The San Francisco Marathon 2008
Sunday, August 3rd 2008 at 5:00 AM San Francisco, CA- Distances:
- 5K, Half Marathon, and Marathon
- Weather:
- Local Weather
- Website:
- http://www.runsfm.com
Checking weather...
Race Reports
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Lots of Fun, Lots of Views
We ran the first half of the SF Marathon and it was our first. It started off a little rocky as there were not enough bathrooms at the starting gates and I could not find a trash can! But as the race went on, there were plenty of bathrooms, trash, motivators, water... everything we needed to get through it.
The only surprise for us were the number of hills in the final miles of the race! Talk about killer. The even end-to-end was planned and executed very well. I highly recommend running the first half if you are not from San Francisco, you get to see all of the local sites that matter AND run across the Golden Gate Bridge.
by Chris M. -
Well organized beautiful race, so-so snacks
I too ran the first half of the SF Marathon. But backing up, the experience started with the Expo on Saturday which was fabulous. Lots of great companies, fantastic speakers, and tons of fun free stuff!
As for the race, it was really great overall. They had a sweat drop that was super well organized, and having dry clothes waiting for you at the finish line was wonderful. The course itself was well marked, interesting, and running across the GG Bridge was the experience of a lifetime. And they had 3 lanes allocated for runners -- one for outbound, one for inbound, and a buffer lane, which made being on a bridge with cars a lot less scary than it sounds.
The miles were well marked, and there were fun questions and answers along the course. There were plenty of volunteers and they were all super nice. My only criticism was the food at the end of the race. You got some flavored water or Cytomax (fine), a banana (also fine), a granola bar (super), some cholesterol-lowering potato chips (?) and a roll. The mix seemed somewhat random and maybe I just don't understand post-race fueling, but it left me puzzled.
However, I would run this race again in a heartbeat, and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to run a half or full mararthon!
by Leslie G. -
San Francisco 1/2 Marathon - what an experience!
So today I ran my first half marathon with a couple of friends.
Despite having to get up at 430AM for a 545AM start in wave 5, the weather was uncharacteristically warm. A little high fog, temps around 63 (?) great running weather. The route had us starting at Justin Herman Plaza, running along the Embarcadero, through the Marina, up and over the Golden Gate on an out and back trip (did you know that the Golden Gate bridge is actually uphill both ways?!) then through the Presideo, the aves, and finally into Golden Gate park.
Overall the race was great, well managed and I personally didn't encounter any issues during my whole race - bonus.If you are thinking about a marathon, half or otherwise, I'd definitely consider this one. The chance to run through one of the greatest cities in the US? Seems like a sure thing to me!
General observations - More potties needed at the finish (I finished at the first 1/2 finishing line), and a few more needed at the start. (Although I didn't need them, some of the folks in my group did, and had to stand in pretty long lines).
by Joe C.
I never received my running shirt - apparently they ran out of men's medium (although I pre-ordered). They did take my name and other info, so I hope to see that sucka in the mail sometime soon. -
Awsome race
This was my first marathon. I used to live near San Francisco and it was nice to be able to run through the city. The race was really well organized –everything seems to run smoothly. Even checking in and picking up sweats was a breeze despite the 20 thousand runners. The hills were tough especially after halfway through, even the downhills hurt. They had water and cytomax about every two miles. Fans were sparse in many areas but there were a lot of people out there cheering. Great race!
by Mike M.
