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Races in San Francisco: 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, Marathons, & Triathlons in SF
by Jill Loeffler •
Have fun seeing the city on foot in a variety of road races in San Francisco.
Whether you're looking for a competitive challenge or an excuse to dress up while being active, there is definitely a San Francisco race for you.
They range from the quirky "Bay to Breakers" to the more serious "Escape from Alcatraz."
There are usually one or two races each month on the streets of SF. The list below includes the largest and most popular 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, and triathlons held each year in SF.
Below, you'll find details for these San Francisco races in chronological order from January to December.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Hot Chocolate Run
"Will run for chocolate," is the motto of the Hot Chocolate Run, which offers 5k, 10k, and 15k courses. It starts and finishes in Golden Gate Park.
At the end of your race, you will indulge in a tasty post-run party with music and your keepsake finisher's mug filled with LOTS of cocoa—in the form of fondue, dippables, and amazing gourmet hot chocolate.
Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics and registration includes a full-zip Hot Chocolate Run jacket. This is no doubt the sweetest of the San Francisco runs out there.
Date: January
Learn More: Visit the January Calendar to Learn More
2. San Francisco Half Marathon
The San Francisco Half Marathon is one of the largest running races in San Francisco, and also offers one of the most popular 5k and 10k races in the Bay Area.
Choose the distance that suits you, knowing that your participation benefits healthy community programs.
This is another one of the San Francisco runs that starts and ends in Golden Gate Park. The half-marathoners will also have the chance to run along beautiful Ocean Beach.
Date: February
3. Cupid's Undie Run
This one is an SF fun run—not a race—and it's only about a mile long.
It's a Valentine's charity event that takes place in cities across the nation, but gathering a bunch of scantily clad fun-seekers in the name of a good cause seems very San Franciscan.
Keep in mind it's still winter, so you can add to those undies with red mittens or earmuffs to get into the spirit. All participants fundraise to support research for a cure for NF (Neurofibromatosis).
Date: February
4. SF 5K/10K and Polar Plunge
If you're feeling brave enough to take a dip in the frigid waters of the SF Bay, head over to the Aquatic Park for a fun 5k or 10k.
This is one of the most scenic San Francisco races, offering incredible views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by the Polar Plunge.
Race participants pay to register and earn a commemorative medal. For the plunge, participants must fundraise for the Northern California Special Olympics, and will receive a special T-shirt and complimentary breakfast or lunch.
Date: February or March
>> Find out more about the Aquatic Park and Maritime National Historical Park
5. Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers is a 12k that cuts across the city from east (the bay) to west (the Pacific Ocean breakers).
For more than 100 years, this race has taken runners through the streets of SF. Each year, it's even more colorful with all the unique costumes and makeup.
You can run as an individual or with a team. If you don't plan to run this race, make sure to watch from the parties on the sidelines, as it's one of the most creative and festive San Francisco races you will ever see.
Date: May
Learn More: Visit the Bay to Breakers Page for More Info
6. Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
The Escape from Alcatraz event started in 1981. Today, this triathlon attracts top professional and amateur athletes from all around the world.
It starts with a 1.5-mile swim in the SF Bay from Alcatraz Island to the SF shoreline. It continues with an 18-mile hilly bike ride to Golden Gate Park and ends with an 8-mile trail run to Baker Beach and up the infamous Sand Ladder.
This world-renowned race in San Francisco sells out quickly with a limit of 2,000 participants.
Date: June
Learn More: Visit the June Calendar for Details
Wear Good Shoes on SF Races and Hikes
Whether you're signing up for one of the San Francisco marathons or an SF fun run, make sure to pack a trusty pair of running shoes that will get you up and down our hilly streets. Check out my favorite pair of trainers on Amazon.
These have gotten me through all of my San Francisco runs, as well as the trails on my urban hikes, in Muir Woods, and at Yosemite National Park.
7. San Francisco Marathon
For many, the scenic San Francisco Marathon is one of the best marathons out there, and certainly one of the best Bay Area races.
