Presidio Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
San Francisco, CA
- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Picture a summer run with coastal air, bright skies and San Francisco’s skyline in full view. The Presidio Half Marathon is a rare chance to run across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—an unforgettable out-and-back with the panoramic views from start to finish. we all love. Your day begins at Crissy … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 21):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 68 | 67 | 66 | 96 | 72 |
| L (°F) | 53 | 53 | 53 | 59 | 59 |
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Terrible Production, Beautiful Course
Ran the half marathon; I came in 1.5 hours before they stated they would close the course. The last two miles of my half-marathon I was dodging people who had … MORE
Ran the half marathon; I came in 1.5 hours before they stated they would close the course. The last two miles of my half-marathon I was dodging people who had completed the 5k and 10k and were walking back to their car using the path I was running down. When I got to the finish, there was no water at the finish line and I was informed they had just run out of medals. They promised to mail me one; 4 months later, I have not received one. Post-race, they were out of most of the food, and when I went to a beer tent to ask for water, I was snapped at “this is a beer tent!” Scenery was beautiful but the production was so poor and the entry not cheap. Packet pickup was a nightmare (there was no close parking, it took hours, and my racing partner’s registration had been lost by the organization, so she had to go the back of another long line). They told the pre-race lineup they would fix registration for next year. I don’t recommend any races organized by this charitable organization, unless they publicize that they are partnering with a professional race company.
No medals / no water / no markers
1. A bunch of runners did not receive medals at the finish. Was told they would ship medals to those who didn't receive, but they never did. Followed up multiple … MORE
1. A bunch of runners did not receive medals at the finish. Was told they would ship medals to those who didn’t receive, but they never did. Followed up multiple times and no response from organizers
2. Ran out of water at the finish
3. Course was poorly marked so took the wrong turn. No mile markers. There was one sign at a course split, but it was written in pen in small letters.
Great scenery!
Water stations were spaced well. It was cool to run over the Golden Gate Bridge and cool down from the bay breeze. It was also reallllly cool to run through … MORE
Water stations were spaced well. It was cool to run over the Golden Gate Bridge and cool down from the bay breeze. It was also reallllly cool to run through the Presidio area and soak in the history.
Disappointed by the Post-Run Experience
I joined the 5K with a small child and a dog, expecting a friendly event. From the ad, I thought we’d cross the Golden Gate Bridge, but that was only … MORE
I joined the 5K with a small child and a dog, expecting a friendly event. From the ad, I thought we’d cross the Golden Gate Bridge, but that was only for the half-marathon. After finishing, medals were gone, water and soft drinks were limited, and most fruit was taken. The relaxation area was hard to navigate with a stroller, and drinks were mostly alcoholic.
On the plus side, parking was easy and public transit worked well. Better planning and communication would make this event more welcoming I think.
Great Views, Needs Better Organization
They need to establish corrals so that people are not running into each other so often and creating bottlenecks at certain points. Some people were outright walking in the middle … MORE
They need to establish corrals so that people are not running into each other so often and creating bottlenecks at certain points. Some people were outright walking in the middle of the path with strollers and not staying to the right. That should be explained to all participants. Also, runners should be reminded to announce they’re passing on the LEFT (not right or not at all). I had people almost trip me a few times. Pancake breakfast was not great. I would prefer cheaper entry cost and skip breakfast. Also, need more immediately available water stations and recovery snacks without long lines or hidden from sight. The views were breathtaking.
Potential to be a great course.
This was my first time participating in this race in SF, and I think it had the potential to be a good one, but there were just too many runners. … MORE
This was my first time participating in this race in SF, and I think it had the potential to be a good one, but there were just too many runners. The course got pretty congested (The Presidio Hill leading to the Bridge and the Bridge specifically). I think it either needs to start earlier or break up the faster runners at the front. I was disappointed that my time was a lot slower than what I trained for because I had to walk and weave at the high-traffic points.
Poorly Organized
1) Bib pick-up the day prior requires a game of traffic Jenga at and near the Sportsman's Basement. Tip: come early, park blocks away and walk in. 2) Half-Marathon runners … MORE
1) Bib pick-up the day prior requires a game of traffic Jenga at and near the Sportsman’s Basement. Tip: come early, park blocks away and walk in.
2) Half-Marathon runners somehow shared the often-narrow path and walkways with 5k and 10k participants, waking three abreast at times, and requiring anyone concerned with time to dart about. I had one mile average over 11 minutes since the turn around to return over the Golden Gate winds through a narrow walkway, jam packed, moving 1 – 2 mph for a few minutes. My apple watch self-paused thinking I had decided to take a little break.
