Across the Bay 12K & 5K
San Francisco, CA
- 12K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Across the Bay is an ode to simpler times when people came out to run on a whim, give their best and high five the finisher next to them — dudes and gals that have been around running and racing Across the Bay since it started in the 80s. The … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 28):
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
| H (°F) | 73 | 82 | 61 | 68 | 67 |
| L (°F) | 60 | 62 | 53 | 59 | 57 |
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Golden Gate Bridge!!
First time running this race and first time running a 12k. I have an instant PR. Although this is my first time running this particular race, I have run many … MORE
First time running this race and first time running a 12k. I have an instant PR. Although this is my first time running this particular race, I have run many races by Represent Running and they always do a great job. This 12k is a point to point that starts in Sausalito and finishes near the Aquatic Park in San Francisco. All runs must be bussed to the start. Runners coming from SF are picked up at the finish area and transported to the start-line. The pick up was quite painless. The biggest issue is just getting into San Francisco so early.
The course is enjoyable. Anytime you get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge is a win. Mother Nature was not very friendly race day. It was extremely foggy and windy running across the bridge. The sun did peek out later in the morning. There were three aid stations that were stocked with water, sports drink, and gels. The volunteers were great.
At the finish, we received our medals and there were plenty of food samples. I had a nice time. i would do this race again.
this was a cool race to run
I was so exited to do this race. One of my goals was to run across the golden gate bridge. and not i can check that off my list. the … MORE
I was so exited to do this race. One of my goals was to run across the golden gate bridge. and not i can check that off my list. the production of the race was done very well. the medal was really cool. Represent running always has great medals for their races.
Worth a try
It was really really hard to park and I ended up needing to pay $16.00 for parking which was a big disappointment for me. I might have been able to … MORE
It was really really hard to park and I ended up needing to pay $16.00 for parking which was a big disappointment for me. I might have been able to score street parking if I had got there sooner, however. The scenery was really nice. There wasn’t very much sustenance after the race which was disappointing because I’m used to the big spreads Brazen presents. But the swag was really cool and everything else about it was fun! Plus the course wasn’t too hard. There was a big hill at the beginning and end, but other than that running through the Marina was very pretty.
Stunning Views!
This race was all about the views for me. Because I've never attempted a 12K before, I was just running to enjoy the views and see if I could manage … MORE
This race was all about the views for me. Because I’ve never attempted a 12K before, I was just running to enjoy the views and see if I could manage the distance. It turned out to be a really fun run. The views could not be beat. The weather was absolutely perfect. Represent Running always does a great job. The race was well organized with buses to take the 12K runners to Sausalito to start. The shirt was a cool design, and the medal was nice too. Because I had to stop to snap some pics along the way, my time was pretty slow but it was worth it to enjoy the scenery. The only challenging part was the uphill around mile 2 (I think) which was to get to the start across the bridge. There was another small uphill near the finish. Otherwise the course was pretty flat. I will definitely try to do this one again next year.
great race, well organized
Really loved this race, parking was right next to the buses, on time, great scenery, just a well done race with really nice people. Just remember because of the area … MORE
Really loved this race, parking was right next to the buses, on time, great scenery, just a well done race with really nice people. Just remember because of the area was a little cold
Beautifull course
This was my second year running the 12k and found it was a lot more organised than the previous year. The course for the 12k is beautiful as it goes … MORE
This was my second year running the 12k and found it was a lot more organised than the previous year. The course for the 12k is beautiful as it goes over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Aquatic Park, there is a 5k option also available but simply goes around the park.
+ Easy packet Pick up. Pick ups are in various locations around the bay in the 3 days prior or you can get it mailed to you for a $10 fee.
+ Nice tech shirts. These do however come up large and the smallest Women’s they have is a small so it actually more as a sleep shirt. lol
+ Nice medal
+ Beautiful course. On the day were ran the Whales were in the bay!
+ Post race snacks were all pre bagged this year (last year too many random walkers by were just helping themselves) and considered of a couple of Curate bars, Banana, Orange and Water
+ Volunteers fll of energy and encouragement.
+ Ability to earn an extra medal if you complete the 3 race series.
From my perspective this event ran hiccup free and is on I will likely do each year. A few tips if you’re planning to run:
1. Put your correct pace time in when you register. Please.. if you run a 12 minute mile don’t put 8 and then stick to the left hand side of the course holding people up. These waves are designed to help with the smooth flow of runners throughout the course.
