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 ...

How the San Francisco Marathon Got Its Start

The San Francisco Marathon—celebrating its 50th birthday next year—is a race around the perimeter of San Francisco, past iconic landmarks, by historic neighborhoods, through Golden Gate Park and over the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a 26.2 mile loop where nearly 30,000 runners compete in the impossibly scenic USATF certified course. It's ...
The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the Golden Gate Dozen, with small silhoutettes of runners running in front of it

Golden Gate Dozen Run: Your 12-Mile SF Trail Guide | Scott Benbow’s City Guide

Start Easy, But Get Ready to Climb Start at the East Beach Parking Lot at Crissy Field, where the terrain is flat and the running is easy. The trail winds through the marsh with the Golden Gate Bridge ahead, and it is a beautiful place to settle into the run. Eventually, though, the route sends you uphill toward the Presidio Tunnel Tops. ...
A woman trail running uphill on a technical section.

5 Essential Skills to Improve Your Trail Running Game | Intermediate Trail Running Pt. 1

Trail running in its core is easy. It's basically a play in the woods. But once you have the basics down, the fun will move into getting good in increasingly difficult conditions. A couple years ago, we gave you a little introduction to trails. Now that you've had some time to put these tips into practice and learned to slow down, watch ...

From 240 Pounds to 2:40 Marathoner: Victor Hurtado’s Transformation

This is an updated version of the original article written by Victor Hurtado, 2019 San Francisco Marathon ambassador. Five years ago, I decided it was time for a change. I was sick of being tired all the time, of getting headaches on a regular basis. Sick of eating junk food every day, of being hungover, of being overweight. Sick of being ...
A doodle image of a runner running under the finish sign, beginning their post-race marathon recovery journey. A few people cheer her on as she finishes her race.

Intro to Triathlons Pt. 2: The HOW of Transition from Marathons to Tri’s

Last week, we learned about why triathlons might be the logical next step for you after you've done a marathon. This week, we'll look into the basics of triathlon training to get you started on your journey! Minimal gear that you'll actually need The first question you might have when it comes to triathlon training is what gear you'll ...
A woman partway through her triathlon smiles at the camera

Intro to Triathlons Pt. 1: Why Should You Try One After Your Marathon?

So you ran a marathon… now what? A triathlon might just be the answer to your question! If you just ran a marathon, you probably know this emotional rollercoaster: for a week you feel unstoppable and like a completely new person, and then, suddenly, you’re in that weird post-race slump of "okay, now what do I do with my life?" The ...
A runner points at the sky at the start line, using runner slang to tell others what's up

20 Vital Runner Slang Terms for Your Running Vocabulary

Have you ever run alongside a clydesdale? Or done some junk miles? And what about the kick, have you ever experienced it? Or maybe you've let out a snot rocket! If you don’t know how to answer because these sentences just don’t make sense in the context, don’t fret. Today, you’ll learn some runner slang! Written & ...
A couple has just finished the san francisco marathon, ready for their recovery

3 Things You Need to Do After Your Marathon (Plus a Few Recovery Tips from the Ultra & Trail Running World)

You did it! You crossed that finish line. After all the months of training, your journey has come to an end. However, it isn't over just yet. Let's talk about what happens next—your marathon recovery. Written & edited by Pavlína Marek Post-marathon recovery isn't just about putting your feet up (though that's definitely part of ...
Fort Mason festival pavilion where the SFM expo takes place, decked out in SFM banners

Before the Starting Line: Discovering Fort Mason | Scott Benbow’s City Guide

The San Francisco Marathon Expo is where race weekend begins. You’ll arrive at Fort Mason to pick up your bibs, browse the latest running gear, and feel the excitement that builds whenever thousands of people gather before a marathon. Written by SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow Edited by Pavlína Marek I look forward to the ...
Alexi Pappas at the 2024 San Francisco Marathon Alexi Pappas 10K

6.2 Facts About the 10k That’ll Blow Your Running Shoes Off

The 10K is one of the most popular distances out there. Whether you're thinking about doing your first one or you're a seasoned 10K runner, here are 6.2 cool facts about the distance! (We're willing to bet there's at least one or two you didn't know, so keep on reading.) #1: A "10K" and a "10,000m" are actually different events This one ...