San Francisco Marathon

San Francisco Marathon. The San Francisco Marathon is an annual road running event held in San Francisco, California. First run in 1977, it has grown into a major event on the running calendar, featuring a full marathon, two half marathon courses, and a 5K race. The challenging and scenic route takes participants across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and past many of the city's famous landmarks, attracting thousands of runners from around the world each July.

History

The inaugural event was organized in 1977 by the late Larry King, who also founded the San Francisco Examiner Marathon. Early editions were held in conjunction with the San Francisco Examiner newspaper and often started at the Embarcadero. The race has been managed by various organizations over the decades, including a period under IMG. It has faced challenges such as route changes due to construction on the Golden Gate Bridge and the seismic retrofitting of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned with modified protocols. Throughout its history, it has been a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon and has seen participation from elite athletes like Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter.

Course

The marathon course is renowned for its stunning views and significant elevation changes, starting near the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. Runners proceed through the Financial District and past AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, before entering the Mission District. The route then climbs into the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and enters Golden Gate Park, passing the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. The race's signature segment is an out-and-back crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, offering panoramic vistas of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island. The latter miles traverse the Marina District and Fisherman's Wharf before finishing back near the Ferry Building.

Event details

The event, typically held on a Sunday in late July, includes the full marathon, two separate half marathons (the "First Half" and "Second Half"), and a 5K race. It is organized with support from the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. All races utilize chip timing provided by companies like ChronoTrack. The finish line festival features live music, food vendors, and a beer garden, with sponsors often including Kaiser Permanente and Asics. The race is a certified qualifier for the Boston Marathon and follows guidelines from USA Track & Field. Participants receive technical shirts, medals, and access to digital race photos.

Notable winners

Notable men's champions include Steve Ortiz, who won the inaugural race, and Jorge Maravilla, a local favorite with multiple victories. The men's course record was set by Michele Paletti in 1999. On the women's side, champions have included elite runners like Heidi Westover and Liza Hunter-Galvan. The women's course record is held by Elena Orlova. The event has also seen victories by renowned athletes such as Bill Rodgers, who won in 1977, and Frank Shorter. More recent winners often come from the competitive fields assembled by the San Francisco Running Company and other local clubs.

Charity and community involvement

The event has a strong tradition of charity partnerships, raising millions for organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its "Team In Training" program. It also partners with local nonprofits such as the San Francisco Food Bank and the Marine Mammal Center. The race organizers emphasize sustainability efforts, including waste reduction and recycling initiatives in collaboration with Recology. Community involvement is fostered through volunteer opportunities managed by groups like the San Francisco Parks Alliance. The event supports local businesses along the route and contributes to the city's economy through tourism, with many participants traveling from across the United States and internationally.

Category:Marathons in the United States Category:Sports competitions in San Francisco Category:Recurring events established in 1977