Heather Cliff's Staging Area

I have ran the Nike Women’s Half twice and these races don’t even compare to SFM.

The Expo was a little too far away from the host hotel for me, but we made do. It was at Fort Mason which is a 3 mile walk from They Hyatt Regency. It was super packed and didn’t flow very well.

I ran the first half in 2018. It was cool the whole run, a little too misty for my liking, but it was the best weather anyone could ask for. About mile be prepared for a huge incline! We weren’t very well prepared for this particular climb. The race said don’t expect a PR on the first half.. well, for all the runs in San Francisco, this was the best I have ever done and consider it a PR.

The aid stations were long and I was able to get enough water/electrolytes (electrolytes were watered way down) and gu’s if I wanted. About mile 8 they had shot blocks which somehow ended up all over the road. (watch your step!)

This race if for anyone wanting cool weather and great sites! The half medals were smaller than the full, and nothing to write home about. The race offers a lot of challenges, which we are completing the Half It All next year as we finish the second half.

I do recommend the Hyatt to stay. It is the closest hotel to the finish line and the post race party is right behind it on the embaracadero.

I have no idea where the cameras were but I found one as he was right in the middle of the street. I had to maneuver to get around him. The cameras on the finish line were blurry from the mist so I got not good photos of me crossing the finish line.

I also expected more swag than a T-shirt and a medal. Like something (a sweatshirt or a long sleeve t) that said First half finisher. The prices were steep enough to include something they could get in masses.