I am writing this review to warn other runners about the ineptitude of this race organization. The last thing I want to do is put another ounce of energy or … MORE
I am writing this review to warn other runners about the ineptitude of this race organization. The last thing I want to do is put another ounce of energy or thought into the San Francisco marathon, but I am writing out of obligation to review a very disorganized and disappointing race experience.
I qualified for the Subseed Athlete program which advertises a discounted race entry. If you are looking to qualify for this, be aware that the discount only covers approximately a quarter of the very high price tag of this race. Furthermore, if you want to use the discount, don’t bother to try to sign up on one of their promotional weekends. They will force you to choose between the promotional race swag or the subseed athlete discount.
Now for my review of the race and COVID-19 experience with them. I was told I had to register for the race by mid-March in order to participate with the Subseed Athlete program. Participating in this program was important to me and so I did register prior to that given deadline. As many other race participants have mentioned, when the race organizers finally decided to cancel the race, they offered only the option of participating in the virtual race or deferring for an additional $39 fee. The emails stated that if you did not choose an option, your registration would automatically be converted to the virtual race. I emailed to ask if there was a way to waive the $39 fee for Subseed Athletes and was simply referred back to the deferral registration page (which required the fee to be paid). On the weekend of the virtual race, I went to look up my name. It did not exist in the system. I emailed them that weekend to inquire if by chance, my race had been deferred. I did not receive an email back from them until Tuesday afternoon (you would think they would be working and troubleshooting issues like this on the race weekend but they were not). I was told there was a mistake with their system and that I should have in fact been participating in the virtual race and could now enter my time. They still refused to grant me a deferral despite their mistake.
I have run 23 marathons in my life. I have never had a race experience as disorganized and disappointing as this one. I would never consider running the San Francisco marathon again.
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Disorganized and disappointing
I am writing this review to warn other runners about the ineptitude of this race organization. The last thing I want to do is put another ounce of energy or … MORE
I am writing this review to warn other runners about the ineptitude of this race organization. The last thing I want to do is put another ounce of energy or thought into the San Francisco marathon, but I am writing out of obligation to review a very disorganized and disappointing race experience.
I qualified for the Subseed Athlete program which advertises a discounted race entry. If you are looking to qualify for this, be aware that the discount only covers approximately a quarter of the very high price tag of this race. Furthermore, if you want to use the discount, don’t bother to try to sign up on one of their promotional weekends. They will force you to choose between the promotional race swag or the subseed athlete discount.
Now for my review of the race and COVID-19 experience with them. I was told I had to register for the race by mid-March in order to participate with the Subseed Athlete program. Participating in this program was important to me and so I did register prior to that given deadline. As many other race participants have mentioned, when the race organizers finally decided to cancel the race, they offered only the option of participating in the virtual race or deferring for an additional $39 fee. The emails stated that if you did not choose an option, your registration would automatically be converted to the virtual race. I emailed to ask if there was a way to waive the $39 fee for Subseed Athletes and was simply referred back to the deferral registration page (which required the fee to be paid). On the weekend of the virtual race, I went to look up my name. It did not exist in the system. I emailed them that weekend to inquire if by chance, my race had been deferred. I did not receive an email back from them until Tuesday afternoon (you would think they would be working and troubleshooting issues like this on the race weekend but they were not). I was told there was a mistake with their system and that I should have in fact been participating in the virtual race and could now enter my time. They still refused to grant me a deferral despite their mistake.
I have run 23 marathons in my life. I have never had a race experience as disorganized and disappointing as this one. I would never consider running the San Francisco marathon again.
Crowded but fun
This was my first 1/2 marathon and I wanted it to be a big one. The scenery running (except for a small stretch on Embarcadero) was wonderful and the weather … MORE
This was my first 1/2 marathon and I wanted it to be a big one. The scenery running (except for a small stretch on Embarcadero) was wonderful and the weather was perfect. It was very crowded and I never felt like I was running in my own space, which was to be expected. The swag was pretty good (I registered when they were offering a swag pack) but it was still a very expensive race. I did enjoy the experience overall as a first time runner and will probably do it again with some friends next time.
Tough expensive race
Positives- organization, expo, scenery, swag- excellent zip jacket and long sleeve shirt Negatives- hills, hills, hills, running on the sidewalk of the Golden Gate bridge and crossing under the bridge … MORE
Positives- organization, expo, scenery, swag- excellent zip jacket and long sleeve shirt
Negatives- hills, hills, hills, running on the sidewalk of the Golden Gate bridge and crossing under the bridge to the other side was at least dangerous if not hopelessly crowded. Not a PR race unless it is your first marathon.
Great race to do your first!
