggestions help you make the most of your post-race experience in San Francisco. Enjoy the rest of your time in the city!

Additional Information

🤝 Volunteering

We understand that volunteering is a great way to get involved with the running community and give back to the community. They always looking for volunteers to help them with the Half Marathon San Francisco. If you are interested in volunteering for the event:

  • You can fill out the form here or
  • Write an email at volunteer@jumpingfences.org

🎗️ Charity Partnerships

If you are interested in running for a cause, please check out the charity partnerships page to learn more about partners and how you can get involved.

🏨 Hotels and Accommodation

If you are traveling from out of town to participate in the Half Marathon San Francisco, the racing organization has partnered with several hotels to offer discounted rates for participants. Please visit the hotels and accommodation page to learn more about partner hotels and how to book your stay.

Our Opinion on Half Marathon San Francisco

As avid runners, we highly recommend the Half Marathon San Francisco. With its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline, this race is a must-do for any runner seeking a challenging and scenic course.

The event is well-organized, with plenty of aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers. The course is hilly, but the challenging terrain is more than made up for by the breathtaking views and the energy of the crowds.

The race attracts runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes, and the atmosphere is always friendly and supportive. Whether you’re running for a personal best or just for fun, the Half Marathon San Francisco is an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a race that combines a challenging course with stunning scenery and a friendly atmosphere, then the Half Marathon San Francisco is the perfect choice. We can’t recommend it enough!

FAQ

What is the date of the Half Marathon San Francisco?

The Half Marathon San Francisco typically takes place in late July or early August. 

What is the half marathon San Francisco course like?

The course takes runners through iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and scenic waterfront views. 

Are there aid stations along the half marathon San Francisco?

Yes, there are multiple aid stations providing water, sports drinks, and medical assistance throughout the race.

What do you think about half marathon San Francisco? I would love to hear your option in the comments. I am sure you are also interested in National Park Half Marathons or Half Marathon Pacing.

Sebastian Gradl 26.09.2023
Sebastian Gradl

Nice to meet you, I´m Sebastian Gradl!

I write the articles on runfitjourney.com.

I hope I can awaken your passion for running too and would be happy to take you on the runfitjourney!

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