2025 San Francisco Marathon Course Map & Race Guide
Everything you need to know before you toe the line on Sunday, July 27, 2025 — course details, elevation, packet pick‑up instructions and insider tips.
What is the San Francisco Marathon?
The San Francisco Marathon (SFM) is the city’s signature running festival, featuring a USATF‑certified, Boston‑qualifying 26.2‑mile course plus multiple shorter events across the same weekend. The 2025 edition marks the 48th running of the race.
When is the 2025 San Francisco Marathon?
The 2025 San Francisco Marathon starts at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Runners line up at the Embarcadero @ Market St. and complete a 26.2 mile loop around the city, finishing back at the Embarcadero @ Howard St. The course is USATF‑certified and a Boston qualifier. The official time limit is 6 hours.
2025 Course Overview
- Iconic Landmarks include Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina Green, Chrissy Field, and a double‑crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Scenic miles through Golden Gate Park, the Haight‑Ashbury, Mission Bay, Oracle Park and Chase Center.
- Net elevation gain about 1,300 ft; highest point ≈ 294 ft above sea level.
- USATF course certificate · Boston Marathon qualifier · Abbott WANDA World Qualifier.
Course Map & Elevation
Download the official PDF map & elevation chart here, or view the interactive route on Strava.
View or download the official San Francisco Marathon 2025 course map.
View or download the official San Francisco Marathon 2025 course elevation profile.
Packet Pick‑up & Health & Fitness Expo
All runners (except those who paid for mail‑out bibs) must collect their packet at the Expo on Friday or Saturday. No race‑day pickup will be available.
- Venue: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
- Hours: Fri 07‑25 · 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Sat 07‑26 · 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Photo ID required; race‑day pickup not available.
- A friend may collect on your behalf with a copy of your ID and bib number.
View complete details on bib information and bib pick up.
2025 San Francisco Marathon Race Weekend Schedule
Saturday July 26:- 5K Saturday - 7:00 am @ Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio
- Sebastian’s 1K Mad Dash- 8:00 am @ Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio
- Chargel Ultra Marathon, First Loop – Saturday 10:15 pm @ The Embarcadero at Market Street
- Full Marathon- 5:15 a.m. @ Embarcadero at Market Street
- 1st Half Marathon- 6:30 am @ Embarcadero at Market Street
- Alexi Pappas 10K- 7:00 a.m. @ The Embarcadero at Market Street
- 2nd Half Marathon- 8:30 am @ MLK Jr. Drive @ Golden Gate Park
- 5K Sunday- 9:00 am @ The Embarcadero at Market St.
View detailed race weekend schedule and more.
Corral Information
Corral information coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How hilly is the course?
Expect roughly 1,300 ft of climbing, with the biggest ascent near mile 6 approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
2. Is there on‑course nutrition?
Fourteen aid stations supply water, Voli Wellness electrolytes and Chargel energy gels at miles 12 & 18.
3. Are headphones allowed?
Yes, but organizers recommend keeping one earbud out on the Golden Gate Bridge for safety.
4. What about gear check?
Gear‑check trucks are adjacent to the start corrals on the Embarcadero. Bag drop closes at 5 a.m.; pick‑up is steps past the finish arch.
5. Is it a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. The course is USATF‑certified and finishes count toward Boston Marathon qualifying standards.
6. Typical race‑day weather?
Historical late‑July averages on the waterfront are 55 °F at sunrise and 64 °F by late morning, often with coastal fog.
With a sunrise start, iconic skyline views and a finish beneath the Bay Bridge, the 2025 San Francisco Marathon promises a bucket‑list‑worthy 26.2 miles. Lock in your training plan, secure your packet early and we’ll see you on the Embarcadero.
Back to our complete 2025 marathon directory →