Damaris Gutierrez (middle) with two other SFM ambassadors toast with coffee to another succesful race.

A Q&A with SFM Community Manager Damaris Gutierrez | Meet the Team

Damaris Gutierrez is a San Francisco Marathon Community Manager, a mother, and a runner. She's the happiest when she gets to treat herself to food after a run with her friends. She joined the SFM team in 2023 as an ambassador and has been a steady source of inspiration not only for SFM runners but her colleagues, too. More
Haight Street view of the stockinged legs hanging out of the window. Haight Street comes after the famous Alvord Lake Bridge during the SF Marathon.

Alvord Lake Bridge & Haight Street | SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow’s City Guide

The San Francisco Marathon is a city race, but much of the course lies in quiet parks on both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge. Because the race begins before sunrise, there aren’t too many spectators along the course for the first nineteen miles. That, however, changes once you run under the Alvord Lake Bridge onto Haight Street. Written ... More
A woman runs with her dog, a happy terrier

Best Friends: 5 Ways to Safely Run with Your Dog!

When I come back from my teaching job, there's nothing better than disappearing into the woods for a run. Actually, scratch that—there is one better thing. It's disappearing into the woods for a run with my dog. Her unwavering excitement to go running no matter the weather helps me get out even when I'd rather stay in, and that wagging tail ... More
An illustration of people of all backgrounds running on treadmills and doing resistance training and strength training

How Can Resistance Training Elevate Your Running?

When you imagine yourself training for a marathon, I bet it includes a lot of time spent on a trail or treadmill, putting miles under your feet day in and day out. It’s not far off from reality. You do have to spend a lot of time running to do it to the extent a marathon pushes you to. However, that's not all you need to do. Resistance ... More
Runners half to marathon

Double the Distance: How to Go from a Half to a Full Marathon in 7 Simple Steps

Here we are: you've run the half marathon and now you're eyeing the full 26.2 miles. Fancy meeting you here, you absolute rockstar! 🌟 The good news is that going from a half to a full marathon is challenging, exciting, and totally achievable (with the right strategy and a sprinkle of grit). The bad news is... actually, I think there are ... More
Golden Gate Bridge, blue skies, and lupies flowering in the forgreound.Run in SF.

Spring has Sprung! Here Are 7 Best Places to Run in San Francisco.

Spring is finally here and it's the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. And San Francisco isn't just any place to run—with its famous hills (hello, leg day!), stunning views, and ideal spring weather, it has everything a runner could wish for. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting your fitness ... More
A view of Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge, a part of the new sfm half marathon course.

Elevation Celebration: New Miles in Marin County (Explore the New SFM Half Marathon Course!)

On the Golden Gate Bridge's north tower, between miles 7 and 8, Marathon runners and Bridge Half runners will spot a sign indicating they’re entering Marin County. If you're one of these runners, when you arrive at this sign, it’s time to gird your quadriceps because you’re about to cruise down some steep hills for the next several ... More

How Training for a Marathon is Like Planting a Tree

When you decide you want to train for a marathon, you begin a journey of growth that’s similar to that of a tree’s. When a tree starts out as a seed—an acorn, pinecone, samara, or any other—it’s fragile. The elements take the seed wherever they want, and until they find fertile ground any number of things can crush the seed before ... More
A young professional businessman with a smile runs with a suitcase and coffee.

How to Make Time for Running & Fit It Into Your Schedule as a Young Professional

Remember those college days when squeezing in a quick run between classes felt like a breeze? Fast forward to your first "real" job, and suddenly finding time to tie those running shoes seems like Mission: Impossible. The shift from campus life to the 9-to-5 grind can feel overwhelming. Your calendar is packed with meetings, deadlines loom ... More
Two young runners, a man and a woman, stretch together before a run to minimize injury

The Basics: Tips & Tricks for Preventing Injury & Maximizing Recovery

When it comes to running, there’s nothing more important than preventing injury. While running is generally a healthy and safe activity, just like with everything, there are some risks. Nipping the problems that may arise in the bud and safely continuing your training is what allows you to keep making consistent progress towards your goals. ... More