San Francisco Marathon

Location: San Francisco, California
Country: United States
Website: https://www.thesfmarathon.com
2025 Marathon Date: 27/07/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 26/07/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:25:49
% Sub-3s: 1–2%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The San Francisco Marathon takes place each July and is one of the most recognisable road races on the U.S. West Coast. With over 6,000 finishers and more than 100 sub-3 performances, it remains a significant event in the North American running calendar.

The course features substantial elevation change, with hills and long inclines that challenge runners throughout. It includes stretches across the Golden Gate Bridge and other scenic parts of the city. These gradients reduce the likelihood of personal bests, but the race still attracts experienced athletes aiming for consistent pacing and strong finishes.

Organisation is well developed, with clearly marked sections for marathon runners, regular aid stations, and access to public transport around the start and finish areas. While the event includes multiple race distances, the full marathon maintains a serious focus, with strong pacing support and reliable course logistics.

Weather conditions are generally favourable for running. San Francisco’s coastal microclimate often delivers cool temperatures, early fog, and little wind—ideal for avoiding overheating. While the terrain limits top-end speed, the climate adds balance and makes it easier to manage effort.

The San Francisco Marathon is not a typical sub-3 target race, but it is a respected and consistent event. Runners aiming to break three hours will need to plan for terrain, rather than chasing aggressive splits. For those looking to race well on a challenging course, it remains a dependable and rewarding option.