The San Francisco Half Marathon®, 10K & 5K returns this February. A fixture on the Bay Area racing calendar, participants are treated to scenic course routes in Golden Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean, with race proceeds supporting local charities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Race amenities include …
MORE
The San Francisco Half Marathon®, 10K & 5K returns this February. A fixture on the Bay Area racing calendar, participants are treated to scenic course routes in Golden Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean, with race proceeds supporting local charities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Race amenities include long sleeve T-shirts, custom finisher’s medallions, and a variety of food and beverage offerings in our Post-Race Festival.
The 5K, 10K & San Francisco Half Marathon® are point to point with a net loss in altitude from the east end of Golden Gate Park to the far west end. Both the 5K and 10K feature a fast, net downhill course certified by USA Track & Field. The Half Marathon course will take runners out around the Panhandle, back through Golden Gate Park, and out and back on the Great Highway and finishes at the entrance to the Post-Race Festival. The half marathon course is also USA Track & Field certified.
The San Francisco Half Marathon® 10K & 5K presented by Pamakid Runners raises funds to support San Francisco Bay Area community organizations.
LESS
Well organized race right in my backyard
This is a super convenient race for me because I can walk to the start area. The weather was not great, but that's always a risk in February in SF. … MORE
This is a super convenient race for me because I can walk to the start area. The weather was not great, but that’s always a risk in February in SF. I so very much appreciate the horde of high school kids who come out to volunteer.
Great race. Fun course.
Despite the rain the event was very well planned out. It was very easy to get through the course with staff stationed throughout the course. I definitely plan on participating … MORE
Despite the rain the event was very well planned out. It was very easy to get through the course with staff stationed throughout the course. I definitely plan on participating next year.
Great overall run
Overall I love this run, easy to get to the start and get home after finish. Course is solid (depending on weather along the Ocean Beach - we got destroyed … MORE
Overall I love this run, easy to get to the start and get home after finish. Course is solid (depending on weather along the Ocean Beach – we got destroyed by wind in 2025). Recommend to first timers or repeat!
Birthday Half Marathon
Was a last minute decision to run this. The race was on my birthday so I decided to do something "fun" to start the day. Also, been warming up for … MORE
Was a last minute decision to run this. The race was on my birthday so I decided to do something “fun” to start the day. Also, been warming up for my prep towards the Full marathon in SF in July so thought this would be a good test to benchmark where I am currently
The bib pickup was smooth, though low key, considering how expensive the sign up fee is.
Now to the raceday: The aid stations were well managed and adequately spaced. The course itself is very scenic if you are coming from out of town. I live in the neighborhood, so pretty much it is my daily run. Thoroughly enjoyed it, primarily because it was my birthday 🎂. The headwinds coupled with the rain as we turned onto the Great Highway were brutal. Cost me my PR.
Could have been better: Expo and the Finish Line Festival. Everything was low key. Overall had the feeling of a local club run than a major race. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Now, only if the pricing was sub $100, it would make this race much more attractive
Great race despite the weather!
This was my first half marathon (and first race of any kind) so I don't have much to compare it to but here's my first timer impression– overall it was … MORE
This was my first half marathon (and first race of any kind) so I don’t have much to compare it to but here’s my first timer impression– overall it was a blast, with great scenery, well run, and the only downside being the weather. It felt like a friendly supportive crowd of racers – not unserious or rowdy but not too intense either. The course and scenery through the panhandle and GG park is great and makes the miles fly by and really feel like an enjoyable exhilarating run! The main downside was the weather – less the rain but the wind, which was like 18mph from the south, so when you turned onto Ocean Blvd. at mile 8 it was like hitting a wall. It felt like running uphill for 2.5 mi, going all out sprinting just to maintain my earlier warmup pace, and the lack of landmarks along Ocean Blvd also made it hard to know when it would end… But then when you turn the corner and head north again you had the wind at your back and that was of course super welcome, but overall it would have been much more enjoyable (and a more successful pace) without the wind. Obviously the race orgs can’t control the weather so no shade to them, just something to be aware of as a potential big challenge – one I was not prepared for! Overall though, great race and plan to do it again next year!
Beautiful SF scenery with every step!
Golden Gate Park - the trees, the ponds, the fresh air oh my! Every step you take through the park will bring a smile to your face. The distance traveled … MORE
Golden Gate Park – the trees, the ponds, the fresh air oh my! Every step you take through the park will bring a smile to your face. The distance traveled shortens the beauty of the eye can see. I will be back!
Wonderful race with some great scenery!
The course was flat and I think the net elevation was actually negative. Made for a great time and it was cool running through the park and by the ocean. … MORE
The course was flat and I think the net elevation was actually negative. Made for a great time and it was cool running through the park and by the ocean. Conditions were very tough (wind and rain), but that’s never in control. I’d run the course again!
First half ever. Great experience
While the headwind on the beach highway was tough, it was overall a great course. It was very pretty and didn't have too much uphill. Production was great. There was … MORE
While the headwind on the beach highway was tough, it was overall a great course. It was very pretty and didn’t have too much uphill. Production was great. There was adequate water stations along the way, and it seems like they put a good deal of effort into making sure everything went smoothly.
Great Run, Epic Weather, Ready for 2026
I ran the SF Half with joy, grit, and the stubborn determination only cold rain could test. So, like the Scissor Sisters song says, I showed up at the finish … MORE
I ran the SF Half with joy, grit, and the stubborn determination only cold rain could test. So, like the Scissor Sisters song says, I showed up at the finish line looking like a “drowned, harassed rat”—but with a huge smile.
