This was my first time running this race although I am local. It's rare I'm available for a half this time of year. The weather was absolutely spectacular--dead calm over … MORE
This was my first time running this race although I am local. It’s rare I’m available for a half this time of year. The weather was absolutely spectacular–dead calm over the bridge, sunny and cool. This is not normal so I really savored it.
If you are not from the area it’s a beautiful run along the northern edge of SF with an out and back over the bridge. I got dropped off 15 minutes before the stop without issue and made my way into my preferred time corral (which is not controlled). It felt like most people were in the correct corrals. Also I like that they broke up the start in smaller groups (to avoid congestion on the bridge). I did not use the bathroom so can’t comment on the situation.
Water stations were spaced well and staffed appropriately. The finish area was really cool and it brought me into Ghirardelli for the free beer which I hadn’t visited in many years.
This race does not give you much access to space you cannot just run on a normal long run. They close just a little bit of Bay St for the race. You will then run on the divided running/biking paths on each side of the bridge. It was cool running on the bike path on the Southbound side of the bridge. The northbound side of the bridge had a lot of traffic. It was looser Southbound for me. I’m a 4:00 marathoner and normally a 1:50 half guy so I’m usually in the middle of a ton of people.
My biggest complaint was the dirt path on the Marin side. I did not expect to be running on a rutted out unmaintained trail that steep. I saw someone fall as well as some close calls. It’s legitimately steep and almost single track in a few areas. If it had rained recently that trail would have been dangerous. I also got rocks in both shoes which I had to stop to remove which sucked. I know, cry me a river–I just wasn’t expecting this.
My other complaint was common to other races the last few years: STOP USING SPORTS BASEMENT PRESIDIO for the expo. I LOVE Sports Basement. But the parking/public transportation situation is a nightmare with the parking lots torn up and tunnel top park in full swing. I knew this was going to be a problem so I got there as they opened and it still was a hassle as everyone had to talk to an attendant guarding the parking lot. I can’t image the mess it was in the afternoon. Use Sonestown which has TONS of parking.
My final distance was 13.17 which was great. A lot of people were cutting corners and cones. I did not and this was very efficient for me. Timing was spot on. The yellow shirt was hideous and ran huge but I’ll use it as a warm up for another race.
I’ll probably run this one again next year if I don’t get into a fall marathon.
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Very Scenic Out & Back. Hilly.
This was my first time running this race although I am local. It's rare I'm available for a half this time of year. The weather was absolutely spectacular--dead calm over … MORE
This was my first time running this race although I am local. It’s rare I’m available for a half this time of year. The weather was absolutely spectacular–dead calm over the bridge, sunny and cool. This is not normal so I really savored it.
If you are not from the area it’s a beautiful run along the northern edge of SF with an out and back over the bridge. I got dropped off 15 minutes before the stop without issue and made my way into my preferred time corral (which is not controlled). It felt like most people were in the correct corrals. Also I like that they broke up the start in smaller groups (to avoid congestion on the bridge). I did not use the bathroom so can’t comment on the situation.
Water stations were spaced well and staffed appropriately. The finish area was really cool and it brought me into Ghirardelli for the free beer which I hadn’t visited in many years.
This race does not give you much access to space you cannot just run on a normal long run. They close just a little bit of Bay St for the race. You will then run on the divided running/biking paths on each side of the bridge. It was cool running on the bike path on the Southbound side of the bridge. The northbound side of the bridge had a lot of traffic. It was looser Southbound for me. I’m a 4:00 marathoner and normally a 1:50 half guy so I’m usually in the middle of a ton of people.
My biggest complaint was the dirt path on the Marin side. I did not expect to be running on a rutted out unmaintained trail that steep. I saw someone fall as well as some close calls. It’s legitimately steep and almost single track in a few areas. If it had rained recently that trail would have been dangerous. I also got rocks in both shoes which I had to stop to remove which sucked. I know, cry me a river–I just wasn’t expecting this.
My other complaint was common to other races the last few years: STOP USING SPORTS BASEMENT PRESIDIO for the expo. I LOVE Sports Basement. But the parking/public transportation situation is a nightmare with the parking lots torn up and tunnel top park in full swing. I knew this was going to be a problem so I got there as they opened and it still was a hassle as everyone had to talk to an attendant guarding the parking lot. I can’t image the mess it was in the afternoon. Use Sonestown which has TONS of parking.
My final distance was 13.17 which was great. A lot of people were cutting corners and cones. I did not and this was very efficient for me. Timing was spot on. The yellow shirt was hideous and ran huge but I’ll use it as a warm up for another race.
I’ll probably run this one again next year if I don’t get into a fall marathon.
