Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Precautions

You can read our detailed Return to Running plan here. As we know more this page will be updated. Runners will receive email communication about expectations for Race Weekend as we get closer to July 2021.

Registration

• How can I confirm my registration?

  To confirm your registration, check your status on our registration look-up. Please allow 24 hours after registering for your confirmation to appear in the results.

  If you deferred from 2020, you can confirm your registration in late January 2021.

• How do I update to my registration?

  To update the details of your registration (finish time, mailing address, shirt size or emergency contact), email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com by or before May 31, 2021. Updates after this date must be made at the Solutions Table at the Expo.

  Event changes can be made remotely until May 31, 2021 for a $15 fee. After that, all requests must be made in person at the Solutions Table at Expo and are based on availability. 

  For upgrades, please email support@emallc.com. The $15 change fee plus the difference in the ticket price will be applied. For downgrades, please click here. 

  Please note that if you paid to have your Bib and Shirt mailed to you, any distance change after April 1, 2021 will have to be made at the Solutions Table at the Expo.

• Can I transfer my registration to another runner?
  Transfer: You may not give or sell your bib number to another individual – doing so could result in your disqualification as well as the runner using your race number.
• Can I defer my registration to another year?
  We have a new “No worry deferral policy.” If for any reason you want to defer your race to 2022, you can email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com before April 30, 2021 and defer your registration to 2022 for $39 plus any additional shipping charges.

  The following stipulations apply:

  • Participation Shirt and Medal – no shirt or medal will be earned in 2021.
  • Loyal Status – If you are a loyal runner and wish to continue your loyal status in 2022, you must run virtually in 2021 and submit GPS proof of course completion or run using our VIRTUAL365 app by 12/31/2021. When you reach out to defer your registration you will be given a comp code to register for a 2021 virtual race. 
  • Loyal Gifts earned in 2020 – gifts for years 5 and above can be shipped for $9.99 domestic or $39.99 international. This fee will be processed when you pay for your deferral. Shipping will occur 30 days after 2021 race day. If you choose not to have your items shipped, they can be picked up in 2022 at the Expo. 
  • Referral items – any referral items that you earned for referring runners in 2021 can be shipped for $9.99 domestic or $39.99 international. This fee will be processed when you pay for your deferral. Shipping will occur 30 days after 2021 race day. If you choose not to have your items shipped, they can be picked up in 2022 at the Expo. 
  • NOTE: If both loyal and referral items were earned then the combined shipping cost will be $15.99 domestic or $28.99 international.
  • Bib and Shirt Mailing, VIP or Bart Bus Tickets
  • If you had purchased Bib and Shirt mailing, VIP or Bart Bus Tickets, those will be deferred to 2022 along with your registration.
• Can I cancel my registration?

  This year we are offering a Refundable Registration. Please read the details carefully to decide if you wish to add the Refund Option to your registration. You cannot add this later, it must be added at the original time of purchase. If you do not choose the refundable option during registration, no refund will be granted per the waiver you agree to during registration.
  

Race Weekend

• When/Where is the Expo?

  More information about the 2021 San Francisco Marathon Expo will be released in early 2021.
  

• Where do I pick up my bib?

  You have two options to receive your bib this year.

  1. You can purchase bib and shirt mailing when registering for $29 domestic or $39 international. You can also add it to your registration at a later time here. This option is only available until April 1, 2021.
  2. Pick your bib up at the Expo. Runners are required to bring a photo ID to pick up their bibs. In the event that a runner is unable to pick up their own bib, another person will be able to pick it up with a copy of the runner’s ID.
• Where do I leave my stuff while I run the race?

  At the Expo, you will be given a clear Gear Check Bag. You will be instructed to write your bib number on your bag, and store your stuff in this bag on race morning. UPS will be sponsoring our Gear Check. UPS trucks will be collecting Gear Check Bags near the appropriate Start Lines and will be returning Gear Check Bags at appropriate Finish Lines. On race morning, look for signage that will direct you to the appropriate UPS truck. The San Francisco Marathon/UPS is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

• How can I retrieve my Gear Bag if I forgot to pick it up?

  If you left your Gear Check Bag behind on race weekend, you must email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com within 7 days to have your items to you for a $20 shipping charge.

• Toggle trigger

  On race day, check the Lost and Found at the Information Booth. After the race, found items will be returned to the SFM office after the race. If you remember after the race please email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com to see if your item was turned in or found.

• What security measures have The San Francisco Marathon put in place?

  The physical security of participants, volunteers, spectators and staff is The San Francisco Marathon’s top priority.  We are exhaustive in our planning, and work year-round with the City and County of San Francisco, SFPD, SFFD, our medical team and first responders to provide the safest experience possible.

Course

• What are the course time limits?

  Full Marathon – 6 hours or 13:44 minute mile pace
  1st Half Marathon – 3 hours or 13:44 minute mile pace
  2nd Half Marathon – 3.5 hours or a 16:02 minute mile pace
  Ultra Marathon – 6 hours or a 13:45 minute mile pace
  5K Race – 1 hour or 19.5 minute mile pace

  If you do not finish under the course limit, we can not guarantee you a medal, official finishers time or access to water stops.

