Everything You Need to Know About the San Francisco Marathon

The San Francisco Marathon brings together runners from around the world for an iconic city race experience. This guide covers everything you need to know, including races, routes, challenges, and race weekend details. If you run or spectate, the event delivers remarkable moments across San Francisco’s most famous landmarks.

Planning for the San Francisco Marathon? Start Here

Event Overview

The San Francisco Marathon celebrates its 49th anniversary on July 26, 2026. The event has been a community tradition since its first running in 1977. It continues to honor generations of runners and their accomplishments.

More than a race, the marathon highlights perseverance, community spirit, and remarkable experiences. The course features many of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is often considered the race’s signature moment.

Runners travel through Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina Green, and Crissy Field before reaching the bridge. The route also includes views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Park. Participants finish after passing vibrant neighborhoods and running beneath the Bay Bridge.

The marathon follows a USATF-certified course and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Its hilly terrain includes roughly 1,300 feet of elevation gain and loss. The challenging route rewards runners with scenic views from start to finish.

Races

The San Francisco Marathon offers a wide range of race experiences designed for different goals, distances, and abilities, each showcasing the city’s iconic scenery and energy.

Full Marathon

The Full Marathon takes runners past many of San Francisco’s best-known attractions. Participants experience waterfront scenery, city views, and a crossing of the famous bridge. The route also travels through several neighborhoods before reaching the finish.

• Start time: 5:15 a.m. 26 July, 2026
• Start Location: Embarcadero at Market
• End Location: Embarcadero at Howard
• Race Fee: $458.84
• Join Waitlist: Click Here.

First Half Marathon

The First Half Marathon follows a scenic route beside the bay and surrounding shoreline. Participants encounter notable landmarks and impressive views throughout the course. The race offers a remarkable experience from start to finish.

• Start time: 6:30 a.m. 26 July, 2026
• Start Location: Embarcadero at Market
• End Location: Presidio, Lincoln at Ralston
• Race Fee:  $331.24
• Join Waitlist: Click Here.

Second Half Marathon

The Second Half Marathon showcases some of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Runners travel through park landscapes before continuing onto lively local streets. The course provides a faster experience while highlighting San Francisco’s character.

• Start time: 8:30 a.m. 26 July, 2026
• Start Location: MLK Jr. Drive at Golden Gate Park 
• End Location: Embarcadero at Howard
• Race Fee:  $301.54
• Register: Click Here.

Alexi Pappas 10K

The Alexi Pappas 10K combines popular waterfront sights with a straightforward course. Participants pass notable attractions and enjoy views across the bay. The route appeals to both competitive runners and casual participants.

• Start time: 7 a.m. 26 July, 2026
• Start Location: Embarcadero at Market
• End Location: Embarcadero at Washington
• Race Fee: $160.74
• Register: Click Here.

Saturday 5K

The Saturday 5K features a level course along San Francisco’s waterfront. Participants can pursue a personal best or enjoy a relaxed outing. The event welcomes runners, walkers, families, and dogs.

• Start time: 8 a.m. 25 July, 2026
• Start Location: Embarcadero and Washington Street
• End Location: Embarcadero and Washington Street
• Race Fee: $117.84
• Register: Click Here.

Sunday 5K

The Sunday 5K highlights several of the city’s most recognizable waterfront views. Participants can see landmarks across the bay while following a level route. The race concludes with access to the finish line festivities.

• Start time: 9 a.m. 26 July, 2026
• Start Location:  Embarcadero and Market Street
• End Location: Embarcadero and Washington Street
• Race Fee: $117.84
• Register: Click Here.

Seabastian’s 1K Mad Dash

Seabastian’s 1K Mad Dash creates an enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. The event combines bay scenery with a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere. Runners also receive commemorative items as part of their registration.

• Start time: TBD, 25 July, 2026
• Start Location: Sports Basement, Presidio
• End Location: Sports Basement, Presidio
• Race Fee: $28.75
• Register: Click Here.

Ultramarathon

The Ultramarathon challenges participants to complete a distance equal to two marathons. Runners encounter a wide range of city sights, parks, and waterfront areas. The course also passes locations associated with San Francisco’s professional sports teams.

