The Early Years
2011Established in 2011, the San Francisco Half Marathon is now 15 years old. From its first edition in San Francisco, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in United States.
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Course & Elevation
The San Francisco Half Marathon showcases iconic Bay Area scenery, starting near the Golden Gate Bridge and finishing at Fort Mason with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The course winds through the Marina District, along the Embarcadero, and includes moderate rolling hills typical of San Francisco's terrain with several challenging but manageable inclines through residential neighborhoods.
Surface: road Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 14°C
Humidity 68%
Rain Chance 15%
Cool spring weather with mild temperatures and clear skies typical of San Francisco's April climate. Occasional fog and wind from the Bay are possible; layers are recommended.
San Francisco
Race Lore
The Course Record
2018The fastest time ever recorded at the San Francisco Half Marathon is 01:04:32, set by Stephen Sambu in 2018. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of San Francisco.
Running Through a Postcard
The San Francisco Half Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through San Francisco and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.
Where It Begins
For thousands of runners each year, the San Francisco Half Marathon is their first half marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
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Course Record
01:04:32
Stephen Sambu (2018)
Registration
Registration Opens January
Registration Closes March
Entry Cost $125-$165
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The race starts with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
- ▸ Fort Mason, the finish line, is a historic former military installation turned cultural center with sweeping Bay views.
- ▸ The San Francisco Half Marathon attracts runners from around the world, with participants from over 40 countries annually.
- ▸ The course's rolling hills provide an excellent training opportunity for runners preparing for larger marathons while remaining accessible to half-marathon specialists.
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