If you're looking for SF marathons, this one includes all the standard race distances: full marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and ultra (two 26.2-mile loops). There's even a 1k "Mad Dash" for the little ones.
The courses take you through the streets of SF and up and over its famous hills. For the half, you can choose whether to run the first or second half of the full course, depending on what you want to see.
This San Francisco race features the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and many other top SF attractions.
Date: July
Learn More: Visit the July Calendar for More Details
8. San Francisco Giant Race
The annual Giant Race includes a 5k, 10k, half, and kids race. All races finish on the field in Oracle Park, home to MLB's San Francisco Giants!
This San Francisco run takes you along the Embarcadero on the waterfront. It will take you past attractions such as the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building.
Baseball fans will love this race's swag. In addition to the commemorative race bib, T-shirt, and finisher’s medal, participants get an exclusive race bobblehead and Giants game ticket (restrictions apply).
Date: August
Learn More: Visit the August Calendar for Details
The Giant Race in San Francisco is a blast! It's a chance for you to meet other fans and finally step foot on this iconic ball field. I love decking myself out in Giants pride when I come here. In addition to your race shirt, wear your Giants gear to get in the spirit.
9. Mermaid Run
The Mermaid Run is one of the women-only running races in San Francisco that features a 5k, 10k, and 10-mile run. In addition, there is a 1.5-mile Mermaid Dash designed for girls and boys of all ages.
All of the routes are along the waterfront. The 5k race is totally flat, offering great bay views without the hills.
The 5k and 10k are run mostly in the Presidio. The 10-mile race is a bit more challenging and runs over the Golden Gate Bridge and back.
Date: September
10. Golden Gate Half Marathon
The Golden Gate Half Marathon is another one of the most popular Bay Area races each year.
Choose between the half marathon, which takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge, and the 5k, which takes you through the best of the Marina District.
Both start next to the Aquatic Park and end in front of Ghirardelli Square.
Enjoy your SF-themed finisher medal and post-race beer as you celebrate having accomplished one of the best San Francisco runs.
Date: November
11. Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot is the perfect way to run off a few calories before that big Thanksgiving Day meal. It starts and ends in Golden Gate Park.
You can choose from the 5-mile run or the 3-mile walk. There's also the 100-meter Kids Gobbler Chase for children 10 and under of registered adults.
This is one of the races in San Francisco that fills up quickly, so I recommend you register early to reserve your spot for this holiday tradition.
Dressing up in your best turkey attire is optional.
Date: Thanksgiving Day
Learn More: Visit the Thanksgiving Day Page for More
12. Santa Skivvies Run
The Santa Skivvies Run is an annual SF fun run through the streets of the Castro District. All proceeds benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
Make sure to wear your cutest, sexiest, or most outrageous Santa costume for this 1.5-mile race.
Once you finish, stick around for the award ceremony, skivvies runway, and drag show. It will be open from 10 am to 1 pm.
Date: December
Learn More: Visit the December Calendar for More
More Outdoor Activities in San Francisco
If you're looking for marathons in SF, I'm guessing you love being active and exploring outdoors. Click on the images below to find out more about our most popular outdoor activities, beaches, and places to hike or bike, like Angel Island.
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Other Festivals & Events Each Year in SF
Beer Festivals: San Francisco is home to more than a dozen fun beer festivals. Every year, you can enjoy Oktoberfest along the SF Bay, raise money for a great cause at the International Beer Festival, and try new brews at the Craft Beer Festival.
Wine Festivals: We also enjoy our wine, so San Francisco is the perfect place to host wine festivals and events. You will find one big wine event almost every month. They include Pinot Days, the ZAP Wine Festival, and the Chronicle Wine Tasting Competition.
Crafts Festivals: Many of SF's craft festivals are open around the holidays. They include the Great Dickens Fair, the Renegade Craft Fair, and the San Francisco Bazaar. You will also find a few others throughout the year. They are the perfect place to find a unique gift or something fun for yourself.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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