Half Marathon

13.1 ACROSS THE BRIDGE

What sets the Golden Gate Half apart from other races? The opportunity for runners to experience one of the world’s most illustrious cities.  The half marathon course crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, twice!  Prepare for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay as you make your way across one of the most recognizable icons in the world.  The City’s stunning natural beauty is on full display as you pass through the Marina, the Presidio, and Crissy Fields on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!

Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Start Time: 6:50am
Start Location: on Van Ness Ave, adjacent to Aquatic Park
Finish Location: on Beach Street, in front of Ghirardelli Square

Half Marathon Packet Pick-up
Friday, November 3, 2023
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Sports Basement, Presidio

Saturday, November 4, 2023
10:00am – 5:00pm
Sports Basement, Presidio

There are limited, metered parking spots at the Sports Basement, Presidio.  Please visit the Packet Pick-Up/Race Expo page to see a list of alternative parking lots to avoid parking congestion at the store while picking up your race packet.  Please note that all parking rates are set by lot operators, not the race organizers.

Runner Perks

• San Francisco-themed finisher medal
• Premium long-sleeved event shirt
• Golden Gate Half tote bag
• (1) complimentary beer post-race
• Fully supported aid stations along the course
• Finish-area refreshments

EVENT INFORMATION

HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP

Half marathoners will make their way out of the shadow of Fort Mason down to the Marina as they make their way into the Presidio of San Francisco.  Once in the Presidio, runners will make their way up toward the Golden Gate Bridge where they will use the sidewalks on each side to run across the bridge and back, taking in the sweeping vistas of the bay.  Once back in the Presidio, runners will start to run downward toward Crissy Fields where they can take a peek over their shoulder to catch one last view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Finally, runners are back through the Marina and make their way toward a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!

PARKING

Parking options in San Francisco are limited but there are a handful of parking lots and garages that are conveniently located within walking distance of the start/finish line area at Aquatic Park.  Parking rates, rules and open/close times are set by lot operators, not the race organizers.

Ghirardelli Square – Lot #347 Parking (900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109) – opens 6:00am
Anchorage Square Garage (542 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – 24 hours
Ace Parking (350 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133) – opens 6:00am
Northpoint Center Garage – Lot #19 (350 Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – 24 hours
Impark (2552 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133)
Longshoremen Lot – Lot #341 (400 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – opens 5:00am
2300 Lot (2300 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – opens 6:00am
C Garage Lot #20 (2210 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – opens 6:30am
Pier 39 Garage (2550 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133) – 24 hours Reserve Early

Additional lots may be available in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.  If you are driving to the race, please give yourself plenty of time on race morning to find parking and make your way to the start line.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

There are various transit lines that pass close to Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco including bus lines 19, 28, 30, and 49.  Use this guide to help plan your trip to the start of the race.  You can also use the Trip Planner to find the correct public transportation plan for you on race morning.

AID STATIONS

Please find the approximate aid station locations below:

Mile: 1.5, 4, 6, 9, 11.5

Water and Nuun Sport Strawberry Lemonade provided at all aid stations.

GU Energy Gels will be provided at the aid stations at Mile 4 and 9.  The available flavors will be Lemon Sublime, TriBerry, and Carmel Machiatto.

GEAR CHECK

Gear check is available for all half marathon participants.  Gear check will be located adjacent to the finish line at Ghirardelli Square and Beach Street in Aquatic Park.  This is the primary pre- and post-race staging area and is a short walk to the start line.  Gear check will not move during the race.

Clear, plastic bags, will be available at the Race Expo for use at the Gear Check tent.  All items must be placed in this clear bag.  Please attach the gear check tag on your bib to your clear plastic bag using the provided cable ties.

Gear Check will open to drop off bags at 5:30am in Aquatic Park and must be picked up no later than 11:00am.  Please do not check valuables.  Gear is checked at your own risk.  The race is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bags.

COURSE TIME LIMIT

The half marathon has a strict course time limit.  In keeping with the guidelines of our race permit, there will be three course cut-offs that will be strictly enforced.  Those maintaining a 16 minute-per-mile pace will be able to complete the course without missing any course cut-off points.  Please see below for exact times and locations of the cut-offs.  Cut-off times have been updated on 10/31 to reflect the earlier start time.  The allotted time to hit these cut-off points remains the same:

• Cut-off #1: 8:20am – Must be to the Golden Gate Bridge east pedestrian path by this time to cross the bridge (just after the Mile 4 mark)
• Cut-off #2: 8:52am – Must be to the Vista Point cut-off by this time otherwise participants will be detoured to the catwalk to reach the west side (just before the Mile 6 mark)
• Cut-off #3: 9:20am – Must be to the west-side of the bridge by this time otherwise participants will be transported back to the south side of the bridge via shuttle (just after the Mile 7 mark)

AWARDS

The top 3 male and female finishers in the half marathon will receive an overall award.

The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group in the half marathon will receive an award.  Please see the age groups below:
Under 15, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

Awards must be picked up on-site from the Age Group Awards table on Beach Street in front of Ghirardelli Square.  Awards will not be mailed post-race.