3) No mile markers. I decided to push myself with what I thought were the last 2 miles…and crossed the finish line with my watch saying…11.97 miles?!?! There was a deviation near mile 11.5 or so for 10k runners to go right and half marathon runners to stay to the left. A 3×5 piece of cardboard box stuck in a cone, written in pencil, was your guide there. Ridiculous. So I added 9 minutes to my “official” race time and felt like I was robbed.
4) crossed the finish and then was merged into a throng of half, 10k, 5k finishers in line to enter the filed. No water available for 5+ minutes as they felt it was more important for you to get your medal than have a chance to drink.
5) even with all that, the views were great. The weather for late June anywhere in the US was fantastic. running across the Golden Gate was epic.
6) Train on hills in prep for this race. Somewhere around mile 3 – 5 are a series of challenging inclines followed by a gradual incline over the bridge. It was harder than I thought it would be. You can make up the time once you are off the bridge as you have nothing but down and flat for the remainder.
Beautiful Course, Terrible Organization
I have run several half marathons in the Bay area, including the Kaiser Permanente half marathon and the Golden Gate half marathon. I was excited to run the Presidio half … MORE
I have run several half marathons in the Bay area, including the Kaiser Permanente half marathon and the Golden Gate half marathon. I was excited to run the Presidio half marathon since it takes place in a beautiful part of the city and runs across the Golden Gate Bridge. I was significantly disappointed with how disorganized this race was.
Packet pickup was a mess. I waited in a line wrapping around the Sports Basement for my bib. Fortunately, they had a bib printed for me when I got to the front of the line. I noticed they did not have bibs printed for several registered runners, which required them to wait in another long line to get a bib printed. I have run hundreds of races across the U.S. and never had a packet pick-up experience as bad as this.
I was dropped-off by an Uber near the start and it was just a short walk to the start line and bag drop. Fortunately there were ample porta potties, so there was never a line to use one prior to the race. There was also not a line for the bag drop, but the bag drop was not marked.
The race stared with a flat and fast 5k prior to hitting a long climb from mile 3.5 to mile 5.5. My pace slowed from 7:30 min/mi to 8:30 min/mi, which was expected. I hoped to make it up on the Golden Gate Bridge. That hope was dashed when I hit the bridge and got stuck in a long line to get onto it. The problem was that the half marathon hit the bridge around mile 6 mile the 10k hit the bridge around mile 1. This meant the half marathon was behind the entire 10k race. Once I got onto the bridge, I had to slow my pace down to a walk just to weave through the 10k walkers and runners, many of whom were stopping to take selfies. My pace across the bridge was over 10 minutes per mile.
After we got across the bridge, we have to run across a catwalk to get to the other side of the bridge to head back to the city. This catwalk was jammed with 10k runners and walkers and it took a good 5 minutes of walking and waiting to get across. Running back across the bridge was equally slow as I had to weave through even more 10k runners and walkers. The mass of people on the bridge also made it impossible to enjoy the views of the city and Alcatraz, which otherwise would have been amazing on a bluebird day.
I was able to increase my pace after exiting the bridge, but not as much as I would have liked as I still had to weave through more 10k runners/walkers as well as 5k ones who had joined the course. There was a fork in the trail around mile 11 with no sign or volunteers to tell you which direction to take, so I just took my best guess. There weren’t any mile markers on the course, so I relied on my Garmin to tell me the distance during the race. The finish line was so hidden that I stood for a couple of minutes wondering if the race was finished or if I needed to keep going. Eventually I figured out the race was over and then had to hunt for the finisher medals and refreshments since none of this was marked.
The race could easily be fixed by having the half marathon hit the bridge early in the race rather than at mile six so to get ahead of the 10k. Or, the half marathon could start at 7am instead of 8am. Mile markers and directional signage should also be added. I feel like this race was organized by a charity group who thinks that a race is a simple endeavor to organize but was unware of various details that go into it. I left the race disappointed, especially for the $100+ registration fee I paid. I hope that most the fee goes to support sending troubled youth to summer camp. That is the only thing that makes me not regret running it. I would not run this race again unless the organizers make it clear that these issues have been addressed.
Rough organization but amazing views
It feels like a race that has grown too big for what they can accommodate on the current course and with the organization in place. Packet pickup: Lines were very … MORE
It feels like a race that has grown too big for what they can accommodate on the current course and with the organization in place.
Packet pickup: Lines were very long – I waited about 45 minutes in the middle of the day on Saturday. A guy was handing out free beers to people in line. I was surprised to see that there were lots of actual pickup stations with only one or two letters per person and not many people lining up for each. The issue seemed to be that bibs weren’t in order so it took the volunteers (all doing their best) a long time to find each bib and there were a lot of people who didn’t have bibs, so the longest line was for the bib reprinting. The race director did announce at the race start that they would switch to dynamic bib assignment next year. The race shirt had the cute dog logo on the back. There was a bar and maybe some vendors but I just got out of there as soon as I could.
Race start: I got dropped off near the Palace of Fine Arts so it was just an easy trot to the start. Lots of portapotties so there were minimal lines.
Course: The half marathon did an initial loop on the flat and then loops back to the start. However, the 10k started 30 minutes after the half so we suddenly were absorbed into the huge mass of 10k runners. It was massively crowded after having just found some good space in the initial loop. There were also some runners going in a different direction so I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to be running with the 10k crowd or following the others (turns out they were possibly late half marathon starters). We went up a hill and then the 10k split off towards the bridge. After some more hills and beautiful scenery (trees, coastline, all things wonderful about the Presidio), we went to the bridge and ran into the 10k runners. It was rough – the sidewalk is too narrow to have people running at such different paces and it was impossible to find a good rhythm having to constantly dodge people. The bridge was closed to non-race participants, enforced with excessive force. I saw a runner turning towards the bridge (i.e., he hadn’t been following the course and wouldn’t have seen what was going on cause he had taken a sharp turn) and a security guard/cop bodyslammed the runner into the fence to stop him from getting onto the bridge. At the north end of the bridge, we had to go through an underpass which slowed to just inching through. My Garmin shows about 2 minutes of nothing. Once on the other side, it was again so crowded and impossible to get into a steady pace. There was one more course split near the finish that had no direction or signage; people around me were asking which way we should go and we just assumed the half kept going straight.
Aid stations: There were a good number of them but I missed some because they were very short given the number of people fighting to get to them and really quiet. There was water and very watered down powerade.
Finish: There was a flag to the side saying “finish” that was kind of hard to see. After crossing the finish line, we walked around to get medals (everyone got the same medal that says half marathon, regardless of distance). Water was past the medals and past the food tent, and back along the course – there appeared to be a pancake tent, a table with boxes of bananas, and I saw some people also with fruit salad and oranges.
Almost all of these issues could have been avoided by not making the half and 10k collide; I hope they pick one and just make it a great race for that distance. Or start the half at 7am. It’s such a spectacular place to run and could be so much more.
HORRIBLE RACE PRODUCTION
Utter embarrassment for $175. Worst race organization I've ever seen. No mile/distance markers the entire race. Sent the 10k runners across the bridge before the half marathon runners, so we … MORE
Utter embarrassment for $175. Worst race organization I’ve ever seen. No mile/distance markers the entire race. Sent the 10k runners across the bridge before the half marathon runners, so we were forced to bob and weave through 10k runners AND walkers. The tunnel to get to the other side of the bridge was so packed it was a slow crawl through (adding at least 2.5-3 minutes to race time). There was a split at the end of the race, sending 10k one way and 5k/half marathoners another that was only marked by an unreadable piece of cardboard with ballpoint pen writing directing runners where to go (see comical photo) AND no one directing the runners which way to go. The finish line was basically unmarked, and there was NO water at the finish. No table to get race results, and it’s been over 5 hours since I finished, and still, no race results are available online. Only positives were the weather, the scenery, ample start line bathrooms, and the bar was well run. I hope the charity received the vast majority of the funds. You would have thought, given the comments from 2024 race below, they would have improved the race, but I think it was probably worse.
The views!!!
Great half marathon, can’t beat the views. Well organized event. From picking up the bib, race start, during the race, and after race all easy to find and follow where … MORE
Great half marathon, can’t beat the views. Well organized event. From picking up the bib, race start, during the race, and after race all easy to find and follow where to go.
We had perfect weather, was a little chilly before the sun came put but all to be expected. And, pancakes!
Bad Organization, Lovely Run
Few course markers or guides. There was 2 course markers the entire half marathon and no mile markers. No mile markers at all is a bit ridiculous. The food after … MORE
Few course markers or guides. There was 2 course markers the entire half marathon and no mile markers. No mile markers at all is a bit ridiculous. The food after looked great but I don’t like to eat a lot after I run (it might not stay down). No age group awards, which was a bit disappointing. They misled us saying the course would be 14.7 miles when it was really around the 13.1 distance. The views were spectacular! I don’t think I’ll be running this one again.
Great race - lacking course organization
As others note - great scenery across the GG Bridge and along Crissy Field. Course not clearly defined in places and a scarcity of course monitors. Could have used more … MORE
As others note – great scenery across the GG Bridge and along Crissy Field. Course not clearly defined in places and a scarcity of course monitors. Could have used more portapots. Good food and beer after. No results posted even after two days!!