My brother ran this as his first half marathon ever and had a great experience! It had more downhill than he expected, but the course was very scenic and he … MORE
My brother ran this as his first half marathon ever and had a great experience! It had more downhill than he expected, but the course was very scenic and he completed it in his goal time. Read the recap Q&A on my blog!
https://262.run/san-francisco-half-marathon-recap/
Lots of Challenge Options
This race has several challenge options. The Half It All, Club 52, The Original San Fran Challenge, a Loyalty program for 3 + years, and a new one this year … MORE
This race has several challenge options. The Half It All, Club 52, The Original San Fran Challenge, a Loyalty program for 3 + years, and a new one this year (2019) that partnered with the OC Marathon.
No race day bib pick up and parking is really tight at the expo. Walk or uber if you can.
The first half of the full is more challenging that the second half. The full marathon is the only race option that allows you to run over the Golden Gate Bridge. I was worried since they no longer close the bridge down. You run along the walking path on each side of the bridge. It was a little odd but at no point did it feel cramped.
Be sure to be done before 6hours. They start shutting things down and pulling aid stations fairly early due to the roads needing to be open quickly. Lots of runners crossed after the 6 hour mark and didn’t get their challenge medals and I know a few people that had to stop at coffee shops and rely on spectator run aid stations for water and snacks after mile 18.
Fun race.
Much Improved course, event runs smooth
I last ran this event in 2013, which was a PR for me - while now older and slower, I had a great race. In the past the course suffered … MORE
I last ran this event in 2013, which was a PR for me – while now older and slower, I had a great race. In the past the course suffered from having a truly scenic first half and a really crappy end, back when the hunter’s point area was a wasteland. This year with all the recent construction, the views at the end leave a lot to be desired – it is an great improvement. If you are on the fence about running this – definitely run at least the first half and you’ll see the best of what SF offers.
Unrelenting hills starting mile 6
The 1H no longer runs across the GG bridge. This privilege is now limited to the full marathoners. The missing distance is tacked on in Golden Gate Park and IMO … MORE
The 1H no longer runs across the GG bridge. This privilege is now limited to the full marathoners. The missing distance is tacked on in Golden Gate Park and IMO made the SF1H more difficult. Starting at Fort Mason at mile 6, you start a 1.5 mile climb up the Presidio which is ball busting. After you come out of Presidio, it’s another steady, albeit less steep, climb to the GG Park where you enjoy some downhill before another gradual steady climb for the last 2 miles to the finish.
Spectacular but steep and scary
I had last run this race in 2004, when the race did not go over the Golden Gate Bridge. The addition of the bridge made the course much harder. The … MORE
I had last run this race in 2004, when the race did not go over the Golden Gate Bridge. The addition of the bridge made the course much harder. The two climbs to the bridge are quite steep and the descent off the bridge on the north end was a very steep, narrow dirt trail, rough, rocky and rutty. I was terrified that I would fall or be knocked over by the hordes of folks descending like maniacs around me. The bridge itself was very crowded (at slightly under 4:00 marathon pace) and full of obstacles and slippery metal plates in the pavement. By the time I got off the bridge my nerves were totally shot and I checked out at the halfway point.
The race organization was very good. The expo was in a huge building and not very crowded, easy to navigate. The starting area was clear and orderly, plenty of aid stations and volunteers. I stayed in the race hotel, the Hyatt Regency, which was expensive but very nice and really convenient to the starting line. The race scenery was spectacular. This could be a lovely race for someone who likes hills and is very agile on his/her feet, but for a clumsy flatlander like me it was a disaster.
You better like hills
This was a great race that I would do again but I would prepare with much more hill training. Running across (and back) over the Golden Gate Bridge is epic … MORE
This was a great race that I would do again but I would prepare with much more hill training. Running across (and back) over the Golden Gate Bridge is epic but we ran on the sidewalk path which is very narrow and wet from the fog. Amazing tour of the city and great people in it and running it.
A Excellent Run.
The run was excellent. The course was fine. It was my first Ultramarathon completed. The time listed here is for the second lap or marathon. It was fine to stretch. … MORE
The run was excellent. The course was fine. It was my first Ultramarathon completed. The time listed here is for the second lap or marathon. It was fine to stretch. The race has many volunteers. The race had a fine atmosphere. There were many people to meet.
Such a scenic marathon!!!
SF Marathon is a wonderful race with a very scenic but also quite challenging course. After I had run the first half and the second half the years before I … MORE
SF Marathon is a wonderful race with a very scenic but also quite challenging course. After I had run the first half and the second half the years before I finally ran the full marathon this year. For the first time it was beautiful weather and the Golden Gate Bridge was clearly visible. The views of the bridge were spectacular while the sun was rising! Of course the course is quite hilly but fortunately the first half is the tougher part. The expo is super and offers a lot to see and to buy. The medal is very big very kitschy but awesome with a movable cable car. All in all it was an amazing and very well organised race!
Lot of hills
Really beautiful tough course. Crossing the Golden Gate and back was awesome, but the descent and climb on both ends were killer. Prerace was super easy. No security lines, easy … MORE
Really beautiful tough course. Crossing the Golden Gate and back was awesome, but the descent and climb on both ends were killer. Prerace was super easy. No security lines, easy to get to, self explanatory.
