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.
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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.
I love this race
My bucket list race ✔️. This race was great . I really enjoyed running golden gate Brige n the view was great . I hope I’ll run again n improve MORE
My bucket list race ✔️. This race was great . I really enjoyed running golden gate Brige n the view was great . I hope I’ll run again n improve my performance 😁
Are you ready to have fun?
This race was my intro back into racing after Covid, and I am glad it was. The scenery was beautiful (could see the Golden Gate the entire time), and the … MORE
This race was my intro back into racing after Covid, and I am glad it was. The scenery was beautiful (could see the Golden Gate the entire time), and the energy from the event was amazing. The course was straight forward and easy to navigate. There was one gel station, and I wish there was just one more.. I am a very slow runners, so I was most impressed by the fact that their were people still cheering and announcing at the end of the race (that not always a given for the slower people) and I really appreciated that at the end of 13.1 miles. The beer garden was also still open for the slower runners, which was great. Overall, I loved this race and I hope to run it again next year.
Incredible first race back in person!
After the past year of running on my own and racing virtually I was so ready for an in-person race and the Golden Gate Half Marathon did not disappoint! It … MORE
After the past year of running on my own and racing virtually I was so ready for an in-person race and the Golden Gate Half Marathon did not disappoint! It was a beautiful smooth course that had incredible views. The participants and the crowds were supportive and fun. Will definitely be running again!
Worth it
Timing and location well described and race started off pretty well. Great scenery, saw some friends and good motivation from other runners and friends MORE
Timing and location well described and race started off pretty well. Great scenery, saw some friends and good motivation from other runners and friends
I can’t wait to sign up for next year!
This race is so beautiful and is very well organized. I really enjoyed the Lemonade option. It was great to alternate between that and water. I just gotta train better … MORE
This race is so beautiful and is very well organized. I really enjoyed the Lemonade option. It was great to alternate between that and water. I just gotta train better on hills so I can have a better pace time!! Slowest race I have ever done but the MOST fun I have ever had!
You gotta train for those hills!
The hills are no joke, especially the one in the Marin headlands. I highly recommend you train for them, including the baby hill at the end. Beautiful course: a definite … MORE
The hills are no joke, especially the one in the Marin headlands. I highly recommend you train for them, including the baby hill at the end. Beautiful course: a definite bucket list race with the course working its way through some of the most iconic (and safe) parts of San Francisco. Folks are friendly, energy is great and the scenery is amazing. Good luck!
Beautiful Scenery, Tough Hills
This was a challenging course due to the hills. Scenery was great. If you are thinking of doing this race - be sure to incorporate hills into your training. This … MORE
This was a challenging course due to the hills. Scenery was great. If you are thinking of doing this race – be sure to incorporate hills into your training. This was my first post-pandemic half marathon, so I was happy to finish after a so-so training cycle and a few extra pandemic pounds ;-).
What an amazing location!
The race is mostly hills but never anything too steep. It's an amazing race for any skill level and the location has amazing views! There's also affordable hotels within walking … MORE
The race is mostly hills but never anything too steep. It’s an amazing race for any skill level and the location has amazing views! There’s also affordable hotels within walking distance of the start line making it easy to travel to and from!
Scenic and lovely
Uphill start can be challenging, and starting corrals seemed disorganized and crowded. Not sure if they planned on the level of participation. Race starts with the 5k, which then veers … MORE
Uphill start can be challenging, and starting corrals seemed disorganized and crowded. Not sure if they planned on the level of participation. Race starts with the 5k, which then veers off. Part of the race is dirt/gravel trail, and is a fairly steep downhill. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was an amazing experience though!
Amazing course but bad race organization
Since the San Francisco 1st Half Marathon doesn't cross the bridge anymore, this race is your chance to run across the Golden Gate Bridge! Running across the bridge is exactly … MORE
Since the San Francisco 1st Half Marathon doesn’t cross the bridge anymore, this race is your chance to run across the Golden Gate Bridge! Running across the bridge is exactly as cool as you think it is. The course was generally surprisingly hilly but doable (the elevation chart on the homepage is totally off btw). The views were amazing, especially from the Northern side of the bridge. Be aware that there is some hilly gravel trail running happening when crossing under the bridge.
There are only 5 aid stations on the entire half marathon, so don’t miss any of them! For the amount of runners (around 4000) the aid stations were a bit small though and you had to scramble to get some water if you happen to be in a crowd.
Even though I liked the course, the general race organization was really bad. There were not nearly enough porta potties at the starting area and the lines were still long when the race started. Also, there was no control about which runner goes in which start wave so a lot of really slow runners ended up in the first two waves.
What bugged me the most is that in the finish area you were only handed one (!) 0.5l bottle of water and the volunteers refused to give me a second one. There are also no other water stations at the finish line (I asked a couple of volunteers). Luckily I had some water in my car but not providing hydration to the runners is not okay for a $130 race.