Due to COVID-19, our 2021 San Francisco Marathon has been rescheduled to September 18-19, 2020. Below is a copy of the communication we sent to our runners. 

Letter to our Runners

Hello 2021 SFM Runner –

Due to ever-evolving City, County and State guidelines and ongoing COVID-19 conditions/vaccinations rollout, it has been determined that our race event will be postponed to September 18-19th, 2021. While official health and safety guidelines for mass participation events are still forthcoming, we are hopeful that moving our race date to September will allow the event to take place. We are fully committed to making this year’s race as safe and successful as possible for all our participants. Rest assured, as we continue to work with City, County and State officials, we will continue to keep you informed and will only make further changes that are absolutely necessary for your utmost health and safety. It is our goal to make things simple, convenient and dare we say it…even FUN. You can read more about our Return to Running plan here.

1. Change your registration to virtual
   If you choose to race with us virtually, your participant shirt and medal will be shipped to you 30 days after race day, 60 days for international runners.
2. Defer to 2022 or 2023
   If you choose to defer your entry to 2022 or 2023, there is a $39 deferral fee.

You have until July 1st to choose your alternative option. Choose your option here.

If you did not receive the above in an email, first check your spam folder. If you don’t find the email there, you have most likely unsubscribed from our email list. Please email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com so we can get you added back to our list.

Postponement FAQ

• I am unable to make the rescheduled date. Can I get a refund?

  The San Francisco Marathon is a staple in our community and an exciting one at that. We know we could not do it without you, the runner. As stated in our waiver that each participant is required to sign, we are unable to offer refunds and the reasons are many. The costs incurred to produce such an event are substantial and even more so when we are forced to move the event to a new date. In following City, County and State guidelines of safety, the San Francisco Marathon has a cap on the number of runners allowed and every year, it is a sellout event. In allowing runners to defer to a different year, please bear in mind we are only receiving revenue for one event that is actually taking place over the course of two events (i.e. 2021 and 2022). We appreciate your immense understanding in helping us recover some of the cost by offering deferrals for a fee. This is truly the only way we can continue the tradition of bringing this pertinent and wonderful event to you year after year.

• Why is there a deferral fee charged?

  We incur costs for our runners early in the year, the deferral fee helps to cover that cost in the deferral year. 

• How do I transfer to a virtual or defer my registration?

  You have until July 1st to choose your alternative option here. If you have a question about your 2020 deferred to 2021 registration, please email us at [email protected]thesfmarathon.com.

• What happens to my items (participation shirt/medal, loyal and referral items) if I move to virtual?
  Participation shirt/medal, loyal and referral items will be mailed to you 30 days after our race day on September 18-19th, 2021.
• I paid for Bart, VIP and/or Bib+Shirt Mailing when I registered. What happens to those if I move to virtual?
  Charges for Bart, VIP and/or Bib+Shirt Mailing will be refunded if you choose to move to our virtual race. Refunds will be processed within the next 45 days. Credits will be marked ‘Race Central’ on your statement.
• What happens to my items (participation shirt/medal, loyal and referral items) if I defer?
  • Participation Shirt/Medal – When deferring to 2022, no shirt and medal will be awarded for 2021, you will receive your participation shirt/medal in the year you defer to.
  • Loyal Status –
    • If you are a loyal runner and wish to continue your loyal status in 2022, you must run register to run virtually in 2021 and submit GPS proof of course completion or run using our VIRTUAL365 app by 12/31/2021.
    • You will have to register to run virtually here.
    • By registering to run virtually, the included shipping cost covers the shipping of any Loyal items you have earned
    • If you do not register to run virtually then your Loyal status will be lost and no items will be awarded.
  • 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. 
• I paid for Bart, VIP and/or Bib+Shirt Mailing when I registered. What happens to those if I defer?
  Your existing Bart, VIP and/or Bib+Shirt Mailing purchases will automatically be deferred to the year you select. 
• If I purchased a virtual registration, can I upgrade to an in-person registration?

  Yes, just email us at: [email protected]jumpingfences.org by July 1st to make this change. There is a $15 change fee plus the difference in the virtual registration price versus the in-person registration price.

• What happens to my hotel reservation?

  Please contact your hotel directly.

• What steps are you taking to make sure runners are safe?

  We continue to work closely with local, state and federal health officials to determine new best practices for mass gatherings.  More health and safety procedures for participants, volunteers, staff and spectators alike will be shared in the months ahead. You can read our Return to Running plan here.

Confused about your options? Our handy flowchart can help!

Additional Questions

You can review our rescheduling FAQ here. If you have a specific question email us here: customersupport@thesfmarathon.com. If you wish to speak with someone in person please call 415-209-5520. Please allow 3-5 days for a phone call back.