San Francisco Marathon

Next Race

July 26, 2026

112

days to go

The San Francisco Marathon is one of the most scenic and challenging urban marathons in America, featuring a course that crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and winds through iconic neighborhoods from the Embarcadero to Golden Gate Park. With over 1,300 feet of elevation gain, the hilly terrain rewards strong climbers and delivers breathtaking views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Pacific coast.

Est.

1977

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

397m

Elev. Loss

397m

Field Size

~8,000

When

July

Time Limit

6.5h

THE COURSE

Gain

+397m

Loss

-397m

MI 0

KM 0

Embarcadero Start

The race begins along the San Francisco waterfront near the Ferry Building. Early miles run along the Embarcadero with views of the Bay Bridge and the rising sun over the East Bay hills.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 0

KM 0

Embarcadero Start

The race begins along the San Francisco waterfront near the Ferry Building. Early miles run along the Embarcadero with views of the Bay Bridge and the rising sun over the East Bay hills.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 5

KM 8

Golden Gate Bridge

The signature moment of the race: crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Runners traverse the 1.7-mile span with jaw-dropping views of the Marin Headlands, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco skyline behind them.

ELEV: 70ft

MI 5

KM 8

Golden Gate Bridge

The signature moment of the race: crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Runners traverse the 1.7-mile span with jaw-dropping views of the Marin Headlands, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco skyline behind them.

ELEV: 70ft

MI 14

KM 22.5

Haight-Ashbury & The Panhandle

The course winds through the legendary Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. Colorful Victorian homes and enthusiastic locals line the route.

ELEV: 60ft

MI 14

KM 22.5

Haight-Ashbury & The Panhandle

The course winds through the legendary Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. Colorful Victorian homes and enthusiastic locals line the route.

ELEV: 60ft

MI 20

KM 32.2

Golden Gate Park

Runners enter Golden Gate Park for a long stretch through one of the great urban parks in America. The tree-lined paths provide shade and a welcome respite from the challenging hills.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 20

KM 32.2

Golden Gate Park

Runners enter Golden Gate Park for a long stretch through one of the great urban parks in America. The tree-lined paths provide shade and a welcome respite from the challenging hills.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Golden Gate Park Finish

The finish in Golden Gate Park near the bandshell caps one of the most visually stunning marathon courses in the world. The final miles are flat, giving runners a chance to push to the line.

ELEV: 30ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Golden Gate Park Finish

The finish in Golden Gate Park near the bandshell caps one of the most visually stunning marathon courses in the world. The final miles are flat, giving runners a chance to push to the line.

ELEV: 30ft