Bay Bridge Half Marathon & 5K
Oakland, CA
- Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Save 15% with code RACERAVES15*** The Bay Bridge Half is the only running event across the iconic Bay Bridge, offering runners a truly unforgettable experience. The Bay Bridge Half has become a Bay Area tradition for thousands of runners. The 5K distance gives runners the chance to experience a smaller … MORE
Local Historical Weather (May 03):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 63 | 63 | 68 | 59 | 72 |
| L (°F) | 55 | 52 | 53 | 50 | 46 |
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Fun run with a view
The flat part was nice at the beginning, pathways were all paved, and the run up the bridge was gradual and doable. Running down the bridge felt amazing, and then … MORE
The flat part was nice at the beginning, pathways were all paved, and the run up the bridge was gradual and doable. Running down the bridge felt amazing, and then the flat lands made my legs feel heavy.
Wasn’t quite a half marathon, only 13.02 miles
Awesome race!
This year was my 4th time running this event. I have already signed up for 2026 (to be my 5th). Running on the bridge is EPIC. Of course, first you … MORE
This year was my 4th time running this event. I have already signed up for 2026 (to be my 5th).
Running on the bridge is EPIC. Of course, first you have to get to it. So the first 2-3 miles are kinda boring, in an industrial area of the city. The roads are a bit potholed but with some care you can navigate them. The on-course support in those areas is actually really good, it’s like the public comes out to help with the boring bits by cheering people on.
Running on the bridge is awesome. You get to the trail around Mile 3 and you’re on the bridge at Mile 4. From there, you run to the halfway point, turn around, and run back EXACTLY as you came in. It’s 100% out and back. When you turn around, Miles 6.55 to 9 are pretty much all a gradual descent down – time to kick up the gas!
The medal is beautiful and seems to get better each year. The shirt is pretty nice as well.
Post race festivities are OK. In previous years there were tacos but it looks like the taco place went out of business and there was no replacement vendor this year. But there were some OK snacks and such.
My only real complaint is… this is the race’s 5th year. Can we please make this course 13.1? Move up the start/finish chute by 0.10? This course is ALWAYS 13.0 on the nose. Hasn’t this race organization had enough time to measure the course accurately? 0.10 may not seem like much, but c’mon now… for the price, let’s get this right!
I’m still signed up for next year. 🙂
Not worth the money
This was my first time running the Bay Bridge Half. I've run several other half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks and a couple full marathons before this. The good: - Short lines … MORE
This was my first time running the Bay Bridge Half. I’ve run several other half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks and a couple full marathons before this.
The good:
– Short lines for porta-potties and gear check.
– Race bib pickup was quick.
The bad:
– Was disappointed in the race bib pickup venue. Usually there are vendors selling discounted running gear, sports nutrition products (with free samples), etc. This one had nothing. Also, the music was so loud that I could barely hear when I was trying to ask questions to the volunteers.
– Course signage. Mile markers on the course were very sporadic. I saw markers for 2, 3, 10 and 11 miles; the rest were absent. Makes it mentally more difficult to keep track of where you are on the course because watch GPS is not always accurate.
– Water stations. The first water station I ran by had ONE person handing out water. I was not able to get any. The other stations had more people, and I was at least able to get a cup, but it was not at all clear whether I was getting water, or Gatorade.
– The actual course was short. According to my watch, it was at least 200 m short, possibly more. I probably would have run a PR if I’d continued running for the correct distance, but now it doesn’t count. Is the course not certified by USATF?
The part of the course on the Bay Bridge itself was nice and scenic, however the rest of the route is through a more industrial, not-so-nice part of Oakland. Perhaps it would be worth looking into moving the route to a more vibrant part of town.
Good course, tough last few miles
Great course, but tough last few miles. Nothing but construction for last 4 miles and the stretch got very lonely. Race production was overall good. Packet pickup party could be … MORE
Great course, but tough last few miles. Nothing but construction for last 4 miles and the stretch got very lonely.