Beautiful Scenery, Poor Product
Beautiful course and nice opportunity to run across the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, the course was very poorly marked. THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE MILE MARKER ON THE COURSE. I … MORE
Beautiful course and nice opportunity to run across the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, the course was very poorly marked. THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE MILE MARKER ON THE COURSE. I understand that they are unable to place markers on the bridge, but on the sections before and after something as simple as a piece of paper on a cone would have been very helpful to runners. No arrows or race volunteers to direct in certain sections. There were 3-4 parts of the half marathon course that simply would have required an arrow or person standing there to direct. I saw several runners going off course who had to double back due to lack of clarity.
Simple changes that could make a big difference. Race has a lot of potential if these issues are addressed.
Horribly managed. Lovely views
I don’t even know where to begin. They just don’t know how to manage a race I guess. They just didn’t mark the course properly sent an entire race essentially … MORE
I don’t even know where to begin. They just don’t know how to manage a race I guess. They just didn’t mark the course properly sent an entire race essentially the wrong way. Then at the finish truly bizarre no one there handing medals just a table and no one around. Maddening
First time running in the City ( SF)
I was pretty excited to be running in San Francisco, The Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge the beach the Ocean. What an amazing place we live in to run in. I … MORE
I was pretty excited to be running in San Francisco, The Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge the beach the Ocean. What an amazing place we live in to run in. I feel so lucky when I run in the Bay Area it can be minutes or hours away and it’s always beautiful.
There was no disappointments today we had great weather, it chose to go early on Sunday Am 6:45 to get my bib. Tshirt etc. No lines no hassles.
Pre race they had, fruit, water, coffee and plenty of porta potties. The national anthem and then a quick 5 minute stretching session and we were off right at 8:00!
The hills I. The Presidio were not bad as several have mentioned in other reviews, Crossing he GG bridge was pretty awesome there was a cool breeze heading back. Down to the beach. By now is had been running with many of the 10kers but there was plenty off room to allow people to pass everywhere we went. Not single track anywhere.
We soon mixed in with the 5k and oncoming traffic. Again everyone was really polite and traffics seemed to flow well. The last few miles are not as scenic but the rest of the race was amazing.
After race the medals and after part were everything promised. No issues or wait with bag.check. The Guardsmen put in a great show.
I believe the 10 miler was either .4 or so short or my GPS misfired but for me it really did not matter. The expirience was perfect.
Highly recommended
There's beer at the end!
The website for the race claims it's one of the most beautiful races around, and they aren't lying. The whole course is gorgeous, from running through the forested Presidio, down … MORE
The website for the race claims it’s one of the most beautiful races around, and they aren’t lying. The whole course is gorgeous, from running through the forested Presidio, down to the Golden Gate, and finishing up along the bay.
I was a little nervous for the hills (the Presidio’s reputation precedes it) but there actually weren’t any terrible climbs. It was a surprisingly gentle course, with lots of aid stations, cheering spectators, and clear directions. The only fly in the ointment was that a lot of runners seem to forget to pull to the right as they run along the bridge, making it tough to pass at times.
Not only was the race itself fantastic, but the expo at the end was equally fun. There were bloody mary’s, beer, hot breakfast, and tons of swag from reputable vendors (not a dry rice cake to be found!) Additionally, the race was super well organized- lines for bib pick up and sweat check were super short (probably because everyone was standing in the booze lines) and the band was a fun addition.
Run the Golden Gate Bridge!
I never would have known about this race, but the wellness program at my then job sponsored employees that wanted to run it - so, free registration! The Guardsmen do … MORE
I never would have known about this race, but the wellness program at my then job sponsored employees that wanted to run it – so, free registration! The Guardsmen do put on a nice event!
This race is a great opportunity to run through the Presdio and across Golden Gate Bridge and back (for both the 10 milers and the 10kers). I think the 5kers stay on the greenway in front of Crissy Field. It’s a challenge because of the hills that bring you up to the bridge, and then of course the bridge itself is windy, and a climb up to the middle. All in all, I thought the course was good – challenging and interesting.
As for race production and all that: Bib pickup was at the Sports Basement, easy and nice. Race day festivities take up Crissy Field. I think there was an issue with the bibs and the timing chips stripping off the printing on the bib fronts (couldn’t read the numbers). The post-race festivities included beer and bloody mary’s (handed out by very handsome Guardsmen), and a pancake breakfast!! The race shirt was just a cotton tee, nothing fancy. I think the one thing that I would suggest to improve would be pre-race day communication, and improving their website. Otherwise, I loved it all.