Every summer, something powerful takes over the streets of San Francisco. It’s the shared energy of thousands of runners, volunteers, and spectators coming together for one of the most beloved endurance events on the West Coast — the San Francisco Marathon Weekend.
Now heading into its 48th year, the 2025 edition promises everything from iconic views and tough hills to high-level organization and the unmistakable spirit of San Francisco. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.
Dates You Should Mark Right Now
The 2025 San Francisco Marathon Weekend takes place Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27. The main event — the full marathon — kicks off early Sunday morning at 5:15 a.m., with other races staggered throughout the weekend.
Before you toe the line, though, there’s one mandatory stop: the Health & Fitness Expo at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion (2 Marina Blvd.). That’s where you’ll pick up your bib, race shirt, timing chip, and gear drop bag.
Expo Hours:
- Friday, July 25 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, July 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring a valid photo ID. If you can’t make it, someone else can grab your packet — just make sure they have your bib number and a copy of your ID.
Race Options and Route Highlights
Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier or just out for a scenic jog by the bay, there’s a race for every pace.
Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
- Start: Embarcadero at Market Street
- Finish: Embarcadero at Howard Street
- Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge (you run across it and back)
- Golden Gate Park
- Crissy Field, Haight-Ashbury, and Embarcadero views
- USATF-certified & Boston qualifier
- Time Limit: 6 hours
First Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Covers the first part of the marathon
- Iconic spots: Ferry Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge
- Slightly hilly but worth every view
Second Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Starts in Golden Gate Park
- Routes through the Mission District, Dogpatch, and around Oracle Park
- Urban, lively, and full of cultural color
10K (6.2 miles)
- Starts near the Bay Bridge
- Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Aquatic Park
- Ideal for those seeking a scenic middle-distance race
5K (3.1 miles)
- Fast and flat
- Views of Treasure Island, Coit Tower, and the Bay
- Includes a stroller division, making it family-friendly
Ultra Marathon (~52.4 miles)
- Full marathon course in reverse, with extra mileage on the Great Highway
- For experienced runners chasing something truly hardcore
Registration and Race Fees
Ready to join? Registration is open online at San Francisco Marathon Registration.
- Full Marathon: $391.84
- Includes long-sleeved technical shirt + finisher medal
- Other distances vary in price — check the official site for updated fees
Bibs, Shirts, and Start Times
Once you’ve registered, keep an eye out for your bib number confirmation email in mid-July. That’s your golden ticket to packet pickup.
Staggered Start (Corral System – Full Marathon):
- Corral A: 5:15 a.m., 5:16, 5:18
- Corral B: 5:20, 5:22, 5:24
- Corral C: 5:26, 5:28, 5:30
Start and finish locations vary slightly by race. Confirm yours on the official site once course maps are updated.
Water, Fuel, and Aid Stations
The marathon course features 14 water stops, each stocked with:
- Water + Nuun Electrolytes
- Medical staff and toilets
- Chargel energy gel at miles 6 and 10
- Water Monster refill stations to cut down on plastic waste
Hydration matters in SF’s microclimates, so take advantage of every aid station, especially around the Golden Gate Bridge where fog and wind can throw off your usual rhythm.
Awards and Age Groups
Digital Awards
- Top 3 overall (Men, Women, NB+)
- Top 3 in each division
Divisions
- Open and Masters
- Age Groups:
- 19 and under
- 20–24, 25–29 … all the way up to 80+
Digital 3D awards are emailed 3–6 weeks after the race. They may be virtual, but they still look pretty slick in your social feed.
Running Virtually? You Can.
Can’t make it to San Francisco but still want to join? Register for the virtual option. Run your chosen distance anywhere, then submit your time and proof online.
Special Challenges for Repeat Runners
Looking to level up your marathon weekend? Several challenges offer extra medals and bragging rights.
- Double Up: 5K on Saturday + Full Marathon on Sunday
- 52 Club: Run the Full + both Half Marathons over 3 years
- Legacy Runner: Full + any two other SFM races in 3 years
- SF/Berkeley Challenge
- SF/LA Challenge
- SF/Oakland Challenge
- CA Time to Travel Challenge: SFM + OC Marathon
Stack up enough medals, and you’ll start to need your own display wall.
Shuttles and Logistics
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Second Half Marathon
- Shuttle from Embarcadero to Presidio Sports Basement (610 Old Mason St.)
First Half Marathon
- Shuttle from Golden Gate Park finish back to the Main Finish Festival
Timing is everything, so double-check the race guide and arrive early. No one wants to be sprinting to the start line.
Where to Stay
Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, and near Golden Gate Park offer the most convenience. With 20,000+ runners expected across all races, book your room early — ideally by May or June.
Some runner-friendly hotels offer race-day perks like:
- Early breakfast
- Late check-out
- Shuttle service to the start
For runners on a budget who are looking for a more permanent stay, check out the latest room listings in San Francisco, featuring over 700 rooms across the Bay Area.
Best Spots for Spectators
The course makes for a great viewing experience, even if you’re not racing. Top spots include:
- Golden Gate Bridge overlook
- Ferry Building at sunrise
- Haight-Ashbury (especially during the second half)
- Golden Gate Park entrance/exit
- Main Finish Line Festival at the Embarcadero
Get there early. Bring a cowbell. Wear a weird costume if you feel like it — the runners love it.
Weather and Gear Tips
July in San Francisco? It’s not what you’d expect from California. Morning temps can hover in the low 50s, and fog is a frequent guest. Plan your gear around layers:
- Light long-sleeve for the start
- Something wind-resistant if you’re going over the bridge
- Warm change of clothes in your gear check bag
Note: No heat sheets are provided at the finish. If conditions are chilly, the medical tent will have some — but it’s better to pack a layer yourself.
Training Prep
If you’re running the full or ultra, hill training is non-negotiable. San Francisco’s terrain demands it. A few weeks of treadmill runs won’t cut it.
Tips from seasoned locals:
- Repeat hill intervals in your long runs
- Train in fog or drizzle if possible
- Run the Golden Gate Bridge beforehand if you’re in town — it’s a different kind of incline
Tools like Runna or Strava Marathon Plans can help build a personalized schedule that actually respects the city’s terrain.
A Race That Gives Back
Beyond the medals and miles, the San Francisco Marathon also supports a number of local charities, including youth programs and environmental nonprofits. Signing up helps more than just your step count — it helps the community.
Final Words
The 2025 San Francisco Marathon Weekend is a celebration of everything the city has to offer. It’s early mornings, sweat, street music, local cheers, and the sight of fog lifting just as you round a corner and see the bridge.
It doesn’t matter if you’re there to set a record or just take it all in, there’s something unforgettable waiting on every mile marker.
Just don’t forget your bib confirmation email and a decent pair of socks.