My Annual Race
I have run the Golden Gate Half every year (except 2020 of course) since 2014, and prior to that 2010-2013 when it was called the US Half. It is my … MORE
I have run the Golden Gate Half every year (except 2020 of course) since 2014, and prior to that 2010-2013 when it was called the US Half. It is my hometown race, falls on my birthday weekend (sometimes ON my birthday) and is hands down my favorite half marathon of the 300+ I have done. You can’t go wrong with the gorgeous course scenery (views of the Golden Gate Bridge), the chance to run across the Golden Gate Bridge, the views from the other side of the Bridge (city skyline), the challenging course (lots of hills to climb and descend), and always-awesome medals and shirts, and the on-course and post-race fan support and excitement. And (so far anyway) the starting price for this race remains reasonable (considering the logistics and street closures required to put it on).
There are many great races that occur the first weekend of November that I wish I could do, but the Golden Gate Half will always be the one I will return to year after year. HIGHLY recommend as THE race to do if you want to run across the Golden Gate Bridge!
A favorite
This is a race I had to come back for, I loved it so much. Running over the Golden Gate Bridge is such a cool experience that it keeps me … MORE
This is a race I had to come back for, I loved it so much. Running over the Golden Gate Bridge is such a cool experience that it keeps me coming back.
Bucket List Marathon
This is an amazingly beautiful course, The Start was a bit later than planned. Overall, it was an excellent marathon, a Great View of SF from the Golden Gate Bridge, … MORE
This is an amazingly beautiful course, The Start was a bit later than planned. Overall, it was an excellent marathon, a Great View of SF from the Golden Gate Bridge, and it was very well managed, Water and supplements were provided every few miles. Give this marathon a try, you won’t regret it!
Great view
The Golden Gate Half Marathon always shows me a scenic and exhilarating race experience. The iconic route showcases breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Well-organized … MORE
The Golden Gate Half Marathon always shows me a scenic and exhilarating race experience. The iconic route showcases breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Well-organized with ample aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers, the event caters to both seasoned runners. The challenging course adds an extra layer of accomplishment, making it a memorable race for participants. The hilly terrain might pose a challenge for some, but can overcome. Overall, a must-try for those seeking a rewarding and picturesque race.
hills for breakfast
Obviously with the location in SF - there’s hills! So plan and train for hills. The race was well organized, and the merch was great ! Post run events were … MORE
Obviously with the location in SF – there’s hills! So plan and train for hills. The race was well organized, and the merch was great !
Post run events were good too, and lots of hydration on the course and post race!
Loved every second of it
Totally worth the trip! Was a bucket list half marathon for years and finally made it happen. I was too busy checking out the sites to remember I was running! … MORE
Totally worth the trip! Was a bucket list half marathon for years and finally made it happen. I was too busy checking out the sites to remember I was running! Loved it all!
Fun run!
Very organized running race in San Francisco, CA! Friendly volunteers, almost no lines. A lot of toilets! it’s important. I enjoyed the view and weather. P.S. Use public transportation or … MORE
Very organized running race in San Francisco, CA! Friendly volunteers, almost no lines. A lot of toilets! it’s important. I enjoyed the view and weather.
P.S. Use public transportation or be prepared to pay up to $35 for parking
Epic scenery
The Golden Gate Half Marathon offers some of the best scenery of any race out there, in my opinion. It's hard to top a race that starts you along the … MORE
The Golden Gate Half Marathon offers some of the best scenery of any race out there, in my opinion. It’s hard to top a race that starts you along the shores of the San Francisco Bay and then takes you back and forth across the iconic bridge. The best part of the race for me was after crossing the bridge on the first pass you get to book it down a trail and come up under the bridge to cross over on the other other side. The view from this part of the course is incredible!
Yes, there are hills. Three, as best as I can recall. It is San Francisco, after all.
Scenery aside, I thought the race was well organized. The only area for improvement I’d offer is that they have pace groups set up at the start line, but once the rolling start gets going there were no pacers to be found. I found this to be a bit confusing.
I’ve done this race 2 years in a row now and hope to keep it an annual tradition!
Don't Hate on the Golden Gate
Easy packet pickup. Nice weather. Easy to get to start. Not for the faint of heart if you are trying to race, there be hills a plenty! A great course … MORE
Easy packet pickup. Nice weather. Easy to get to start.
Not for the faint of heart if you are trying to race, there be hills a plenty!
A great course if you are learning on how to conserve your energy for the first half of a marathon. This course starts you going up hill, then packed in like a sardine until after mile 2. The road finally opens up right before you start the incline going up to the bridge. Once on the bridge, not much room so have to pick your points when trying to move past runners. Slight downhill on a narrow dirt path under the bridge after mile 6. Then back uphill on the other side to run back across the bridge. Downhill at mile 9 before going flat until you reach mile 12. Uphill until the last 40m, which is a quick downhill and turn to the right for the Finish line.
