Grethe and I ran the San Francisco Marathon yesterday. This was a training run for both of us – we even ran on Saturday (which we would not have done if we had been taking this seriously).
It started very, very early (5.20am), in part so that the route could go over the Golden Gate Bridge and back without disrupting the traffic too much. It then goes through Baker’s Beach to the Golden Gate Park, and then South of Market to the SBC Stadium and then back to the start at the Ferry Building. It is fairly hilly – especially running up from Chrissie Fields on to the bridge (and the bridge is also surprisingly hilly).
Our finishing times: Grethe 3:38:39; Owen 3:05:16.
Recommended? You bet.
9 responses to “San Francisco Marathon”
Welcome back!
And great times for a practice run. Congratulations.
But what is it a practice for?
I did the half marathon and had a very enjoyable time. But I must object to the idealized image of the Golden Gate Bridge that you posted. In fact, the bridge looked a little more like this yesterday morning.
You are right: the bridge was shrouded in fog. (And well done on your half marathon yesterday, Dave.)
Training for … a proper marathon later in the year. Only a madman would try to do a good time on the San Francisco course: far too hilly.
You might consider Sacramento’s California International Marathon in December. This is a fantastic race with a gently rolling course that slopes downhill so gently you hardly notice it. Other benefits include a small field (~1,500 runners), large mile-marker banners and volunteers calling out your average mile pace at every mile. The race finishes right in front of the state capitol building, and if you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of our esteemed governor.
If a good time is what you’re after, I highly recommend CIM.
ps: Sounds like both you and Grethe had strong performances yesterday – congratulations!
Róisín and I walked to the markets yesterday. This was a training walk for both of us – we even walked on Saturday (which we would not have done if we had been taking this seriously).
It started very, very early (10.20am), in part so that the route could go over the Millenium Bridge and back without wobbling too much. It then goes through Tate Modern to the Cafe on the 7th Floor, and then Southwalk to Borough Market to the Stadium Pub and then back to the start by a ferry terminal. It is fairly hilly – especially standing up to walk to the counter to order yet another coffee (and the lift in the Tate is surprisingly hilly).
Our finishing times: Anthony 3:38:39; Róisín 3:05:16.
Recommended? You bet. Though I prefer my espresso straight, whereas Róisín prefers a macchiato.
[great running Owen and Grethe!!!]
Anthony :- that’s very funny! And Dave: I think we will indeed consider the CIM.
O
Owen
Was this your best marathon for the year. I will add it to the DFID best all time annual performances.
Running Hong Kong on Sunday. No great hopes. A finish will do.
Phil Harding
Hi
I’m running the SF Marathon for the 1st time on the 30th. Though I’ve ran from the Ferry Building to Golden Gate Bridge before, I am apprehensive of hills beyond that. Are there anymore tough hills like that of Fort Mason after going pass
the bridge.
Thanks, Al Macasaet
Al
There is a long hard hill from Chrissie Fields up to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bridge itself is surprisingly undulating. After that, there is nothing memorable.
Owen