From the seamless bib pick-up to the brave volunteers cheering through the relentless rain, this run was a testament to strong community spirit. The scenic course offered plenty of highlights, and despite my drenched shoes, it remains an absolute favorite.
I’ll definitely be back for 2026, hoping for better weather but just as much excitement.
One of the highlights of my life
I’m an avid hiker but I don’t like running. This was my first time try for a run and i absolutely loved it. I have already signed up for next … MORE
I’m an avid hiker but I don’t like running. This was my first time try for a run and i absolutely loved it. I have already signed up for next half marathon in June. I’m becoming a marathon maniac!!
for profit, careless & disorganized
I wanted to love this race and there were exciting aspects but none of that had to do with the race production itself! they had sent out a lot of … MORE
I wanted to love this race and there were exciting aspects but none of that had to do with the race production itself! they had sent out a lot of communication but little details about post race “festival”. The maps didn’t even show where the post race festival— it was just a cluster of mess at the end finish line. I saw water, JAMBAR and some prebiotic drinks and blankets but that was about it. apparently the finisher shirts were down closer to the beach which was a ways away from the finish. I also was t able to get my post race finisher shirt (that you pay for) and i reached out to see if i could get it mailed and they said they can’t?! Didn’t say why. Also I went back after the race to find the shirts and they packed up SO fast and the park clean up with there by 11:30-12. insane. — SOO where do the extra shirts go after the race? There wasn’t a corral specification for runners so you could have started wherever which was even more of a cluster f. Even more money hungry of them — the photos you have to pay $50-100 for just the digital downloads without a water mark! INSANE. The race clearly is just profiting money from all these runners and gets away with doing very little. also can anyone explain why bib pick up was not in the SF presidio sports basement but instead all these runners way at Stonestown galleria?? And why is there a bib pick up to just get a generic bib (ex no name or specific corral designation). the course itself is kinda boring for SF, i run GG park all the time so I was just bored. I think with all that money they could have more entertainment or something through out? The 10k and Half start at 8 am which is kinda late IMO.
Organized, easy 5K. Would do again.
Parking is a nightmare! Expected given it is the Golden Gate Park. Race started at exactly 7:50am and I arrived in the nick of time. Parked a mile away and … MORE
Parking is a nightmare! Expected given it is the Golden Gate Park. Race started at exactly 7:50am and I arrived in the nick of time. Parked a mile away and ran to the park as my warm up. The race was well organized and the route was easy and light. Would recommend. I will try to run the half marathon next year.
Great choice for 1st half
This was my first "real" half marathon race after the race was cancelled last year. The course was excellently marked, with people cheering all throughout and aid stations well positioned. … MORE
This was my first “real” half marathon race after the race was cancelled last year. The course was excellently marked, with people cheering all throughout and aid stations well positioned. Even with the mediocre weather, it was so much fun to be with the crowd and running along with everyone else (7500+ runners this year for all three distances!).
I only wish that the post-race exit from all the swag was closer to the entrance and starting line. I had to walk quite a ways to get back to my car, but I also might have missed a shuttle.
I really enjoy the whole process
The event is well-organized, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. The course is designed with thoughtful elevation changes that are neither too steep nor too flat, making it ideal … MORE
The event is well-organized, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. The course is designed with thoughtful elevation changes that are neither too steep nor too flat, making it ideal for first-time runners looking to challenge themselves without feeling overwhelmed. The well-planned layout allows runners to maintain a steady pace while gradually adapting to the race environment. Additionally, the route provides a balanced mix of terrain, giving participants a chance to experience a variety of running conditions. Clear signage, hydration stations at strategic points, and enthusiastic volunteers further enhance the race experience. The event fosters a supportive atmosphere where beginners can gain confidence, while more experienced runners can still find the course engaging. With its combination of good organization and carefully planned elevation, this race provides an excellent introduction to competitive running for those taking on their first challenge.
Bad weather but overall great experience
The weather conditions were not ideal (the rain and wind were pretty crazy), but overall it was a great first time experience and the course was GORGEOUS! I love Golden … MORE
The weather conditions were not ideal (the rain and wind were pretty crazy), but overall it was a great first time experience and the course was GORGEOUS! I love Golden Gate Park and I’m glad many people got to see its beauty too!
Fun race, bad production
I think they could've done better labeling the course. There were many times when the mileage mark was not there, and I was confused how far we had ran. I … MORE
I think they could’ve done better labeling the course. There were many times when the mileage mark was not there, and I was confused how far we had ran. I personally thought the SF marathon was much better and I don’t think I will be doing this race again.
Super wet but super rewarding
Incline was not terrible, overall very pleasant experience minus the rain and weather conditions. Was my first time running it and I'd definitely do it again. MORE
Incline was not terrible, overall very pleasant experience minus the rain and weather conditions. Was my first time running it and I’d definitely do it again.
Great course, but weather is iffy
- good, flat-ish course, slight rolling hills - Achilles race, so inspiring to see blind and deaf runners - weather can be wet and windy this time of the year MORE
– good, flat-ish course, slight rolling hills
– Achilles race, so inspiring to see blind and deaf runners
– weather can be wet and windy this time of the year
Best Half Ever!
I’ve been doing this race for over a decade, and it keeps me coming back! It’s a fast, scenic course, and though the weather is a mixed bag these days, … MORE
I’ve been doing this race for over a decade, and it keeps me coming back! It’s a fast, scenic course, and though the weather is a mixed bag these days, it never disappoints!
Race was amazing besides the weather!
This course was great! The weather this year was less than ideal but the scenic route through Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach was hard to beat. The race communication … MORE
This course was great! The weather this year was less than ideal but the scenic route through Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach was hard to beat. The race communication and staff was amazing and I would definitely recommend this race.