Oakland Marathon
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Elevation Gain
242m
Elevation Range
58m
Avg Temperature
57°F / 14°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A one-loop course through Oakland with an out-and-back on the Bay Bridge to Yerba Buena Island. The first 16km wind through Oakland neighborhoods with rolling hills around Lake Merritt and Piedmont Avenue. The bridge section (km 18-28) features a sustained climb to 58m on the eastern span, a descent to Yerba Buena Island, then the same profile in reverse. The final 14km are flat through West Oakland and along the waterfront back to the finish. Total elevation gain is approximately 242m.
Key Segments
Lake Merritt Loop & Piedmont Hills
Terrain: Rolling hills through Oakland neighborhoods. Elevation varies from near sea level to 40m. Short steep pitches around Piedmont Avenue and the east side of Lake Merritt.
Challenge: Several short climbs in the first 10km can lure runners into an aggressive effort too early
Tactic: Run these hills by effort, not pace. Keep the early climbs controlled — the Bay Bridge is coming.
Bay Bridge Out-and-Back
Terrain: Climb from sea level to 58m on the Bay Bridge eastern span bike path, descend to 25m at Yerba Buena Island turnaround, then reverse. Two significant climbs of 50+m each.
Challenge: Two sustained 2-3km climbs on an exposed bridge with potential wind. The mental challenge of turning around at YBI and climbing back up is significant.
Tactic: Shorten stride on the climbs and increase cadence. Use the descents to recover, not to hammer. Tuck behind other runners if there is headwind on the bridge.
Jack London Square to Finish
Terrain: Mostly flat through West Oakland and along the waterfront, finishing near Lake Merritt at sea level.
Challenge: Cumulative fatigue from the bridge climbs hits hard on these flat final miles. Mentally flat terrain with no landmarks to break up the monotony.
Tactic: If you paced the bridge well, you have energy to maintain pace here. Focus on turnover and form. The flat terrain is your friend.
Race-Specific Training
- •Practice bridge-style sustained climbs of 2-3km at 2-3% grade to simulate the Bay Bridge ascent — the gradient is moderate but the length is the challenge
- •Include short rolling hill repeats to prepare for the Lake Merritt and Piedmont Avenue sections in the first 10km
- •Train in cool, breezy conditions — March mornings in Oakland can be 8-14C (46-57F) with Bay wind on the bridge
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Sea level start and finish. Maximum elevation 58m on the Bay Bridge eastern span. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Late March. Typical race morning temps 8-14C (46-57F). Mild and comfortable for running. Occasional light rain possible but Oakland in March is often dry and partly cloudy.
Sun & Wind
Bay Bridge is fully exposed to wind from the Bay. The bridge section can have significant headwind in either direction. City sections are more sheltered. Morning sun should not be a factor.
What to Wear
Light layers for the start. Consider a light windbreaker or arm sleeves for the bridge section. Do not overdress — you will warm up on the bridge climbs.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Rolling hills through Oakland. Save energy for the bridge. Do not chase fast splits on the downhills. |
| km 10-18 | Goal pace on flat, effort-based approach to bridge | Transition from city to bridge. Settle into rhythm on the flatter West Oakland streets. |
| km 18-28 | Effort-based, accept slower splits on climbs | Bay Bridge out-and-back. Two big climbs. Run by effort, not pace. Accept 15-20 sec/km slower on the climbs. |
| km 28-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Flat to the finish. If you banked energy on the bridge, this is where you use it. Progressive pacing works well here. |
Race Day Tip
The Bay Bridge is the defining feature of this course and the section that will make or break your race. The bridge deck is fully exposed with no shelter from wind. On race morning, check the wind direction — headwind on the way out means tailwind on the return (and vice versa). Plan your effort accordingly. Carry your own hydration for the bridge section as aid stations may be limited on the span.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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