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Nov 14, 2024

The San Francisco Marathon Runner Comments

Back to The San Francisco Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 3.6

Spectators 2.6

Number of comments: 503 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 51 > ]

G. J. from Chicago, IL (8/1/2015) "Loved the Course!!!!!!!!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Great Course. Loved the hills and the views. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was a real treat. This was marathon #46, which has included international marathons. I put this course almost up there with Dublin, Ireland. As is the case with every marathon I've run, there are the seemingly dull 'filler' miles needed to complete the distance. This race was no exception. But running up the hills , through the park, along the Bay and through certain parts of SF was simply spectacular and more than offset the filler miles. One may temper my comments because my utter enjoyment may be due to me being from Chicago where it is FLAT, albeit, fast. Still, I really like the course. The organization is solid, but a bit wanting. Good job at the expo. The race is overpriced for what one receives, then we get hit with an unbelievable price for registering online. I think it was $15!!!!!!. There should be clearly identifiable mile markers at every mile. For the cost, there should be timers on the course, at least at every third mile. There were none, zero. You need two Gu stations. The water stations needed more tables. Runners should not have to wait for the water or sport drink to be poured into cups. The gear check for the marathoners was the longest distance from the start and finish, meaning the runners who had to run the longest distance also had the longest distance to walk. Not good. Spectators? Ouch. very weak. Indeed, I was floored to learn that this marathon has been in existence for nearly 40 years. If they are not out there after all of these years, they just aren't coming. Oh well. I want to run this marathon again, but the prices give me serious pause.
R. H. from Minnesota (7/29/2015) "Great race, great city but tough logistics" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 The San Francisco Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Good race to select in mid summer as temps are normally very moderate and that was the case again this year. Course is challenging but the experience is worth the effort and great volunteers/spectators really help. For those without cars (which I would advise not to use) one must really study and use the public transportation system to reach the Expo and Start which are miles and miles apart. Shuttles are offered from the host hotel so stay there or nearby. Greatest failing many of us see is the age group cut off at 70+. That is SO 1960's, RD! Any marathon of stature these day cuts off at 80+ and many are 85+. Race management needs to recognize that 80 is the new 60 in running! It really is a slap in the face because it's as though those beyond 74 don't exist! It's also a poor business practise because it causes many beyond that age range to avoid the race. That is not only poor business but it detracts from the overall image of the event. As a former RD myself, I would never have held an event that did not offer at least 85+. The cost is miniscule, RD, think about it!!!
E. S. from Maine (7/28/2015) "Loved San Francisco" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first time of running the 1st Half Marathon. The course is spectacular, as is the whole city. Loved running on the bridge, even on a foggy day. The weather actually made for perfect running conditions. My hotel, Le Meridien was only about four blocks away from the start. There was a scarcity of spectators, but the ones there gave it their all and many had music playing for encouragement. The musical group that played at the festival at the finish was excellent and very up-beat. Loved them. Finishing area was very well organized and in a great location. I would have liked more mile markers and time clocks. Thanks for running such a great running festival.
j. w. from Northern California (7/27/2015) "A World Class City / An Amateur Event" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The San Francisco Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 It appears the organizers of the SF Marathon are still trying to get their act together. By far this was the worst 'big-city' marathon I've ever run. I'll give them credit though - they've figured out they can charge top $, produce a so-so product, and get away with it. For now. At some point this is going to catch up with them. It's too bad because a city as scenic and vibrant as SF you'd think it's a can't miss and it is & at least for the first 13.1 That's fantastic. From the Embarcadero, across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Presidio to GG Park it's a stunner. The 2nd half can't live up to the first. It's dull and lifeless. But the problems are larger than that. The aid stations are haphazardly placed. The course at times is dangerously narrow and congested. Obstacles such as old rail lines, pot holes and steel poles lurk, waiting to twist an ankle or worse, and none come with any warning. If there were port-johns on the course I didn't see them. If you're accustomed to some bands during your race you'll be awfully disappointed. And if you need crowd support? Forget about it. Families/friends of racers were there but otherwise the city could care less about this race. And that's kind of the feeling you get from the organizers. Let's do what we need to do but otherwise that's about it. Even something as simple as playing some music after the 'gun' starts the race that's a no-brainer right? Nope. The 'gun' was a cable-bar bell (fine, I get it) but after that? Nothing. Just go run your race people. In every race I've run you always come away with some sense of place. Every city puts its unique stamp on it. This race? Not at all. Except for the scenery of the first half (again&it's pretty awesome) this race could have been run in a parking lot. Considering last year's debacle with the aid stations I can only conclude that the organizers are in over their head. A great city but not a great race.
Jeff Wang from Humble, Texas (7/26/2015) "I don't live on West Coast and run every year" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ The San Francisco Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 To reflect the last commenter, I don't live in West Coast, and this is my 13th San Francisco Marathon. I think SF Marathon is one of the most scenic yet challenging marathon out there. It has sone spectacular views both of the bay and throughout the city. I thoroughly enjoy running it every year, hailing from the state of Texas. As for the organization, it is quite well done, from the registration to the Expos at Fort Mason (and the school bus hauling marathoners there) to the actual race, where there are plenty of water stations and portapotty. There were a few more cars parked on the streets than before, so running around them can be annoying. Otherwise it was well organized. My complaint and my suggestion is that the race organizers should encourage slower runners to get to the side of the road. This is particularly annoying and borderline dangerous in some of the narrower running lanes. The best example is the Golden Gate Bridge, where runners will decide abruptly stop running to take a photo or two. I even saw a girl turned back and kneeled down to take pictures of friends while other runners have to avoid them. Perhaps a sheet on running etiquette and a few signs on the bridge to ask runners to get on the side of the road to take their pictures will be safer for all of us. I will be back again. PS for a nice gift for those of us who keeps on coming back. A small gesture is well appreciated.
Jeni Enjaian from South Carolina (5/31/2015) "If I Lived on the West Coast I'd Run Every Year" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The San Francisco Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Running the full in 2013 was my third race at the event. Even though I'm not going this year for a fifth time in a row, this race has a special place in my heart. (too sappy? ;)) Getting to the expo at the old location in the Tenderloin (I think) was fairly difficult. Not a lot of public transit went straight there. While I prefer the layout of that building, the new expo location is much easier to get to and much more scenic being at Fort Mason. There's a good number of vendors as well as plenty of information about the races. This marathon is unique (that I know of) in the fact that it has two half marathons, each of which covers one half of the course. They also offer plenty of swag/incentives. Starting in 2011 they added a 'Half It All Challenge.' Participants receive a pretty cool second (much larger and spinning) medal upon completion of the first and second halves in either order in consecutive years. For those people like myself who follow that up with the full you join the 52.4 club and receive a sweatshirt at the finish. They also have several other cross-promotions with other California races in which runners can participate and earn even more bling. The corrals are a mixed bag. For the first half and full marathon the organizers do a great job making sure only those supposed to be in a specific corral enter. The second half is a mess. There are no barriers or people checking. Even though runners are given a corral number it's pretty much self-seeding. Last year I started in the second corral just behind the elite and sub-seeded. Imagine my 'surprise' when I looked over to see the guy next to me wearing a corral 5 bib. The course is spectacular. This particular race is the only one that gives runners the opportunity to run on the road bed of the Golden Gate Bridge. Granted, with only two lanes designated for runners, this portion is guaranteed to be crowded. Save gazing at the awe inspiring scenery for the turnaround, a designated lookout point on the Marin County side of the bridge. Although the second half does not have teh bridge it does have Golden Gate Park including Stow Lake and the Conservatory of Flowers, Haight/Ashby street and a the finish on Embarcadero after running between AT&T Park and the Bay. Those running just the second half will enjoy the significant down hills. Full marathoners be prepared. The downhill after reaching Haight/Ashbury can do a number on your legs and feet. Refreshments on course: This race recently switched to Nuun for the electrolyte option. I am not a fan. For those that are, keep in mind that it is a 0 calorie electrolyte drink and does not provide the same boost that a Gatorade or Powerade would. They do also provide Gu gels and chomps at a few selected sites. Those are my personal favorites so I appreciate that. Refreshments post race: There is plenty available in the finisher area. In 2014 there was a particular vendor that we hit up a second time because the product was so good but I cannot remember what it was. I have heard that there have been various issues with running out of water at the water stops but I have not experienced this and cannot speak to that. The volunteers are excellent. I greatly appreciate the volunteer that the race stations about mile 24.5. Just before turning onto the sidewalk that encircles the park there is a step up onto a curb. It;s a little thing and I know it's there but it's still nice to have the reminder so that runners can avoid a late race faceplant. This race is one of my favorites and I'm bummed that I won't be returning this year.
Todd Wells from Chicago (11/13/2014) "Gimme Shelter" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The San Francisco Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Once I realized that the security guys manning the entries to the corrals were all members of the San Francisco Harley Davidson Club, I found myself humming Gimme Shelter for the first 5 miles of the race. But unlike their cohorts at Altamont, this motorcycle gang seemed to have everything under control. My corral was a well-organized affair; I arrived less than 15 minutes before the start and popped right in. The course is good. Its hilly, but not egregiously so. The start was at 5:30a, in the dark, which made it fun. The early miles pass through Fort Mason, where there were no lights. As I ran through the darkness, I was surrounded by the sound of disembodied applause - there were people cheering us on, but I couldnt see them. Running over GG Bridge as the sun comes up over the bay is spectacular. My one quibble with the course is the amount of time spent running through parks. Yes, theyre lovely and peaceful and all that, but its still just a bunch of trees. I realize that Im probably alone in this sentiment, but my favorite part of the course, after the bridge, was the final few miles through the industrial section of town, past the warehouses and docks - the part of the city where stuff gets done. They need more water stations in the last 6 miles. No asterisks or conditions or exceptions; they need more water stations. The race t-shirt was the best Ive seen in a long time. No ads, just the race name and a big picture of the bridge. Also, the t-shirts play to the egos of the marathoners: if you are running the full marathon, your t-shirt will say Full Marathon; if you are one of the pretenders in the half, your t-shirt will be a perpetual reminder that you only get half credit. Getting out to the expo at Fort Mason in the afternoon the day before was tolerable, but barely. Its not a location central to anything and cant be reached by rapid transit. Overall, a good event, and Id recommend it, though not enough to be shouting it from the rooftops. For a longer version, read this: http://traveldiaryofamadman.com/sfmarathon/
Will O'Keefe from Minneapolis, Minnesota (8/18/2014) "Some good things, but not one I'll be back for" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 The San Francisco Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I ran the full marathon and my wife ran the half marathon. There are some really good things about the race although I'd argue that they are more about the course than the organization of the race. Course: The course for the most part is beautiful and they clearly did their best to make it accessible. The first 21 miles are really good - but 22-25 are quite boring with a lot of turns through sparsely populated areas. I'd rather take a few extra hills and have a more interesting course. Organization: I was fortunate that I didn't have any issues with the water stop supply but I would definitely say that they were disorganized, under staffed and not consistent. My wife unfortunately ran with a pace group that would have had her PR only to find out at the end of the race that the pacers were 4 minutes behind the goal that they agreed to run. Also, the course had the full marathoners run right past the crowds and finish line for the half marathon separated only by a small fence - a little torturous. Spectators: By far the most disappointing part, I know I've been spoiled with Twin Cities Marathon but the lack of spectators was sad. It's clear that either SFM hasn't reached out to the community enough or they just haven't been able to connect. The only place that we saw crowds were near the 1st half marathon finish line and in the last mile. All together, it's a race with so much potential that just fell flat for me.
c. e. from California (8/15/2014) "Boring medal!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The San Francisco Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I entered this race to get the beautiful California Dreaming medal after completing 'Surf City' in Huntington Beach. The course is great, very unique. Could not find most of the mile markers?? The Calif Dreamin medal is AWESOME! The San Fran race medal was plain bronze, no color, cheap made in china. So disappointing if you chase medals!! I painted the golden gate bridge on the medal red so it would not look so depressing.
J. T. from Dallas, Texas (8/11/2014) "Good Summer Marathon - Race Director needs to read" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 The San Francisco Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is my review of the 2014 San Francisco Marathon, my third SFM and 44th marathon overall. Overall the race organizers did a very good job providing a great marathon experience - with some improvements (still) needed. To prep for the race, I read previous reviews back to 2010 and the Race Director needs to read the posts as some problems are repeated year-in, year-out (aid stations running out electrolyte, few mile markers). SUMMARY: I would rate the overall marathon experience a 7 out of 10. Running through a lot of famous SF sites including over the Golden Gate Bridge in relatively cool temperatures should be experienced at least once. The city is the major selling point - so electric & beautiful. It is a very cool place to enjoy before, during & after the run. Regarding the marathon experience: RACE ORGANIZATION: A very good job as most elements of pulling off a marathon were provided in a quality fashion befitting such a great city. On-line registration was easy. I felt the full marathon cost was not bad at all, especially when you look at what other cities are charging (e.g., NY, Chicago). The website is easy to navigate, functional and worked fine. The race organization team did a great job of addressing the necessary elements of the race: course layout/security/street closures, volunteers, aid station locations, pace teams, start/finish line details. Race Director PLEASE READ my NEEDS TO IMPROVE comments. EXPO: Fort Mason site worked great. Hyatt Embarcadero shuttle was appreciated. Plenty of vendors and good, cheap, previous year shirts to be had. Shirt/Bib pickup was a breeze. Would have been nice to get a goodie bag. PRE-RACE / START LINE: Start area was a beautiful site on the Embarcadero near the Bay bridge. Corrals worked fine. Start times were fine, early start in cool weather was great. As always, you can always use more Port a-Potties, especially at the start! COURSE: Beautiful/Hilly/Interesting for the miles 0 to about 16. Piers/Marina/Golden Gate Bridge, Route along ocean to Park, Golden Gate Park, Haight, were great. The later teens and 20s are pretty boring through industrial areas. The finish by AT&T park and Embarcadero was very nice. FINISH LINE: Good, along Embarcadero near Pier 1. Finish corral was small. Need more water at the finish area. Boxed water 1st thing was ok but need more water/electrolyte available to runners besides after you cross the finish. Food was poor/average - muffins & banana (expected more from SF). Beer garden at the finish was appreciated. FAN SUPPORT: Pretty bad. Spare is being kind. Embarrassing sparse for such a hip city. Im guessing that most fans along the route were related to runners. Not too much music/bands on the route either - pretty bad considering its SF. NEEDS TO IMPROVE: Please put a MILE MARKER AT EACH MILE MARK. How much does a sign/poster cost for each marker ? Many runners have their own GPS device but we do like to verify the official course marks. Not having a Sign/Marker at the 13.1 mark (for the full runners) was inexcusable - having a road pad and a guy sitting on the grass was very lame - I had to ask him if that was the 1/2 mark. More Port a-Potties at the start and along the course are needed. Registration cost should cover this. Aid stations in the 2nd half ran out of electrolyte. THIS WAS TERRIBLE. Water was the only option. The cost of any marathon should ensure that Aid stations do not run out of anything. PLEASE have WATER available (even at cost) at the Expo. I thought I could buy a bottle of water/gatorade at the Expo - but no none was available - there was no food/water for sale at the Expo. I had to use the well worn single water fountain outside the one small bathroom to get a few sips in during the expo - that stinks, runners need to hydrate before the race and this was a big annoyance. More fan/local support is needed to make this an upper notch marathon. Some posters/flags through the city / route would help advertise the race and at least it would give the runners a feeling that the city cared about the race. Please keep the finish line area and beer garden open a little bit longer if at all possible. Having a wine option would be nice too (wine country is all around isnt it?). Runners who finish in more than 5 hours didnt have much time to get a beer, and the runners who finished closer to the cut off 6 hr or after probably found the area closed - give the slow runners/walkers some love as they struggle to just finish.

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