San Francisco Marathon course map and elevation.

How I’d run it, stretch by stretch

Miles 1 and 2: the Ferry Building to Fort Mason

Over these 2.7 miles the course climbs 66 feet and drops 55, 15 feet net up. The climb: Fort Mason from mile 2.2 (+58 feet over 0.2 mi, 5.2%).

The gun goes at 5:15, in the dark, and the first two miles run dead flat along the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf. The short hill over Fort Mason near mile 2 is the first rise of the day. Settle in and run these miles a few seconds slower than goal; the hard part of this course comes early, and you want to arrive at it fresh.

Miles 3 to 5: the Marina, Crissy Field and Fort Point

Over these 3.1 miles the course climbs 31 feet and drops 18, 8 feet net up. The climb: Up to the Golden Gate Bridge from mile 5.7 (+158 feet over 0.7 mi, 4.5%).

The Marina Green and Crissy Field are flat and fast, with the bridge ahead of you the whole way when the fog lets you see it. This is the easiest running on the course. Hold goal pace and no faster, because the climb to the bridge starts just past Fort Point.

Miles 6 to 8: up to the Golden Gate Bridge and across

Over these 2.4 miles the course climbs 236 feet and drops 20, 211 feet net up. The two climbs: The Golden Gate Bridge from mile 6.5 (+48 feet over 0.8 mi, 1.1%); Alexander Avenue from mile 8.1 (+67 feet over 0.4 mi, 3.0%).

From Fort Point the course climbs about 160 feet up to the bridge, then onto the east sidewalk, which rises gently to mid-span. The sidewalk is 10 feet wide and full of runners, and the span is often foggy and windy. Don’t weave to pass: you’ll spend more getting around people than you’ll ever gain, and the bridge isn’t where this race is won.

Miles 9 to 11: Marin, down to Fort Baker and back up Moore Road

Over these 3.1 miles the course climbs 282 feet and drops 291, about level overall. The climb: Up Moore Road from Fort Baker from mile 10.5 (+229 feet over 0.7 mi, 6.0%).

In Marin the course drops about 260 feet to Fort Baker and then climbs straight back up Moore Road: about 230 feet at 6%, the steepest climb of the day. Ease off on the way down so your quads survive, and run Moore Road by effort, short and quick. Nobody’s time is made on this hill; plenty are lost on it.

Miles 12 to 14: back over the bridge and through the Presidio

Over these 3.1 miles the course climbs 118 feet and drops 288, 168 feet net down. The climb: Through the Presidio from mile 13.0 (+118 feet over 0.6 mi, 3.7%).

Back across on the west sidewalk, down off the bridge and up Lincoln Boulevard through the Presidio. By halfway you’ve done more than half the course’s climbing, so if your splits have drifted, don’t chase them. Reset to effort and let the second half bring them back.

Miles 15 to 19: Sea Cliff, the Richmond and Golden Gate Park

Over these 5 miles the course climbs 327 feet and drops 121, 203 feet net up. The three climbs: El Camino del Mar from mile 14.5 (+82 feet over 0.5 mi, 3.4%); 27th Avenue from mile 15.1 (+52 feet over 0.4 mi, 2.7%); Into Golden Gate Park from mile 15.7 (+86 feet over 0.6 mi, 2.6%).

Sea Cliff, the Richmond and Golden Gate Park are a long rise in short pieces: about 300 feet over five miles, up El Camino del Mar, 27th Avenue and into the park, then around Blue Heron Lake. The park is shaded and quieter. Take your fuel here and keep the effort even rather than the pace.

Miles 20 and 21: down Haight Street

Over these 1.7 miles the course climbs 33 feet and drops 226, 192 feet net down.

Out of the park, Haight Street drops about 200 feet in a mile and a half. It’s the best stretch of free time on the course if your legs are still there. Let the hill do the work, keep your stride under you and save the push for the flat.

Miles 22 to the finish: the Mission, Dogpatch and the Embarcadero

Over these 5.1 miles the course climbs 93 feet and drops 166, 74 feet net down. The climb: 16th Street from mile 21.9 (+47 feet over 0.3 mi, 2.9%).

The last five miles are nearly flat: the Mission, a short rise on 16th Street near mile 22, Dogpatch, then the waterfront past the ballpark to the finish on the Embarcadero. There’s only about 100 feet of climbing after mile 20, so whatever you saved on the bridge and Moore Road, this is where you spend it.