San Francisco Bay Area Marathons

Home Depot San Francisco Half Marathon/5K January 6

This is a reality check for all of you that are planning to run a marathon early in the year. It is perfectly timed to assess your fitness and speed if you have been slacking during the holidays and rainy weather.

The race starts in Golden Gate Park, at JFK and Stow Lake Drive. It is mostly flat, paved and fast. The finish is on the Great Highway, at Martin Luther King Drive. One of the highlights of the course is running past the buffalo paddock in the park. Other attractions include the Japanese Tea Garden, (smell the blossoms) and the windmill as you approach the Great Highway. The course is ranked as one of the most scenic in the country by Runner's World magazine.

Tips:

Wear layered clothing, at the start it is cold, but can warm up within the first few miles.
Lake Merced, Fort Funston, and the Great Highway. Here are some interesting observations by Bay Area Dead Runner, Karl Watanabe:

The SF Half Marathon course should be considered a 'tough' course due to the rolling hills of Golden Gate Park and the usually rough ocean winds along the Great Highway for nearly 6 miles (3 out and back). Then there is the killer half-mile hill at mile 12.5 back into GG Park before the last 0.1 downhill to the finish line. I have run this race for the last 4 years and have my splits of the last 3. This race is notorious for incorrect mile markers. And the wrong markers aren't always in the same place.
                1998      1997      1996      1995
            1)           5:57.7    6:17.4    6:21.0 (Downhill)
            2)           6:08.1    6:26.6    6:32.4
            3)           6:29.5    6:41.0    6:45.4 (Uphill)
            4)           6:04.7    6:07.9    6:37.8
            5)           6:50.5    6:46.8    6:39.6
            6)           6:01.3    6:27.3    6:20.6 (Downhill)
            7)           5:46.4    6:27.2    6:24.5
            8)           6:50.9    6:25.3    6:36.3
            9)           7:27.4    6:32.6    6:34.9
           10)           5:28.8    6:39.2    7:11.8
           11)           6:37.9    6:10.9    6:02.6
           12)           6:58.2    6:56.6    6:29.1
         13.1)           6:38.7    6:35.9    7:32.6 (Uphill)

In 1995, notice miles 10 and 11. In 1996 notice miles 4 and 5, and 11 and 12. In 1997 notice miles 4, 5, 6, and 7, then mile 9 and 10. Some of the variations are my own fault, but I can tell the big variations due to incorrect mile markers. I had a 1:26 in '95, 1:24 in '96, and 1:23 in '97, so I have improved.
Directions:

From 19th Avenue at Lincoln Way, look for a sign and road that leads into the park.
Proceed to Stow Lake Drive.
View a map of Golden Gate Park.

Home Depot San Francisco Half Marathon/5K, 415/333-4780.

Sutter Home Napa Valley Marathon March 2

Rural course that runs the length of the Napa Valley. The start is near Calistoga and continues south along the Silverado Trail. Beautiful panoramic views of the valley and vineyards. However, after about 10M, if you have seen one vineyard, you have seen them all. Generally flat and fast, rolling hills for the first six miles. Boston qualifier.

This area has many great restaurants, (Mustards and the French Laundry) outlet shopping, and of course, wineries to be seen. The valley has excellent massage therapists, set up an appointment for after the race. Or, get a mud bath and a massage in Calistoga, another one of those "must do in this lifetime" experiences.

Directions:

Highway 29 to Napa.
Turn right on El Centro Trower to Vintage High School.

