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 a guide, please email achillessfbayarea@gmail.com for information regarding registration (special pricing available), getting set up with a guide or any other additional support you might need.

Race Day Details

• AWD Program Rest & Reunion Area, with easy access to the Start and Finish Line.
• Accessible bib pickup pre-race and at race expo.
• ADA-compliant restrooms.
• Medical personnel, Prosthetist, bike mechanic, and volunteers on staff to assist as needed.

Questions about the course and race weekend? Please contact us.

AWD Program Details

• Guides

  Guides must wear their provided GUIDE bibs in order to be permitted on the course and to make it clear to race staff and other runners where our guides are located. Guides do not receive official finish times unless they purchase registration.

• Wheelchairs

  Both push-rim/racing and handcycles are allowed in all The San Francisco Marathon events. However, it should be noted that the full marathon’s course topography makes this event challenging for athletes in general and athletes with wheelchairs in particular. The race route includes several sections with steep inclines and uneven road surfaces.

  All wheelchair athletes will start at the back of the last wave for the safety of all participants.

• Duo Teams

  The San Francisco Marathon welcomes duo teams (an able-bodied person allowed to “push” a person with a permanent disability in a customized wheelchair, specific for outdoor road racing).

  Due to safety concerns, both team members, Pusher and Pushee, must be 18 years of age or older. The Pusher must maintain contact and control with the wheelchair at all times and have a tether on the chair. The Pushee in the wheelchair must wear a safety helmet at all times during the race. Motor, pedals, cranks or gears are strictly prohibited.

• Service Animals

  Athletes running with their registered service dog will be asked to start in the last starting corral, for safety reasons.