SF Marathon Ranked #2 Most Beautiful Marathon in the USA

Our city, your course, and now officially one of the most breathtaking races in the world! From postcard views to once-in-a-lifetime finish line feels, the San Francisco Marathon is officially one of the most breathtaking races on the planet. We’ve always believed our course was something special—but now, it’s official. The San ... More
Alexi Pappas at the 2024 San Francisco Marathon Alexi Pappas 10K

10 Reasons You Should Do a 10K at the 2026 San Francisco Marathon

A 10K is kind of the best deal in running. You get the satisfaction of doing a real race. The bib, the start line excitement, the finish line high,... you get the whole package. However, unlike with longer races, you usually won't need the long, limping recovery (or the 16-week training takeover of your life) that a half marathon or full ... More
A woman is tying her running shoes on a road with a 2026 sign, ready to achieve her running goals

Still Looking for a 2026 Running Goal? Here Are a Few Fun Options!

Fancy seeing you here! By clicking on this article, you already took the first step on a new and rewarding journey. Today, let's cook up your running goal for the year. Or pick (and personalize) one of those I've created for you, there are ten options to choose from! Written & edited by Pavlína Marek Why a precise running goal beats ... More
Cal Calamia finishes the 2023 San Francisco Marathon, which was accompanied by great race weekend weather

Weather in San Francisco During Race Weekend | You Asked We Answered

Those of us lucky enough to have run in San Francisco already know the drill. One minute you’re warm, the next minute you’re wondering why you didn’t bring gloves. The famous San Francisco microclimates can make any run an adventure. If you’re traveling in for race weekend, your questions about the weather might be among the louder ... More
A runners is taping a blister on the heel of their foot.

Blisters: What Are They, Why Are They, and How to Treat Them | Foot Clinic

If you're a runner, chances are you've dealt with foot blisters at some point during your training. Especially if you're at the start of your journey, figuring things out, you're more likely to experience these minor but uncomfortable injuries. These painful, fluid-filled bubbles also seem to appear at the worst possible times—even if you ... More
Wisdom for first time half-marathoners | SF Marathon

Wisdom For First Time Half-Marathoners: 5 Tips to Help You Crush Your Race

Toeing the line for your first half marathon is as exciting as it can be terrifying. Fear not; Vanessa Wallace, a passionate runner who's done the San Francisco Marathon, is here with some tips to crush your first 13.1 stress-free! Contributed by Vanessa Wallace, 2019 San Francisco Marathon Ambassador and a lover of selfies, cows, and ... More
A woman is sitting cross-legged on the floor wearing woolen socks and a chunky sweater and journaling, doing her 2025 reflection

Reflect on Your Running & Celebrate Your Progress to Keep Moving Forward (+ Journaling Prompts)!

As we near the end of 2025, let's pause for a moment and take a deep breath together. There's something precious we often overlook in our busy lives—and that is taking time for reflection. Specifically, reflection on your (2025) running journey. You see, when you're caught up in chasing the next race or hitting that new personal record, you ... More
A close-up on a woman with a yellow shirt wearing a continuous glucose monitor and tracking her meal

Glucose, Meal Tracking with Levels, and 3 Food Rules—Simple & Short

San Francisco Marathon Ambassador Scott Benbow continues on his journey of exploring the advantages of continuous glucose monitors for runners. Today, he'll talk you through his experience with meal tracking and food rules he found along the way. Written by SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow Edited by Pavlína Marek Earlier this year, I wrote ... More
A woman looks between a clock and a calendar with her period marked out, perhaps considering running.

Running on Your Period: Let’s Talk Science, Myth, and Health.

On the fourth day of my five-day ultramarathon in Kenya, I made it to the second aid station and went to use the bathroom. (By "the bathroom," I mean a military-style hole-in-the-ground, green-tent toilet with the most gorgeous view a toilet could ever have.) It was roughly ten in the morning and I still had about seven hours to go, and then ... More

Weird, Embarrassing, and Gross Moments in Running

Us runners have more than enough experiences we often can't really share with our non-running friends without scaring them off. Whether it’s withstanding mileage-induced hemorrhoids or being the accidental target of a snot-rocket, we have all experienced a Petri dish of embarrassing, gross, and weird moments while running. This is an ... More
race pace group

Pace Groups Etiquette, Demystified

Ever wonder how pace teams form, and what the etiquette is for running with them? Here are answers to the top 5 most frequent questions we hear regarding pace groups on race day. 2. Do I have to sign up? There is no sign up and pace groups are free to join. Locate your appropriate pacer at the start of the race and stand next to/nearby ... More