San Francisco2027

Sun, 7 Feb 2027 · San Francisco · 97 days

Distance: 21.1 km
Terrain: Flat
Climb: 65 m
Layout: Loop
Race day: 10°C (49°F)

The San Francisco Half Marathon takes runners through Golden Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean coastline, offering a scenic route that highlights some of the city’s most recognizable natural landscapes. The race starts on JFK Promenade near Blue Heron Lake Drive inside Golden Gate Park before heading east toward the Panhandle, the narrow green corridor that connects the park to the surrounding city neighborhoods. The terrain is rolling, with noticeable climbs during the early kilometers through the park followed by a long descent toward the coast. The half marathon features approximately 65 m of total elevation gain, reaching a high point of around 85 m before descending toward sea level near the ocean. Once on the Great Highway, the course becomes largely flat, allowing runners to settle into a steady pace during the later stages of the race. The race finishes in the southwest corner of Golden Gate Park on Bernice Rodgers Way near Martin Luther King Drive.

Before you go

Pro tips

Racing it

01
Ease Into the Park Climb
The early kilometers through Golden Gate Park are rolling, climbing to a high point around 85 m before a long descent to the coast. Keep the opening miles controlled and let the drop carry you down.
From the description
02
Save Speed for the Highway
Once you reach the Great Highway the course turns largely flat, so settle into a steady pace there instead of spending energy on the park's early climbs.
From the description
03
Loop Course Logistics
It is a loop: start on JFK Promenade near Blue Heron Lake Drive, finish on Bernice Rodgers Way, both inside Golden Gate Park. One base, and warm up on site.
From the layout
04
Dress for a Cool Morning
Race-day temperature typically sits near 9.6°C. Wear something you can shed at the start, and expect the ocean stretch to feel even cooler.
From the temperature
05
Ballot First, Travel Second
Entry is by ballot, so secure and confirm your place before booking flights or lodging for the February race weekend in San Francisco.
From the entry

In San Francisco

Where to Watch
Golden Gate Park is the easiest spot for spectators: catch runners early near the start, around the Panhandle, and again at the finish in the park's southwest corner.
Race Day Getting Around
Muni buses and rail lines serve the park and the coast, but expect closures and crowds near the Great Highway. Walking or biking within the park is often quicker.
Recover by the Water
After the race, Ocean Beach and the Lands End paths offer flat, gentle walking, and the Inner Sunset is a handy place to eat. Fog and cool ocean air are the local character.

Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.

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