Race production was overall good. Packet pickup party could be better developed. After race party was great!
Loved the views, great course. Amazing crowd and good communication with race team.
Beautiful first half marathon!
As a first half marathon, I think this race is a great option! Packet pickup was a little bit diffcult due to the location being in a downtown area. During … MORE
As a first half marathon, I think this race is a great option! Packet pickup was a little bit diffcult due to the location being in a downtown area.
During the race, I felt everything from the pacers, to the directions, to the water stations, and all the way to the finish ran very smoothly.
The mini finishing event at the end for the runners was a great ending and I think that was the cherry on top!
Beautiful run across the Bay Bridge
Loved running this stunning course! Mostly flat for 4 miles, then mostly uphill for 2.5 miles up the bridge, then turn around and come back down the bridge and mostly … MORE
Loved running this stunning course! Mostly flat for 4 miles, then mostly uphill for 2.5 miles up the bridge, then turn around and come back down the bridge and mostly flat to the finish. Spectacular views and beautiful free race photos taken on the bridge! There were no age group awards but participants got a nice medal and a beer glass. Would love to run this one again!
Thought it would be hard but it turned
Race week Friday, I picked up the package visiting Moxy hotel in Oakland downtown. Friendly staff ,good music and a good vibe in the lobby. From that point, I was … MORE
Race week Friday, I picked up the package visiting Moxy hotel in Oakland downtown. Friendly staff ,good music and a good vibe in the lobby. From that point, I was already feeling like the good race weekend was coming.
Race day, under a very good sun rise, I drove to the start line. Full of street park, enough toilet boxes and good music already. Coaches gave the good instruction for pre-marathon stretch. Perfect preparation. With the countdown, moving forwards to the bridge, fresh air from the sea, perfect gentle morning sun light. After 3miles, the climbing on the bridge, I thought it would be tough but it was simply go strait until the turn around. After the turn around, that gave me the moment to feel the happiness on the peak of the bridge and the beautiful bay itself. As I saw only downhill for that point, felt so achieved already, the legs were rolling so good.
Goal~~!! DJ called my name !! Amazing moment with cheerful galleries and staffs. Water, fruits, snacks and various beer. You know what I mean. : )
Gorgeous day, incredible scenic course
Initial/final surface of road on this out-and-back course has lots of big pot holes, so be careful. But the remainder of course is awesome. There is a lot of road … MORE
Initial/final surface of road on this out-and-back course has lots of big pot holes, so be careful. But the remainder of course is awesome. There is a lot of road noise from cars and trucks while on Bay Bridge; of course, this is unavoidable but suggest wearing in-ear earphones.
Overpriced race
Upset because i paid 180$ and was told multiple times there would be free tacos and beer and nothing. I paid 180$ for a free shirt and medal. Won’t do … MORE
Upset because i paid 180$ and was told multiple times there would be free tacos and beer and nothing. I paid 180$ for a free shirt and medal. Won’t do again for that price. Loved the experience overall and had a great time but not throwing away 180$ again.
experience
this race was fantastic. very well organized. the course is flat with a little bit of a incline. but very well organized. race swag was fantastic. and the events after … MORE
this race was fantastic. very well organized. the course is flat with a little bit of a incline. but very well organized. race swag was fantastic. and the events after the race are fun to experience. looking forward to next year.
PR-able course with -ve splits
I ran as a 2 hour pacer and have to say that this is a great course for someone trying to set a PR. In fact, several folks who were … MORE
I ran as a 2 hour pacer and have to say that this is a great course for someone trying to set a PR. In fact, several folks who were running with me to try to break 2 hours succeeded. The picture of the chart of elevation first scared me but the total elevation was only about 250ft and it was a smooth gradual climb. The great thing is that the way back down was downhill and can help with the negative split and help you achieve a PR.
Overpriced
Beautiful day for a race. Course & volunteers were fantastic! Water stations were setup in good locations. Unfortunately, it most definitely is overpriced & over promised. There were no free … MORE
Beautiful day for a race. Course & volunteers were fantastic! Water stations were setup in good locations. Unfortunately, it most definitely is overpriced & over promised. There were no free tacos or beer. What we did get was two new seltzers. I didn’t think the shirt was great.