• Start time: 10:15 p.m. 25 July, 2026
• Start Location: Embarcadero at Market
• End Location:  Embarcadero at Howard
• Race Fee: $606.24
• Register: Click Here.

Virtual Races

Virtual Races allow participants to complete their chosen distance from anywhere in the world. Runners can select from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or ultramarathon. Participants can track results through the event app and maintain Legacy Runner status by competing virtually.

• Race Fee: $110.15
• Register: Click Here.

Challenges

The San Francisco Marathon has a number of challenges that participants can engage with as part of their marathon experience.

Bay Bridge Challenge

The Bay Bridge Challenge connects the Oakland Running Festival and the San Francisco Marathon. Participants who complete any eligible in-person distance at both events in 2026 can earn a commemorative challenge medal. Runners must register for both races using the same name and birth date to qualify. For more information: Click Here.

Double Up Challenge

The Double Up Challenge rewards runners who complete the Saturday 5K and any Sunday San Francisco Marathon event during the same race weekend. Eligible participants receive a special challenge medal that can be collected at designated event locations. For more information: Click Here.

52 Club Challenge

The 52 Club Challenge is a three-year program totaling 52 miles. Participants complete one half marathon in the first year, the opposite half marathon in the second year, and the full marathon in the third year. Finishers earn recognition as a 52 Club Conqueror along with a commemorative hoodie. For more Information: Click Here.

Half It All Challenge

The Half It All Challenge spans two years and is designed for runners interested in both half marathon courses. Participants run one half marathon in the first year and the other half marathon in the second year. Completing the challenge earns a special medal. For more information: Click Here.

Legacy Runners Challenge

The Legacy Runners Challenge recognizes participants who return to the San Francisco Marathon in consecutive years. Runners with three or more consecutive years receive a commemorative pin and socks. Those reaching ten or more consecutive years earn additional exclusive recognition items. For more information: Click Here,

SF/Berkeley Challenge

The SF/Berkeley Challenge combines the San Francisco Marathon with the Berkeley Half Marathon. Participants who complete any distance at both events qualify for a challenge medal, which is awarded at the second race. For more Information: Click Here.

SF/LA Challenge

The SF/LA Challenge partners the San Francisco Marathon with the Los Angeles Marathon. Runners who complete an eligible 2026 Los Angeles Marathon race and then finish a qualifying San Francisco Marathon event can earn a special challenge medal celebrating both California races. For more information: Click Here.

Tips for Runners

Preparing ahead can make the San Francisco Marathon more comfortable and easier to enjoy. Since the event offers gear check, runners can bring extra items and store them safely during the race instead of carrying everything on the course.

There are also a few things participants may not need to bring with them for the full run. The course includes multiple aid stations, so a personal water bottle may not be necessary for everyone. Fuel and nutrition are also available at select points along the route.

• Use gear check: Store extra items safely during the race.
• Skip unnecessary items: Aid stations can reduce the need to carry a personal water bottle.
• Plan for cool mornings: Wear an extra long-sleeved layer to the start line and remove it later if needed.
• Bring sunscreen: Runners and spectators may spend hours outside after the race.
• Keep your phone with you: It can help with photos, communication, and meeting friends or family.
• Be careful with headphones: Staying aware of race officials, course directions, and nearby runners is helpful in crowded areas.

A positive mindset can also make a difference on race day. Busy sections near the Golden Gate Bridge and finish areas may require patience, awareness, and extra space for other runners. For more information about the San Francisco Marathon: Click Here.

Spectator information

You do not need to be a runner to take part in the excitement of the San Francisco Marathon. Spectators play an important role in creating the energy and atmosphere that make race day remarkable for participants.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer, if they are supporting a specific runner or simply enjoying the event. Positive encouragement from the crowd helps keep runners motivated throughout the course.

Friends and family can also follow participants using the SF Marathon App. The app includes course maps, hydration station locations, landmarks, and timing points to help spectators plan their viewing locations.

Real-time runner tracking is available for both in-person and virtual participants. All runners can be tracked by bib number, while those who register and connect through the app can also be searched by name.

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