Great Views and Some Hills
In a nutshell you run across the Golden Gate and back. Oh, and there are some hills you run up and down on either side. It can be a bit … MORE
In a nutshell you run across the Golden Gate and back. Oh, and there are some hills you run up and down on either side. It can be a bit intimidating seeing where you are at sea level vs. Where the bridge is on the approach. You run up a hill through the Presidio and across. On the other side you go down hill and then quickly back up. After getting across the bridge’s arc the last 4 miles or so are largely downhill or flat, which is nice.
There is a fairly steep hill at the end for all you full send into the finish line types. It probably goes without saying but the scenery is quite good
Race logistics/swag were pretty good. The half has 4 waves. It would have been better if they had signage with expected paces. People kind of self organized and things were a bit tangled at the beginning. If you want the included post-race beer you need to have a photo ID on you, no matter how old you look. Cool medal with spinning bridge pillar this year.
Spectacular view!
The race was very organized. Mile markers are visible. Route is not confusing. They have water stations. Photographers also have capture good pictures. There is also drinks and snacks after … MORE
The race was very organized. Mile markers are visible. Route is not confusing. They have water stations. Photographers also have capture good pictures. There is also drinks and snacks after the finish line. The best of all, the VIEWS! WOWWWW! It’s so beautiful wherever mile I was.
was a great experience in my first race
My first experience I liked everything as there is a lot of support from the event and the people, I have hydration stations but the best of all is the … MORE
My first experience I liked everything as there is a lot of support from the event and the people, I have hydration stations but the best of all is the view of the bridge it is wonderful to run on it and see how wonderful the sea is, the landscape and see many people participating encourages you to keep running
Bucket list run over the Golden Gate!
I always like to run over bridges and if you can't be in New York, the Golden Gate Half is the great bucket list race to run across this iconic … MORE
I always like to run over bridges and if you can’t be in New York, the Golden Gate Half is the great bucket list race to run across this iconic bridge. My expectations were met at this race from the hilly start around Ghirardelli Square to viewing the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning sun before reaching it and running across while viewing the city, hills and Alcatraz Island. After reaching the end of the bridge, you run down a trail and go under the bridge to the other side to make the return trip across. There are definitely a few hills on this run (we are in San Francisco) but nothing that bad. After making your way back, you run on some wide trails at Crissy Field before heading back to the finish at Ghirardelli Square. It was nice that the beer garden was at the San Francisco Brewing Co at Ghirardelli Square albeit rather crowded. I was able to get some souvenirs at Ghirardelli Chocolate to bring home too. All in all, a really great experience that I would definitely do again as there are so many thing to do and see while in San Francisco.
my first and best.....more to come!
It was a great experience for a first time half marathon runner. Exciting and lovely view. Very organized race as everything went smoothly from start to finish and it was … MORE
It was a great experience for a first time half marathon runner. Exciting and lovely view. Very organized race as everything went smoothly from start to finish and it was an experience that I would want to do more….
Bucket List Race!
This race was hands down my favorite race of all time! From the fun and organized Expo with such cool race gear/swag to the STUNNING views to the timeliness (they … MORE
This race was hands down my favorite race of all time! From the fun and organized Expo with such cool race gear/swag to the STUNNING views to the timeliness (they ACTUALLY started right at 6:50am on the dot!), everything was perfect (even the weather). I wound up setting a new half marathon PR. I can’t wait to return next year.
Energetic crowd and lovely atmosphere!
This is a must do marathon if you're in the Bay! I loved the enthusiasm, energy, crowd and the way it was organized. Will do it again next year 100% MORE
This is a must do marathon if you’re in the Bay!
I loved the enthusiasm, energy, crowd and the way it was organized.
Will do it again next year 100%
Parking is a huge problem here
Make sure you arrive there very early, otherwise no way to park! It took me 35mins to find a parking far away, and I had to run 17mins to the … MORE
Make sure you arrive there very early, otherwise no way to park!
It took me 35mins to find a parking far away, and I had to run 17mins to the start line, the race was already started for 25mins…
Quite possibly my all time favorite race
All I can say is WOW. Miles 1-9 were phenomenal, with views of the bridge, the skyline, amazing support, and epic running across the bridge. The only concerns I had … MORE
All I can say is WOW. Miles 1-9 were phenomenal, with views of the bridge, the skyline, amazing support, and epic running across the bridge. The only concerns I had were NOT ENOUGH PORTAPOTTIES. I was five minutes late starting the race because I waited 20 minutes to go to the bathroom. I also wish the shirt were moisture wicking and not cotton but those are my only two critiques. This is THE RACE to run. I’ll definitely be back!!
Loved it! Will definitely run again!
You really can’t beat the view. It’s a dream to run over the bridge. A half is the perfect distance for this race. It’s a race I will definitely participate … MORE
You really can’t beat the view. It’s a dream to run over the bridge.
A half is the perfect distance for this race. It’s a race I will definitely participate in again.