  *Ultra Course Time Limits – Ultra runners must complete the first loop before the last wave of the Full Marathon begins, at 6:32AM. In order to qualify as an official Ultra finisher, runners must finish the second loop within 6 hours. If runners are unable to finish the first loop within the allotted time, runners may not be allowed to start the second loop. All runners that are still running after the course is closed will be asked to continue running on the sidewalk.

• Can I bring my own water bottle?

  Runners are encouraged to bring their own water vessels (handhelds, fuel belts and 50 oz (or smaller) vests. No large backpacks allowed) and refill them at our touchless water stops. 

• Can I wear headphones on the course?

  Headphones are allowed on course. Please be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any directions any course monitors give. 

• Are strollers allowed on course?

  Only the 5K has a stroller division. Runners with strollers are required to start in the last wave for safety purposes.

• How can I see a map of the course?

  Course Maps can be found on the race pages:
  Full Marathon Info
  1st Half Marathon Info
  2nd Half Marathon Info
  Ultra Marathon Info
  Saturday 5K Race Info
  Sunday 5K Race Info

• How can I see an elevation map of the course?

  Course Elevation Maps can be found on the race pages under “Details” and “Elevation”:
  Full Marathon Info
  1st Half Marathon Info
  2nd Half Marathon Info
  Ultra Marathon Info
  Saturday 5K Race Info
  Sunday 5K Race Info

• How many water and fuel stops are on course?

  The Full Marathon includes 16 water stops where you can find water, electrolyte, medical, and toilets. Water stops 5 and 10 include GU energy chews.
  

• Timing corrections and questions.

  To submit a timing question or request a correction be made to your results, please complete a request form (link on the top right).

Photos

• How can I access photos of myself from the race?

  Runners will receive an email with their photos within a few days after the race. To see photos from previous years, visit our Race Results & Photos page.

Challenges

• How do I qualify for a challenge?

  Each of our challenges are unique and require different qualifying criteria. To learn about each challenge and the eligibility involved, visit our Challenges page.

• How do I confirm my challenge eligibility?

  To confirm your challenge eligibility, please visit our Challenge Eligibility Look-Up.

Charity

• How does your charity program work?

  Visit our Charity page to see a list of benefits. Please email us at [email protected]com for more information and official 2021 charity program application.

Pacers

• What are the Pacer paces and times?

  For an extensive breakdown of our Pacer paces and times, visit the Pace Group Info page.

• How can I become a Pacer?

  Our pacer positions are mostly filled by a few of our amazing running clubs.  If our clubs can’t fulfill a pacer position we will open it up to the running community, this typically happens mid to end of June.  Email customersupport@thesfmarathon.com to be added to a list to be contacted if a slot opens up.

Transportation

• Are there Runner Shuttles on race morning?

  Yes, runner shuttles will be offered, please check back in early 2021 for more information.

• Does BART run on race morning?

  No, BART does not run early enough to get you to the Start Line. The San Francisco Marathon will be offering early morning bus service from 6 Bay Area BART stations. Visit our Travel and Lodging page for information on pick-up times and locations.

• Is there parking near the course?

  Parking in the city can be a challenge, especially when large-scale events are happening. Please make sure to give yourself enough time to find parking on race morning.

• How else do you recommend traveling within the city on race weekend?

  Rideshare with Lyft! For details on how to request or preschedule a ride, please see our Travel and Lodging page.

  Renting a scooter or bike is also a great option (there will be a bike valet at the Expo!). Check out companies like Scoot, Ford GoBike, or Ferry Building Bike Rentals for more information.

Course Certification

• Is The San Francisco Marathon USATF Certified?

  Yes, our Full, 1st and 2nd Half Marathons are USATF Certified.

• Is The San Francisco Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifying Race?

  Yes, completing The San Francisco Marathon, in the allotted time, will qualify runners for The Boston Marathon.

Runners with Disabilities

• Can I run the San Francisco Marathon if I have a disability?

  Yes, we are very supportive of our runners with disabilities.

• I am blind and need a guide. How does my guide register?

  The San Francisco Marathon strives to provide a race that is accessible and safe for ALL runners. To help us do so, we have partnered with Achilles International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

  Achilles International is a non-profit organization that provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community.

  Athletes wishing to participate in The San Francisco Marathon’s AWD Program, as a runner or as a guide, please email achillessfbayarea@gmail.com for information regarding registration (special pricing available), getting set up with a guide, or any additional support you might need.

• Do you allow wheelchairs?

  Yes, we allow wheelchairs. Wheelchairs will be placed in the last corral for safety reasons. After you register please email customersupport@thesfmarathon.com so we can place you in the correct corral.

• Do you allow guide dogs?

  Yes, before you register you must email customersupport@thesfmarathon.com to submit your dog’s paperwork. You and your dog will be placed in the last corral for safety purposes. Your dog must be on a leash the entire time.

Additional Questions?

Have a question not listed on our FAQ?

Please contact us at: customersupport@thesfmarathon.com.

Customer Service inquiries will be followed up Monday – Friday, within 48 hours.