Popular running events in San Francisco

Here I summarize the most popular running events in San Francisco

1. Bay to Breakers in San Francisco

May 17, 2009

This is the biggest running/walking event in San Francisco. A lot of fun and very good for beginners. Many people run with costumes. This is the first event I joined when I moved from NY to SF.

It's 7.5 miles (12K). It starts from Market Street (Financial District) to Golden Gate Park.

2. San Francisco Marathon

July 26, 2009

It has four courses: 5K walk/run, two half marathons (first half and second half) and a full marathon.

I ran the 5K in 2005, the second half marathon in 2006, and the first half marathon in 2007.

The first half marathon starts at 5:40 AM near Ferry Building (the whole marathon starts at 5:20AM), crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and finishes in the Golden Gate Park. The route is more hilly, but you get the chance to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and back to the Golden Gate Park.

The second half marathon starts in the Golden Gate Park and finishes in front of the Ferry Building. It starts at 8:20AM and the route is flatter than the first half marathon.

3. Bridge to Bridge Run

October 4, 2009

This has a beautiful route. It has two courses: 7K and 12K. I joined 12K in 2004 and 7K in 2007. It starts at Ferry Building and finishes in Presidio Park.

You can walk or run for the 7K course, so it's a very beginner friendly race. You get to see one of the most beautiful areas in San Francisco.

I started to enjoy running, since I joined this race.

When I crossed the Crissy Filed, I got a feeling just like the movie, Forrest Gump.

4. Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco

October 18, 2009

It gives Tiffany necklace and gifts at the finish line for whole marathoner and half marathoner. The registration is always full in one or two days when they open the registration online.

It’s the most difficult run to get in, because it usually sells out in a few days. If you want to get a Tiffany necklace, you need to pay attentions to the registration open days.

5. U.S. Half Marathon in San Francisco

November 1, 2009

This race has some kid friendly runs of three age groups: 4/5 years old – ¼ Mile, 6/7 years old – ½ Mile, 8/9 years old – ¾ Mile.

San Francisco Half Marathon

Some photos taken on August 3rd of San Francisco Half Marathon

There are more here.

Peace Runner Google Group

There are a lot of files sharing regarding to running tips.
You are welcome to join us, but please tell us who you are!
http://groups.google.com/group/peace-runners

See the lady behind me. She is 72 years old.
This is her first half marathon and she finished in less than 3 hours with me.

Nike Women’s Marathon

Two of my coworkers ran the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco on October 21 , 2007. Here are some souvenirs from the event. Please don't be shocked. You will get a Tiffany necklace when you finish the whole or half marathon.

Don't envy. Just join us and run it, so you'll get it for yourself.
I had promised my wife that I will get one for her next year. We will see!!
Thanks my coworker, Ka-Fai for contributing these "amazing" photos.

2006 SFM - The First Half Marathon

This was the first long distance run (13.1 miles) I did in 2006.

When you run, you need to look for photographers and give them your big smiles.

That is one thing you have to remember during your race. (No matter how tired you are!!)

Some runners try so hard to break their personal records, but totally forget their smiles. When they look at those race photos, they will be regretted. Believe me! Just smile. :)

2007 San Francisco Marathon - Half Marathon

The race started at 5:40AM on July 29, 2007. The sun hadn't risen yet. It was all dark, so you can still see street lights on. It was rainy a little while I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. When you run, you usually feel like 20 degree (Fahrenheit) more, so you don't feel cold at all. Actually, it was quite helpful to cool down your body.

Some good running events in California

Here I listed some popular races around San Francisco Bay.

1. Napa Valley Marathon

March 2, 2008

2. Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon

July 20, 2008

I registered this event this year, but I ran out of gas when I drove to the place.
So, I failed to show up. :(
One of my coworkers ran it and enjoyed the course so much. I think I will join it in 2008.

3. Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose

October 14, 2007

Two of my coworkers ran it last year. There will be a lot rock'n'roll bands to cheer you up while you are running. I haven't ran this event, but it should be fun.

4. Big Sur International Marathon

April 27, 2008

5. Big Sur Half Marathon

November 11, 2007

Runners voted the most beautiful route in the U.S.A. You get to run along Highway 1 and see the spectacular scenery. The breeze from Pacific Ocean will cool you off.

6. Lake Tahoe Marathon and Half Marathon

7. Los Angeles Marathon

March 2, 2008

One of my coworkers joined it this year. He is highly recommended. You get the chance to run through all the diverse communities in the City of Los Angeles. He also mentioned that the big crowd will cheer you up along the course.

8. Disneyland Half Marathon

You get all Disney characters cheering you up along the course. It's wonderful for beginners. The tickets usually sell out soon, so you need to pay attention to the registration opening day.

9. Redwoods Marathon,Half Marathon & 5K

This race is amazing. It's on my list, too. You get the chance to run on the Avenue of Giants in Humboldt County. All those beautiful redwood trees will greet you with fresh air.

10. California International Marathon
This is the classic one. One of my colleague joined it. He highly recommends it. You probably will see more international elite runners in this event.