San Francisco Marathon
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Elevation Gain
379m
Elevation Range
85m
Avg Temperature
58°F / 14°C
Course Profile
hilly
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
One of the hilliest major marathons in the US with approximately 380m of cumulative elevation gain on a loop course that starts and finishes at sea level. Net elevation change is zero, but the cumulative climbing is relentless. The one thing that makes SF unique is running across the Golden Gate Bridge — a stunning but physically demanding out-and-back that defines the first half of the race.
Key Segments
Embarcadero to Golden Gate Bridge
Terrain: Rising from sea level (3m) along the waterfront to 70m at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza. Sustained 1-3% grade approach through Crissy Field.
Challenge: The steady climb to the bridge comes early when legs are fresh, tempting an aggressive pace that will cost you later on the return climb
Tactic: Run conservatively on the approach. The bridge itself is exposed to strong wind — tuck behind other runners if possible.
Golden Gate Bridge Out-and-Back
Terrain: Bridge crossing at 65-70m, descent to Vista Point turnaround, then reverse climb. Return descends back to sea level.
Challenge: Wind on the bridge can be fierce. The turnaround and return climb are mentally and physically demanding.
Tactic: Do not fight the wind — adjust effort, not pace. Accept slower splits on the bridge. The descent after the return is your reward.
Presidio & Golden Gate Park Rollers
Terrain: Rolling hills through the Presidio (22-50m) with short steep pitches, then undulating terrain through Golden Gate Park (8-48m)
Challenge: Short steep hills through the Presidio and deceptive undulations in Golden Gate Park that hit hard on tired legs
Tactic: Shorten stride on hills, increase cadence. These are not long climbs but they accumulate. Run effort-based, not pace-based.
Panhandle to Embarcadero Finish
Terrain: Mostly flat from Golden Gate Park (10m) through the Panhandle and back to the Embarcadero (3m). One moderate climb around km 38-39.
Challenge: Cumulative fatigue from all the climbing, plus one final hill that can break rhythm
Tactic: This is where a well-paced race pays off. Maintain cadence through the last hill, then open up for the flat waterfront finish.
Race-Specific Training
- •Train on sustained grades of 1-3% for 3-5km to simulate the Golden Gate Bridge approach — this is not steep but the length is the challenge
- •Include short steep hill repeats (200-400m at 5-8% grade) to prepare for the Presidio pitches and Golden Gate Park rollers
- •Practice running in cool, windy, damp conditions — July mornings in SF are foggy and cold, not the California sunshine most expect
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Sea level start and finish. Maximum elevation 87m in Golden Gate Park. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Late July. Typical morning temps 8-14°C (46-57°F). July in San Francisco is cooler than most expect. Fog usually burns off by mid-morning, so the second half may be warmer.
Sun & Wind
Golden Gate Bridge has strong, unpredictable wind. Fog keeps the first half cool and damp. Afternoon sun on the return through Golden Gate Park. Dress for fog, not summer.
What to Wear
Light layers you can shed. Arm sleeves are ideal for the foggy bridge crossing. Do not overdress — the fog will burn off.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-12 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Climbing to the bridge. Save energy for the return and the Presidio hills. |
| km 12-21 | Effort-based, accept wind-adjusted splits | Golden Gate Bridge out-and-back. Do not fight the wind. Accept slower splits. |
| km 21-35 | Goal pace, effort-based on hills | Presidio and Golden Gate Park rollers. Run by effort. Short hills accumulate — manage them, don't attack them. |
| km 35-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Mostly flat to the finish. If you trained the hills and paced the bridge, this is your reward. |
Race Day Tip
The Golden Gate Bridge is the coldest, windiest point on the course — and you hit it before km 15 when your body hasn't fully warmed up. Wear a light windbreaker or throwaway long sleeve for the bridge crossing, even if the start feels mild. You can ditch it at the Marin turnaround.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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