Big Sur International Marathon April 27

2003 SOLD OUT. This race is a must on anyone's long or short list of marathons. Ranked the BEST marathon in North America. The privilege of being able to experience the spectacular and dramatic natural landscapes of Big Sur and Carmel without traffic is inspirational and extraordinary. The point-to-point course follows Highway 1 of the scenic Pacific Coast. It is a difficult course, you must train hard with many hill repeats and variable terrain workouts, but the challenges are offset by the enormous thrill of running and finishing. Incredibly well sponsored and staffed, you will feel welcomed, cared for and entertained throughout the run. There is also a 5K Run, 10.6M Walk, and a 21M powerwalk so everyone can have the opportunity to participate. Tips:

Read the Official Marathon Race Program to plan your strategy and get a sense of the history along the course.
Register early to ensure confirmation.
Make hotel reservations soon as all hotels book quickly.
Expo is at the Marriott Conference Center.
Excellent scenic running trails at Point Lobos State Reserve.

Directions:

Highway 101
Highway 156
Highway 1 to Downtown Monterey exit.
Take Alverardo to Marriott Hotel (800) 892-4789

Avenue of the Giants Marathon and 10k May 4

Staged on the Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located 250 miles north of San Francisco and 120 miles south of the Oregon/California border. This is a charming, delightful small marathon that attracts over 400 runners in its 25th year. The course is a double out-and-back with gentle slopes and bends amongst the giant redwoods and through the river valley. Like Big Sur, this marathon is a "must do" race for those who run for the sheer enjoyment and scenery. There is an early bird start for runners and walkers that need more than five hours to complete. As an added bonus, the finisher's medal and shirt artwork are colorful and beautifully designed.

Although it may be downright chilly and overcast at the start, the sunlight filters through the redwood canopies and can get quite warm in the open areas. Apply sunblock and wear a visor.

The marathon and 10K courses are certified; and the races are sanctioned by the by the USAT & F. The marathon is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. If this race date conflicts with your schedule, try the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, held in October.

Another great event held the next weekend in Ferndale is the Tour of the Unknown Coast, a 10-100M bike ride that travels through this spectacular countryside. Be sure to budget some time to explore the northern part of the Lost Coast by traveling south on Highway 211 from Ferndale. There is terrific coastal scenery all the way to Petrolia, and the roads hold up fairly well to Shelter Cove, a magnificent black sand beach area. If pressed for time, or if you want to return to drive through the Avenue of the Giants, you can reach Weott by changing roads in Honeydew. Really, it doesn't get any better than this!

Avenue of the Giants Marathon/10K Race Director Gay Gilchrist, (707) 443-1226.

Lodging fills quickly, so make reservations early. For a very special and memorable weekend, stay at the Gingerbread Mansion in Ferndale, about 40 minutes away from Weott.

Directions:

Highway 101 north to Weott, start is near the Dyerville Bridge.

For the scenic route, take Highway 1. Awe-inspiring, but very time consuming with many twisty, winding, hairpin curves. Superb if you have plenty of time to enjoy all the wonders, and don't suffer from car sickness. Pick up 101 at Leggett.

Forest of Nisene Parks Marathon/Half Marathon/5K June 7

Out and back course on a fire road trail in the rugged redwood forest wilderness located in Aptos. Marathon climbs 2500 feet to the Santa Rosalia Ridge. The half marathon has eight miles of rugged single-track trail and over 1,000 feet of climbing. The 5K is mostly flat, on paved and fire roads.

This marathon is very small, but the half attracts over 50 competitors. Very challenging, good idea to carry fluids and fuel. Good snacks at the top of the ridge, scenic along the trail, but views are obscured by fog and overcast skies.

Aptos Village Park (at entrance to Nisene Marks State Park). Mara & Half-hilly fire road, 5K-paved fire rd. course, scenic out/back trails.

Directions to The Forest of Nisene Marks Park, Aptos:

Take Route 1 south of Santa Cruz and take the Aptos/Seacliff Beach exit. Make a left over the freeway and then a right at the first signal light onto Soquel Dr. After about 0.3 mile, there is a railroad overpass and the road forks; keep left to stay on Soquel Dr.

A short distance later, after crossing the railroad tracks, make an immediate left turn onto Aptos Creek Road. Be careful: the sign to the park entrance is not clearly visible as it is partially covered by a bush.