2. Take the advise of the numerous emails Represent Running send in the week leading up to race day. In particular shuttles to the 12k start line, the numerous emails do state to get there early. Shuttles started at 6am.. I got there at 6:15am and was on the shuttle immediately and in Sausalito by 6:40am with minimal lines for the restroom I was ready for my wave 1 (7:30am) start by 6:50am.
3. Plan for parking. There is no event parking, this is San Francisco after all so if you are planning to drive try carpool with friends. Some street parking can be found but not if you get there too late.
Personal:
Being part of the Ambassador crew for the Run the Bay series I met up with some of the team for pictures beforehand where one of the Ladies then snuck off to sing the national anthem just before the start (how gutsy is that??). I almost missed my start time because I was also waiting for my running club as to take pictures with those too but as they were all starting in later waves it made it a little difficult.
As for the Run itself it went pretty well. After already Running an average of 15 miles a day for the 9 days previous my feet hated me (think huge quarter sized blister) and I wasn’t expecting to be finished in less than 1:15 yet once we started off my legs just went into autopilot. The first mile or so was a little congested where I was able to briefly chat with other runners until they dropped behind me at the hill leading up to Golden Gate bridge, running over the Bridge is an amazing feeling where I stopped a couple of times to take pictures for my I Run 4 buddy and thought I spotted Whales in the Bay (later confirmed by friends). Miles 3-5 seemed to go by in a happy blur where when I realized where I was I was very aware of how freaking hot I was and that maybe double layers was not such a good idea. The last few miles I paid a little more attention to my surroundings, being around Th City it’s kind of a must and had me notice how great the volunteers were all cheering as I ran past and I spotted the Roli Roti truck pulling into Fort Mason ready for the Farmers Market (darn that delicious Chicken!) The final downhill before the finish line was not fun on my knee’s but then coming across the finish line to cheers and announcement was pretty awesome. Both Hubby and a fellow member of my Running club immediately came to my side for a Finish Line picture while the course behind me was empty. Despite the crazy amount of miles covered in the week before I was amazed to see I finished 7th out 2,800 females!! (Plus an age group win but they don’t give prizes for those). 2 races of the series done. Happy days!!
Time: 55:47 / 7:26 min mile.
Beautiful 5k
The Good: The packet pickup in San Francisco was super easy Friday night. It was a beautiful course, though there is a nice sized hill at the beginning/end so if … MORE
The Good:
The packet pickup in San Francisco was super easy Friday night. It was a beautiful course, though there is a nice sized hill at the beginning/end so if you want a flat course this isn’t it. The course was well monitored and supported. The shirt and medal were nifty and the post race snacks were plentiful. Loved the DJ at the finish line. Good vendors in the finishers area with lots of yummy giveaways.
The Bad:
The race was slow to start because there were some issues with SFPD – I don’t really think this is a reflection on the race, more like an issue with many San Francisco races. The finish line was PACKED with non-runners, I get that they are trying to get pictures of their loved ones but some folks are actually trying to finish a race! And I didn’t like the fact that you had to keep walking and walking and walking to get the medal – medal first, then water and snacks please!
Overall a really well done race! I’ve done the 12k and loved it so I’m glad to see the the 5k is just as good!
Scenery, scenery, scenery!
The was my first time running this event and I had a blast. The production is simple, professional and effective. The best part of this race was the amazing scenery. … MORE
The was my first time running this event and I had a blast. The production is simple, professional and effective. The best part of this race was the amazing scenery. It was a perfect morning on the bay, no fog, clouds, or wind for the race. For the 12k you are bussed from the finish line in San Francisco to the start in Sausalito(Ft. Baker). The first mile of the course is flat with amassing views of the GG bridge, the next half mile is a steep incline up to the bridge and the you run across the bridge. On this day we were greeted by a pod of whales just west of the bridge! The waves are set up that, while there were 500 runners, you never felt crowded due to the 15 minute stagger between groups. So while many people stopped for photos along the way, they did not inhibit other runners. Once across the bridge, it is nice descent to Crissy Field and the a flat couple of miles to the cruel incline at Ft. Mason just before the final descent to the finish line. Be aware that on such a beautiful day, the sun takes its toll! Fortunately there were four water stations along the course. The finish line could use a bit of marshaling as spectators were able to congregate just past the line and this created a bit of a jam. It would have helped to keep the area clear and people moving through the well organized departure area. Plenty of nutritious snacks and water. I’m looking forward to participating again next year.