Don’t expect a personal best here.
Wonderful race!
I would recommend this race-it's beautiful (the last couple miles are pretty drab though until you reach the embarcadero) and the weather is great. It's a challenging course, with 1082 … MORE
I would recommend this race-it’s beautiful (the last couple miles are pretty drab though until you reach the embarcadero) and the weather is great. It’s a challenging course, with 1082 feet elevation gain (according to my watch), but I think hills make the race less monotonous. The expo was cool and the post-race snacks were good. I wasn’t crazy about the shirt or the medal, however the design for this year’s looks like it’ll be way better (I’ll be running again this year with my brother!) So, all in all I had an amazing first marathon experience. I kept telling myself to enjoy the moment and soak it all in, don’t wish for it to be over because you only run your first marathon once!
FULL REVIEW ON THE BLOG https://262.run/2019/04/16/san-francisco-marathon-july-2018/
Disappointingly
This was a scenic course, but tough. The aid stations were were terrible, some didn’t even have water ready as runners came through! Also expensive and 2 weeks before the … MORE
This was a scenic course, but tough. The aid stations were were terrible, some didn’t even have water ready as runners came through! Also expensive and 2 weeks before the race we were told we weren’t running over the Golden Gate Bridge, which was going to be a highlight.
One of my favorites!
There is so much variety in this race! Run across Golden Gate Bridge! You will also runthrough Golden Gate Park, which is beautiful! There is a lot of support on … MORE
There is so much variety in this race! Run across Golden Gate Bridge! You will also runthrough Golden Gate Park, which is beautiful! There is a lot of support on the course and encouragement from spectators, motorcycle clubs, etc. The hills are a killer, but I love the downhills!!
Beautiful, Hilly with Breathtaking Views
I love this marathon. This was the 5th consecutive year I've run it. This was my fastest year even though the course had changed and had to run on the … MORE
I love this marathon. This was the 5th consecutive year I’ve run it. This was my fastest year even though the course had changed and had to run on the sidewalk of the bridge. Logistic for this race are fantastic. Expo is one of the best that I’ve been to. I volunteered the past 2 years (from CT to CA) Post race party was great with Barefoot Wine as an additional choice. Course is hilly and challenging. The end of the race had a downhill that was tough! Breathtaking views on this course!
This is a very tough, hilly course.
Be prepared for the hills, especially in the second half. Take it easy on the first half. Be prepared for cold and fog. Lots of turns so pay attention to … MORE
Be prepared for the hills, especially in the second half. Take it easy on the first half. Be prepared for cold and fog. Lots of turns so pay attention to running the tangents.
Beautiful City
Since I live in the Bay Area, I'm a bit bias, but this is a really pretty, unique race and a GREAT way to see SF! There are a great … MORE
Since I live in the Bay Area, I’m a bit bias, but this is a really pretty, unique race and a GREAT way to see SF! There are a great number of hills, but nothing too outrageous. It’s well organized, starting line is gorgeous (under the Bay Bridge) and any chance to run across the Golden Gate Bridge is always special.
There aren’t very many places you can run a full in the States in JULY without melting – this is one of them. Definitely recommend!
Amazing until the last third
Race was organized very well, with plenty of drinking stations. The beginning was fast and fun, running along the ocean while you still have energy. Running across the Golden Gate … MORE
Race was organized very well, with plenty of drinking stations.
The beginning was fast and fun, running along the ocean while you still have energy. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge (miles 6-10) was amazingly enjoyable and meaningful to me, though some people might be put off by the fog. Plus you get a little bit of fun trail running in on the other side of the bridge.
After that you run city streets for a couple miles and then hit Golden Gate Park for about 6-7 miles. This part is tough because the half marathoners are all running past you at faster paces at this point, which feels demoralizing, but the park is peaceful, though with some tough hills.
For the last six miles or so, you’re just running through endless city streets, and it’s honestly pretty darn boring, especially when you’re feeling exhausted.
You get plenty of snacks and drinks at the end, which was really nice. Overall, it was a great race to run, and not as hilly as I was afraid of at all. I was just a little surprised/disappointed how few San Franciscans were out to cheer the runners, compared to other races I’ve run.
WOW! Better than I thought it would be!
I ran the 1st half the previous year, so only did this 2nd half to be able to brag I did the whole route (and got the awesome both halves … MORE
I ran the 1st half the previous year, so only did this 2nd half to be able to brag I did the whole route (and got the awesome both halves medal). However, while running this I fell in love, running through Golden Gate Park in the early morning hours was mesmerizing and after leaving the park running through the city neighborhoods as we make our way down to the finish was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. The hardest part of the whole route was a couple of very steep downhill sections, it sucks when the downhill is so steep you have to take it slow, but the experience was well worth it! I would gladly do this race again!