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Sun, Jul 26 · 2026San Francisco, CASince 1977

San Francisco Marathon

The San Francisco Marathon runs through the heart of the city, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and rolling through neighborhoods that make this course unlike any flat, fast alternative. It earns its reputation the hard way.

RollingOpen
SAN FRANCISCO · US
San Francisco
SUN, JUL 26
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 1977

San Francisco starts early, and that's not a small detail. The gun goes off at 5:15am from the Embarcadero, so you're running in the dark for the first stretch along the waterfront. It wakes you up fast. The course heads north and you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, which is the one moment that genuinely earns all the talk about this race. Early morning, fog likely, cars gone. It's quiet and strange and worth it.

After the bridge you run back through the Presidio and into the city's neighborhoods, and the hills keep coming the whole way. This is not a PR course for most people. The rolling terrain adds up, and the BQ rate here is low for a reason. Don't go out too hard on the bridge descent thinking the hard part is done. It isn't. Registration is open but it fills fast, and the 2026 race sold out early enough that a waitlist is your backup option. If you want San Francisco, get in as soon as registration opens.

Field size
~6.5k
6,536 finishers
BQ rate
3%
Below national average
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:10:18
Simeon Kigen
1983
Women
2:35:33
Lesley Ann Lehane
1983

The Course

1,303 ft total gain
Total ascent
↑1,303 ft
Total descent
↓1,303 ft
Net elevation
↑0 ft
Highest point
306 ft
Lowest point
5 ft
Course shape
Loop
Start and finish in one place

This loop course carries over 1,300 feet of gain and loss with no net elevation advantage. The course rises and falls repeatedly, with the Golden Gate Bridge crossing bringing a notable climb in the first half. Runners should expect rolling terrain through the Presidio and along the waterfront. The back half offers some relief but never fully flattens out. With a low BQ rate, this is not a course to target a big PR unless you train specifically on hills. Pacing conservatively in the first 10 miles is critical. The highest point sits just over 300 feet, modest in absolute terms but the cumulative grade wears on legs by mile 20.

DIFFICULTYHILLYPR-FRIENDLYNO

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
55°F
High
66°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

July in San Francisco is cooler than most summer marathons, but don't mistake cool for easy. The morning start keeps temperatures manageable, but the fog and wind off the bay can make it feel raw at the gun. Bring a throwaway layer for the corral. By the time you're crossing the bridge, wind is a real factor. It rarely turns into a heat day, but the conditions are unpredictable enough that you're racing the course and the weather at the same time.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration through Race Roster platform. 2026 full marathon sold out early; runners may join waitlist for cancellation spots.

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
SFO
11 mi
from the start
≈ 17 min transferOn the doorstep
What to expect

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles south; plan 30-45 minutes to downtown. Race starts 5:15am at Embarcadero near Ferry Building. Consider staying near downtown or using rideshare from SFO; public transit is limited at race start time.

Frequently Asked

7 questions