Beautiful course, one big and long hill
Transportation to the starting line in good order and awesome organization to get everyone moving. Wave running in good order. Excellent refill stations. The first refill at the top of … MORE
Transportation to the starting line in good order and awesome organization to get everyone moving. Wave running in good order.
Excellent refill stations. The first refill at the top of the steepest and longest hill on the course was a good idea and came in handy.
The remainder of the course was easy going and rolling towards the finish line. Some road surfaces were rough and uneven which were not to my liking, but no alternative was to be found.
A beautiful medal to show my children and a wonderful feat!
Great hills and beautiful views!
Picket pick up: A real pain in the a$$ actually. You could have your bib mailed to you for a fee of $10! For a stamp and an envelope.. no … MORE
Picket pick up:
A real pain in the a$$ actually. You could have your bib mailed to you for a fee of $10! For a stamp and an envelope.. no thanx!
The pick up location were in Campbell 4-8pm on the Friday before and Saturday afternoon in SF. Having it in Campbell worked best for me but the time was just silly – right during rush hour! Meaning that a journey that would normally be 70 minutes was over 2hrs. The 408k bib pick up was from 2pm so why couldn’t they do that again?
The pick up ran smoothly but no verification was made with checking emails. I gave them my bib number and they asked the name on iit but didn’t ask to see the email confirmation. Then I gave them my friends bib number who I was picking up for and didn’t even check the name. I could have reeled off a load of numbers and walked away with other peoples paid entry. They need more checks in future so that this doesn’t happen.
Day of:
My Girlfriend and I got to SF by 6:25am and shuttles started at 6:30 we were the first ones at the bus pick up (school buses) so we were at the start line in Sausalido by 7:05.
The driver was great and got us there safely but I would advise that the event organizers give the drivers maps or at least give them clear instructions as I don’t think that was the case and the driver had to ask a volunteer exactly where the start line was.
The starting area had a few restrooms and the Fed Ex trucks where you could check in your bag and they transport it to the finish line in San Francisco.
The starting line a little further down from the ”staging area” so keep this in mind. My Girlfriend and I were where we saw the ”wave 1” signs thinking that was the tail end of the start and everybody else there was just really laid back about the run ahead but turned out it was just check point. Cue us to hurry the 200+ meters further down to the actual line.
This event, unlike the 408k DID enforce the wave system and volunteers were checking as you went though.
The course:
My second time running the Golden Gate Bridge (first one in the SF Half as a Pacer) and I loved it! We were blessed with a clear day and had some beautiful views of the bay and plenty of options for pictures. There are some hills but (imo) nothing at all taxing, if you haven’t done any hill running then they can prove to be problematic.
Aid stations were plentiful with both Water and Sports drinks.
Post Run:
Every finisher get a medal that doubles up as a fridge magnet which is cool, it cannot be removed from the lanyard like the 408k badge though and everybody also gets a tech tee. Post runs snacks were available and simple – a Banana, Fig bar and some fruit snacks with bottles of Water.
If you’re thinking about doing this event I say go for it as the views are worth it!
Bring on the 510k and the extra medal!!!
One big hill, the rest is easy! Great vi
Great views, great medal, great race! I am glad they were able to keep this race alive. Walker friendly, plenty of picture moments. Great organization getting to the start line. … MORE
Great views, great medal, great race! I am glad they were able to keep this race alive. Walker friendly, plenty of picture moments. Great organization getting to the start line. I will to this race every year!
I recommend this 12k for your PR.
This race starts in very scenic and beautiful Sausalito going through the Marin Headlands and across the sidewalk of the G.G. Bridge. to finish in S.F.. This is the best … MORE
This race starts in very scenic and beautiful Sausalito going through the Marin Headlands and across the sidewalk of the G.G. Bridge. to finish in S.F.. This is the best race for your 12k PR with Bay to Breakers coming in a very close 2nd. Minimal race production and swag, cotton event tee with no finisher’s medal, as this is a charity-run race for a really good cause. Ample hills make this course challenging with plenty of scenery along the route, not too over-crowded either.