Race Information - San Francisco Half Marathon (2024)

BIB PICK UP

Bib Pick Up will be available on race week at the following Bay Area Sports Basem*nt locations:

  • Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2pm – 6pm at the Sports Basem*nt Sunnyvale location
  • Friday, February 2, 2024 from 11am – 6pm at the Sports Basem*nt Bryant location
  • Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 9am – 4pm at the Sports Basem*nt Presidio location

If you’re picking up a bib for a friend, please bring this form signed. Please click HERE for a How to Guide for uploading your authorization form to your haku account.

You may pickup your race bib on race morning at the Will Call Tent for $15. To purchase Will Call bib pick up please click here to add it to your registration. Free bib pickup is available Thursday, Friday, or Saturday at Sports Basem*nt.

Please note that all participant shirts will be picked up after the race in the post-race festival area, regardless of how you choose to receive your bib.

START LINE

  • The start line is at John F. Kennedy Drive east of Stow Lake Drive.
  • 5K: 7:50 a.m.
    Note: If you are running the 5K, you will need to start promptly at 7:50 a.m. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Half Marathon: 8:00 a.m.
  • 10K: 8:00 a.m.

View start line area map

The start line will have the following amenities:

  • Pre-event warm-ups by Kaiser Permanente
  • Water
  • Gear check – Closes at 7:50 a.m.
  • Port-a-johns
  • Solutions

A note about gear check:
The race will provide a clear bag so you can check your belongings at the start (no valuables, please!). Race crew will transport gear to the finish line where you will pick it up. You must have your bib for pick-up.

FINISH

  • All in the southwest corner of Golden Gate Park.
  • 5K Finish: On Martin Luther King Drive, a block away from the Half Marathon finish.
  • 10K and Half Marathon: On Bernice Rodgers Way, near Martin Luther King Drive.

Post-race events and amenities include:

    • Awards ceremony and age division medals
    • Finisher medals
    • Long sleeve finisher race T-shirt pick-up
    • Merchandise sales
    • Sponsor product sampling
    • Gear pick-up

POST-RACE FESTIVAL

After the race, stick around for our post-race festival featuring vendor and sponsor activations. Once you cross the finish line, pick up your medal, water, and snacks. You’ll also pick up your finisher shirt (and gear bag if you checked one!) in the post-race festival area.

COURSE INFORMATION

View the course map

The 5K, 10K & San Francisco Half Marathon® are point to point with a net loss in altitude from the east end of Golden Gate Park to the far west end.

The 5K is a fast, net downhill 3.1 mile course certified by USA Track & Field (certification number CA15002TK). View 5K course map.

The 10K is also a fast, net downhill course, 6.2 miles and USA Track & Field certified (certification number CA18029DT). View 10K course map

The Half Marathon course will take runners out around the Panhandle, back through Golden Gate Park, and out and back on the Great Highway and finishes at the entrance to the Kaiser Permanente Post-Race Festival. The half marathon course is also USA Track & Field certified (certification number: CA11006TK). View half marathon course map.

All 10K and Half Marathon participants must reach the Stow Lake Drive Water Station (HM mile 5.5) by 9:35 a.m. (16:22 pace). After 11 a.m., Half Marathon participants still on the course will be moved to the pedestrian pathway to finish the course (the finish line is open until noon).

COURSE SUPPORT

All stops will now have water and Nuun.

Half Marathon: Water and Nuun will be served at the start, at miles 1.8, 3.4, 5.6, 7, 8.6, 10.3, and 12.0.

10K: Water and Nuun will be served at miles 2.6, 4.1, and 5.5.

5K: Water and Nuun will be served at mile 1.4.

Course monitors will be located on the routes.

Pacers will be also be available on course during the race, courtesy of Run Club SF, for the following time goals:

1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Medical support will be overseen by the Kaiser Permanente medical team.
There will be a medical tent staffed with trained emergency personnel at the start line, at the finish line and in the expo area of the event. There will also be medical staffing at various course aid stations.
Ambulances will be located at the start line, on the course, at the finish line and in the expo area.

There will be mobile medics roaming the course throughout the race. Medical personnel will be clearly visible, wearing a medical response uniform. If there is a medical need on the course, please let one of the course monitors or a volunteer at one of the aid stations know as soon as possible and they will call for medical assistance. Each participant is responsible for his or her own health insurance.

COURSE SAFETY RULES

  • If you wear earphones, wear ones that allow you to hear your surroundings.
  • No dogs, skates, bikes, scooters, etc. on the courses.
  • Runners line up according to your minute-per-mile pace.
  • Baby joggers and walkers, please line up at the back of the start corrals.

TRAINING

During registration for your event you will have the opportunity to include an adaptive training program based on your fitness and the time you have to prepare for the distance you’ve chosen. Both complimentary and premium (your cost) coaching options will be available to you through our partners at Runcoach. Our goal is to provide you with a host of training options to meet you where you are in your running journey.

Race Information - San Francisco Half Marathon (2024)

FAQs

Why was the San Francisco Half Marathon Cancelled? ›

Runners frustrated after SF Half Marathon canceled last minute. The San Francisco Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday morning, was canceled due to the harsh weather conditions, but people prepared to run the race said they didn't get notified of the cancelation until half an hour before it was supposed to begin.