Great Race!
The race route was great. I really enjoyed running on the bay bridge. Volunteers were great. Swag was awesome. Only con is they ran out of beer and had some … MORE
The race route was great. I really enjoyed running on the bay bridge. Volunteers were great. Swag was awesome.
Only con is they ran out of beer and had some sort of seltzer/tonic that wasn’t very good. The taco line was insane so we didn’t even bother getting in line.
Bridge view 😍
The bridge view is amazing! You won’t want to miss this…getting there meh, but worth the wait! Everyone of the race volunteers was awesome and super helpful. Struggled through an … MORE
The bridge view is amazing! You won’t want to miss this…getting there meh, but worth the wait! Everyone of the race volunteers was awesome and super helpful. Struggled through an injury and wasn’t my best time but would definitely recommend. If you are coming from out of town definitely check out the Moxy Hotel!
Perfect for a first-timer!
This race was so much fun. It's relatively flat, a very slight grade on the bridge but who could be mad when you have those views to look at? The … MORE
This race was so much fun. It’s relatively flat, a very slight grade on the bridge but who could be mad when you have those views to look at? The production quality was great, there were lots of events leading up to the race, and the race day events and energy were really top-notch. I will definitely run this one again next year.
Great race but need some improvements
Pros: pick up party with dj, beer, a lot of classes (boxing, yoga, etc), nice t-shirt a lot of pacers finish party with free beer, free pint glass, live music, … MORE
Pros: pick up party with dj, beer, a lot of classes (boxing, yoga, etc), nice t-shirt
a lot of pacers
finish party with free beer, free pint glass, live music, nice medal
race course provides a great view of San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate bridge and the Bay bridge itself (despite the part near docks and parking lots)
Cons: many potholes in the beggining of the course
initial race course inside an industrial/port area with a lot of containers and parking lots is not that scenic view
the course lenght is shorter than 13.1 miles
Recommend, specially if you’re not a serious runner
Beautiful scenery and amazing community
I’ve been doing this run since the first Bay Bridge Half race in 2019, and I do it every year now! This year was a tough year for me since … MORE
I’ve been doing this run since the first Bay Bridge Half race in 2019, and I do it every year now! This year was a tough year for me since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My last chemo was the day before the race and I refused to let me cancer define me, so I ran! Not only is this race have gorgeous scenery, but has such a supportive community that roots you on!
One of my favorites.
The course is over the industrial part of Oakland. So there are many potholes and not a lot of shade. Sun screen is a must. The post race party is … MORE
The course is over the industrial part of Oakland. So there are many potholes and not a lot of shade. Sun screen is a must.
The post race party is top notch. Lots of good food!
The pre race attractions are really great. Free Yoga, Cardio Boxing, etc.
The medal & shirt looked cool, the pint glass is very cool.
Needs Improvement
There are a lot of pot holes as you start the race and the sidewalks with lots of trash that City of Oakland need to fix and cleanup before the … MORE
There are a lot of pot holes as you start the race and the sidewalks with lots of trash that City of Oakland need to fix and cleanup before the race.
They ran out of Electrolytes on the course, and at the festival there were no beer and tacos as advertised.
Great Race
The Bay Bridge Half Marathon was an incredibly well-organized event that provided a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. From the seamless registration process to the breathtaking course that took us … MORE
The Bay Bridge Half Marathon was an incredibly well-organized event that provided a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. From the seamless registration process to the breathtaking course that took us across the iconic Bay Bridge, every aspect of the race was meticulously planned. The enthusiastic and supportive volunteers, along with the scenic views and well-stocked aid stations, made the run even more enjoyable. The post-race festivities were lively and engaging, with live music and delicious food options. Overall, I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend the Bay Bridge Half Marathon to anyone seeking a well-organized and fun-filled race experience.