Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Biofreeze San Francisco Marathon is one of the most demanding and scenic urban races in the United States, defined by its out-and-back crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, often shrouded in summer fog. The course is relentlessly hilly, climbing and dipping through the city's famous terrain along the bay, Golden Gate Park, and the waterfront. Held in summer, it contends with cool coastal fog and sharp gradients that make fast times difficult and beside the point. The bridge crossing and dramatic city views are the reward rather than the splits. It suits runners who want a tough, spectacular course and are happy to trade the clock for the scenery and the climbs.
Course Insight
San Francisco is defined by hills and fog, a cool summer course whose centrepiece is the out-and-back crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, often shrouded in mist and buffeted by wind. Pace the climbs by effort, not the clock, because the gradients and the bridge breeze dictate terms. The chill and fog are a blessing for racing even as they obscure the views. This is a strength course, not a PB hunt. Run within yourself on the hills and the iconic crossing becomes a highlight rather than a wall.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (416m).
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 416m
- Elevation loss
- 416m
- Highest point
- 87m
- Lowest point
- 3m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Embarcadero, San Francisco
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:10:18 — Simeon Kigen (Kenya), 1984
- Women's
- 2:42:26 — Anna Bretan (USA), 2013
Race History
The Biofreeze San Francisco Marathon traces its origins to the late 1970s and built its identity around its signature out-and-back crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, often shrouded in summer fog. Its relentlessly hilly course through the city's famous terrain made it one of the most scenic and demanding urban races in the United States. From its early editions it grew into a beloved bucket-list event. Held in summer, it draws runners worldwide to its dramatic bay-and-bridge route.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland (OAK) & San Jose (SJC)
- Best area to stay
- Union Square downtown for central hotels near the route, Fisherman's Wharf for proximity to the waterfront stretch, and the Marina for stays near the Golden Gate section.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on the Embarcadero by the Ferry Building; take BART or Muni to Embarcadero and walk to the start.