Take Aptos Creek Road up about 3 miles to the parking lot at its end. There is a $3 day-use fee. Good idea to come early, parking is limited, and there is only one restroom.

Lake Chabot Trail Challenge ½ Marathon and 5K June 1

This is a hard, hilly race. Be sure to carry some of your own fuel so you won’t run low during some of the long climbs and steep downhills.

The Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon has been chosen by Trail Runner magazine as one of America's Most Scenic Races,
recognizing it's "strong track record of organization, aid station support and safety".

An East Bay Triple Crown Trail Event. RRCA Western Regional Trail Half Mar Champs. Lake Chabot Park Marina; HalfMar-hilly, mostly dirt fireroads, loop-excellent Dipsea trainer! 5K-rolling paved, out/back. Kid's Races(10-under) 8:45am.

San Francisco Chronicle Marathon July 27

Sport and Fitness Expo held at Justin Herman Plaza. Come spend the day with us in beautiful downtown San Francisco. This year's course starts and finishes at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, under sunny palm trees with great views of both the Bay and the Bay Bridge. See link for more details and description of the race course. 800-698-8699.

Tips:

Be prepared for a couple of steep hills.
The weather can be extremely variable, either cool or very hot.

The Relay

October 11 and 12. Calistoga to Santa Cruz. California's Longest Party!

Microsoft Silicon Valley Marathon October 26

San Jose. USATF certified, Boston qualifier. "Fastest marathon in Pacific region."-Ultimate Guide to Marathons.

Humbolt Redwoods Marathon and Half Marathon October 19

The races start together at the Dyerville Bridge which is on the famed Avenue of the Giants near the majestic Founder's Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The half marathon course is out and back on the Avenue of the Giants. The marathon follows the half marathon course until mile 13 and the turnaround, making for a fast, gentle downhill finish. The races finish on the Avenue of the Giants, about 148 yards north of the starting line.

Both races are certified; and sanctioned by the USAT&F, it is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. See the Avenue of the Giants Marathon for directions and more information.

Six Rivers Running Club (707) 443-1220. Sharon Powers is the race director. Humboldt Redwoods, PO Box 4989, Arcata, CA 95518-4989.

Inaugural United States Half Marathon Nov. 3

Sunday. The race will take runners from Aquatic Park, through historic Fort Mason into the Marina and across the newly renovated Crissy Field with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz. The event lays claim to being the only foot race to travel over and back across one of the world's greatest landmarks - The Golden Gate Bridge! Fun Events and Expo for 2002 The United States Half Marathon celebration starts Saturday, November 2nd with the US Half Expo to be held in tourist friendly Fisherman's Wharf. The US Half Expo will include lectures, product sampling, and sport demonstrations and more at the wonderful health and fitness exposition. Contact: Ryan Dawkins, 510.420.4948 or fax 510.595.6898, ryan@usraceseries.com

California International Marathon December 2

Folsom Dam to Sacramento State Capitol, qualifier for the Boston Marathon. This is a racer's race, a fast point-to-point course with few scenic distractions on the city streets. Weather is usually quite cool, be prepared for some rain. A great way to end the year, feeling fit and taking some time off to recover and enjoy the holiday season. 2.62 mile Marafun Run held near the finish.

My favorite long distance runs for marathon training:

The Marin Headlands. Plenty of rugged hills with spectacular coastal views, several flat firetrail options.
Lake Merced, Fort Funston, the Great Highway, and Land's End. Mostly flat, fun sights and attractions along the route.

My own private marathon:

Begin at Lake Merced or Fort Funston and take the Great Highway to the Coastal Trail to Lands End. Continue on the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge. then proceed on the Golden Gate Promenade to Aquatic Park. The distance roundtrip is very close to 25M. For that extra mile and change, check out the surfers at Fort Point, run across the Golden Gate Bridge, or take the short loop around Lake Merced.

California Schedule: Best resource for planning your racing schedule. Listings of CA running and some multi-sport events.