Where does San Francisco Half Marathon end? ›

Prepare for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay as you make your way across one of the most recognizable icons in the world. The City's stunning natural beauty is on full display as you pass through the Marina, the Presidio, and Crissy Fields on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!

What do you say to a half-marathon runner? ›

5. Show Solidarity
  1. “You have toiled, sweat, and prepared for this day. ...
  2. “Every step you take, remember, you're not alone. ...
  3. “Crossing the finish line will be an incredible victory. ...
  4. “Marathons are won not just by legs, but by hearts. ...
  5. “I'm in awe of your determination and spirit.
Oct 30, 2023

How do you succeed in a half-marathon? ›

13.1 Tips for Your First Half Marathon
  1. 1 - Find a Good Training Plan, and Stick to It! ...
  2. 2 - Do Your Research. ...
  3. 3 - Don't Try Anything New on Race Day. ...
  4. 4 - Wear the Right Shoes. ...
  5. 5 - Use the Right Gear. ...
  6. 6 - Lay Everything Out the Night Before. ...
  7. 7 - Go to the Bathroom Before Your Race. ...
  8. 8 - Pace Yourself.
Dec 13, 2023

Why did the marathon runner collapse? ›

Postural hypotension (low blood pressure while standing) has been referred to as heat exhaustion or heat syncope and is one of the most common causes of collapse. The collapse typically occurs after the finish line and is rarely serious enough to warrant hospital admission.

How many Americans have finished a half marathon? ›

Highlights: Half Marathon Statistics

Approximately 2 million people finish a half marathon in the United States annually. The average time for a male half marathon finisher in 2021 was 2:06:37. The average time for a female half marathon finisher in 2021 was 2:16:02.

How many people run the San Francisco Marathon? ›

By Sam Whiting, Zara IrshadUpdated July 23, 2023 10:49 p.m. Runner approach the Golden Gate Bridge during the San Francisco Marathon, which attracted more than 29,000 runners Sunday — an increase of 5,000 over last year.

How much training do you need for a half marathon? ›

If you've been running or run/walking for a few months and you've already tried a shorter race distance, such as a 5K, you're probably ready to start training for a half-marathon. Expect to spend 12 to 14 weeks training if you've never run a half-marathon and you're currently running under 10 miles each week.

How many miles is 5K? ›

A 5K run is 3.1 miles. Don't be afraid of the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a new runner.

How fast should a beginner run a half marathon? ›

On average we estimate, beginner males, finish half marathons between 2:05 to 2:15. On the other hand on average, beginner females clock in between 2:20 and 2:30. These times are based on a relatively flat and easy course, as you add elevation and difficulty to the course the average times will increase.

How do you say good luck before a marathon? ›

You're not alone, and we're rooting for you all the way!” “You have demonstrated immense courage by signing up for this marathon. Keep that spirit alive with every step you take. Good luck, and remember, we are with you every step of the way!”

How do you compliment a marathon runner? ›

You have great form!

Proper running form means you're running smoothly and efficiently, and who doesn't want to hear that?

How many miles should I run a week for a half-marathon? ›

Newer runners may start with logging 10 to 15 miles per week total and gradually building to a peak week of 25 to 30 miles. More experienced runners may start at 25 or more miles per week and peak at 40 or more miles. Plan your race at least two months from now.

When should I take gels for a half-marathon? ›

Take one Energy Gel Caffeine or Energy Gel Aqua Caffeine sachet around the 45-minute mark and another at 75 minutes. 2 hour plus runners: After 40 minutes, start taking Energy Gel Caffeine or Energy Gel Aqua Caffeine sachet and then take another sachet every 30 minutes throughout.

What should you do day before half-marathon? ›

8 Things to Do the Day Before a Half Marathon
  1. 1 - Plan Your Travel. ...
  2. 2 - Lay Out Your Gear. ...
  3. 3 - Study the Course. ...
  4. 4 - Be Mindful of What You Eat. ...
  5. 5 - Be Mindful of What You Drink. ...
  6. 6 - Prepare Your Body. ...
  7. 7 - Prepare Your Mind. ...
  8. 8 - Go Run Your Race.
Dec 13, 2023

What happened to marathon Boy? ›

After running a record breaking marathon, Budhia was admitted to the SAI sports hostel in Bhubaneswar. However, he "felt like he was lodged in a jail." After staying in the hostel for almost nine years, Budhia is now at home, living with his mother, Sukanti Singh, and his sisters.

Why did the LA marathon stop going to Santa Monica? ›

The iconic "Stadium to Sea" route started at Dodger Stadium and ended in Santa Monica. The course was changed in the middle of 2020 to end at Avenue of the Stars in Century City due to "dramatically increased costs quoted by the city of Santa Monica" to continue hosting the finish there.

Why doesn't the LA marathon end at Santa Monica? ›

But that changed in 2021 with the switch to the “Stadium to Stars” route; marathon organizers cited “dramatically increased costs quoted by the City of Santa Monica,” hence why the route now just makes a U-turn when it approaches the wealthy coastal city.

When was the Chicago Marathon Cancelled due to heat? ›

The Chicago Marathon in 2007 showed how dangerous running in extreme heat can be. That year, marathon organizers shut down the course midrace with temperatures reaching 87 degrees Fahrenheit with 65% humidity. Dozens of runners were admitted to the hospital for heat-related conditions and one runner died.

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