Traditional Greek pottery art with silhouettes of men running

26.2 Curious Facts about Marathons to Fill your Need for Wonder

The marathon is a test of endurance, spirit, and willpower. It covers 26.2 miles (or 42.195 kilometers), which has become the ultimate challenge for long-distance runners. In the world of running, marathons hold a special place in many runners' and non-runners' hearts. Basic Marathon Facts A marathon is a long-distance running event ... More
Streetcar no 1015 Illinois Terminal Railroad drives through the Castro District on the historic F-Market Line

The Historic F-Market Line | SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow’s City Guide

Welcome to an exploration of San Francisco’s vibrant culture and astonishing history. Each month, we’ll focus on a different San Francisco subject, uncovering the stories that have shaped the city’s character. This time around, it's the historic streetcar F-Market Line. If you’re running the San Francisco Marathon and would like to ... More
Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Fields, one of the green spaces in San Francisco, great place where to run in San Francisco.

Top 8 Perfect Fall Runs for Fitness Lovers in San Francisco

Running in San Francisco during autumn is an experience unlike any other. With the city's iconic hills, ocean breezes, and breathtaking vistas, it's hard to find a better backdrop for your run. As the fall season rolls in, you'll notice the mild weather offering the perfect climate to lace up your sneakers and hit the roads and trails without ... More
The Transamerica Pyramid dominates the San Francisco City Skyline

The Transamerica Pyramid | SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow’s City Guide

Welcome to the first installment of this exploration of San Francisco’s vibrant culture and astonishing history. Each month, we’ll focus on a different San Francisco subject, uncovering the stories that have shaped the city’s character. If you’re running the San Francisco Marathon and would like to learn more about the city, or if ... More
SKOUT poses in his gear, including the helmet

SFM Ambassador DeadSkout’s Coast-to-Coast Run for Mental Health!

In an incredible run across the U.S., he will depart Santa Monica, California aiming to finish in under 50 days by averaging 60-65 miles daily! We’re proud to stand behind him as members of the Sadboy Crew and support his dedication to shedding light on mental health and suicide prevention. Want to get involved? Donate to the Cause: Your ... More
Scott Benbow runs during the RUN365 series. Scott uses rucking to prevent injuries and train for marathons.

Rucking the Alexi Pappas 10K at the San Francisco Marathon

Instead of running one of the races during the San Francisco Marathon weekend, I decided on rucking the Alexi Pappas 10K this year. As you may know, rucking is walking, hiking, or running slowly with a weighted backpack. This would be my first rucking race. Written by Scott Benbow Edited by Pavlína Marek Training Gearing up for the ... More
Header for the 2024 San Francisco Marathon Athlete Guide with runners running from the olden Gate Bridge

Race Director Lauri Abrahamsen Introduces the 2024 San Francisco Marathon Live on TV

Less than two days remain before the 2024 San Francisco Marathon runners take to the streets of our beautiful city. With the race quickly approaching, final preparations are underway and the SF Marathon team is looking forward to welcoming our runners to the Race Expo. Only a few hours before the Expo is set to open its doors to the ... More
Old-fashioned San Francisco street cars ride around Mission District at sunrise

Miles 21-26.2: Mission District—Fast and Flat to the Finish Line | Course Landmarks and Their History

If you think of a marathon as two 10-mile runs followed by a 10-kilometer run, then the first two segments are done and there’s only one left. A glance at the elevation map for the final 10K reveals that the biggest and steepest uphills are behind you. The Haight neighborhood, Mission District, and the Dogpatch await your arrival. Take a ... More
Two athletes rest on the running track during their taper

Getting Yourself to Go Time: How to Taper Like a Pro in 5 Steps

You’ve followed the training plan, your final long run is done, and now you’re in the home stretch leading into race day. While some runners have no problem playing it cool in these final few weeks before the start line, a good percentage of us feel uneasy as we decrease our activity levels. How to taper without going crazy? Coach Karen ... More
Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park with yellow tulips in front of the Victorian building

Miles 16-20: NO DANCING in Golden Gate Park | Course Landmarks and Their History

The San Francisco Marathon course takes you on a counterclockwise 26.2 miles long tour along the Embarcadero of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, back to the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, to Haight Ashbury, the Mission, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and the finish line. We’ve introduced Mile 1 and The Embarcadero ... More