Run the 2025 San Francisco Ultramarathon

The Ultramarathon First 26.2 Miles (Out and Back)

Embark on an unforgettable San Francisco Ultramarathon journey, where the first 26.2 miles weave through iconic landmarks. From the lively Embarcadero to the captivating Golden Gate Bridge, experience the city’s beauty on paved roads.

Navigate Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park, and Fort Mason, reveling in the bay views and sounds. Touch Hoppers Hands beneath the Golden Gate Bridge before a scenic ascent up Long Dr., then a descent down Lincoln Blvd. on the ocean side of the city (look over your right shoulder!). As you run through the Richmond neighborhood, you are headed toward Golden Gate Park. A sharp turn right at Golden Gate Park takes you down to the ocean. Take in the smells of salt air and the sound of waves crashing as you run along the Great Highway.

This course, is open for the first loop and adds an extra challenge. Follow traffic laws on sidewalks and roads, guided by detailed maps, and bike marshalls will be out there with you to keep you on course. Cross the finish line and gear up for an equally thrilling second loop. The San Francisco Ultramarathon beckons – a thrilling adventure through the heart of the city!

The Ultramarathon Second Loop: The Official San Francisco FULL Marathon (Second 26.2 Miles)

The Second Loop: With the sunrise and the Bay Bridge over your shoulder, toe the line as you start your tour of San Francisco. Run along the bay through Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina Green and Crissy Field on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge. Your first leg of the bridge takes you into Sausalito where a one mile downhill lands you in Cavallo Point with amazing views of San Francisco across the bay. Head up and under the bridge to begin the journey back into San Francisco, through the Presidio and across the Richmond District neighborhood, into Golden Gate Park where the legendary Haight St. awaits you. Your journey continues across the city, through the Mission District, along newly developed Mission Bay and past the home of the Golden State Warriors and The San Francisco Giants. The Bay Bridge finish line awaits you where the cheering spectators are ready to celebrate your victory with you!

52.4 participants must complete the first loop before the last starting corral of the Full Marathon begins (5:30am). In order to qualify as an Official 52.4 Ultra Marathon Finisher and San Francisco Marathon Official Finisher, you must finish the second loop within 6 hours. After the final wave start, 52.4 participants must maintain a 13:45 minute per mile pace as The Official San Francisco Marathon course will be closed on a mile-by-mile rolling basis.

If you are unable to run within the allotted time for the first loop, you may not be able to start the second loop (The Official San Francisco FULL Marathon). If you don’t run the allotted time for the second loop, you will be asked to move onto the sidewalk. Once you are on the sidewalk, you must follow all traffic laws deemed by the City and County of San Francisco. The course will be re-opened to traffic and aid stations may be closed if you fall behind the 6 hour course limit.

Starting Times:

First Loop: 10:15 pm

Second Loop: 5:15 am – 5:30 am

The San Francisco Marathon will provide on course support via course monitors in cars and on bicycles that will travel the first loop with the 52.4 participants, stopping at designated areas along the route and checking runners in at each stop. Aid stations will support 52.4 participants during the first loop only. Volunteer Teams will be assigned to the aid stations and will be equipped with first aid supplies, water, fuel and food.

All 52.4 participants have the option of providing The San Francisco Marathon with a drop bag of their own food and supplies. 52.4 participants will be able to drop off their bag at the Ultramarathon Tent at check-in on race day.

The participant’s drop bag will be left at the 52.4 Tent. Ultramarathon participants will have access to their drop bag between the first and second loop and after the second loop.

Drop bags should be securely tied and clearly marked with the the Ultramarathon participant’s name, bib number and phone number. Do not leave valuables in your bags. The San Francisco Marathon cannot be held responsible for lost bags. Please do not use paper bags, shoe boxes, or anything that can get wet and tear easily.

52.4 participants must pick up their drop bag after their second loop by 1pm. Bags not picked up or claimed within 72 hours of the event are donated to local charity.

Designated aid stations in the First Loop:

• Mile 7.5 (just entering Golden Gate Park) – next station is in 6 miles
• Mile 14 station (along the Great Highway) – next station in 7 miles
• Mile 20.5 station (Stilwell Hall) – next station in 6.2 miles
• Mile 26.2 station – Check in Area

For the second loop, Ultramarathon participants will utilize the official race water stops.

Because of the time and nature of this event, Ultramarathon participants will have to run on the sidewalks, follow all traffic laws, etc. to enhance safety and avoid disqualification. There are no road closures or traffic control in the first loop of the Ultramarathon. Be alert. Do not take risks. For the first loop of the Ultramarathon, participants will be expected to obey the California Vehicle Code (see below for more details on the California Vehicle Code):

• Cross roads only in crosswalks or at intersections and allow approaching vehicles to pass.
• Stop at red lights.
• Do not run in a bicycle lane when a sidewalk is adjacent.
• Run on the LEFT side of the road against traffic.

If you have any questions, please email us at customersupport@thesfmarathon.com.

Additional Rules:

1. Medical history should be written on the backs of bibs to expedite the delivery of emergency care.
2. Bib number should be worn on the front of your shirt or shorts.
3. Keep noise to a minimum on streets and at aid stations on the first loop.
4. Must run with a head lamp and reflective vest/gear; a blinking red light is STRONGLY recommended. 52.4 participants will NOT be allowed to participate without proper reflective gear.
5. Hat or visor to reduce the glare of headlights is recommended.
6. Carrying pepper spray and/or whistle is recommended.
7. Each 52.4 participant must carry a course map and a cell phone during the first loop (Participants will be provided with a 52.4 Ultra Marathon and San Francisco Marathon phone number to call in case of emergency).
8. Each 52.4 participant must carry a water bottle during the first loop.
9. Do not litter the neighborhoods, parks or streets of San Francisco! Carry trash with you until you meet up at an aid station.
10. If you need to drop out of the event, please stop at one of the aid stations and notify them that you are not continuing. Volunteers will transport you back to The Embarcadero or help you secure a ride back (Taxi).
11. No dogs, children, strollers, alcohol or headphones allowed.
12. Wheelchairs need prior approval.
13. Pacers are not allowed. Only registered 52.4 participants may participate in this event.

California Vehicle Code

Be safe. Read the Rules.

PEDESTRIANS’ RIGHTS AND DUTIES (Excerpted from the California Vehicle Code)
RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALKS
21950. (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (b) The provisions of this section shall not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run in the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian shall unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. (c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

VEHICLES STOPPED FOR PEDESTRIANS
21951. Whenever any vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

RIGHT-OF-WAY ON SIDEWALK
21952. The driver of any motor vehicle, prior to driving over or upon any sidewalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching thereon.

PEDESTRIANS OUTSIDE CROSSWALKS
21954. (a) Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard. (b) The provision of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.

CROSSING BETWEEN INTERSECTIONS
21955. Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.

PEDESTRIAN IN BICYCLE LANE
21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility.