With summer fast approaching, it’s a great time to get out in your sneaks and hit the road. The Bay Area is a runner’s paradise, and we’ve got some great races in the coming months for all skill levels. Here are some of our favorites.
May 17 in San Francisco
Yes, you’ve heard of the epic SF costume party, but did you know thousands of people every year actually finish all 7.4 miles of the race? This unique tradition, billed as the “oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world,” has a few more house parties, costumes, flying tortillas, and naked people than your typical race, but they make it all the more rewarding when you climb Hayes Street Hill and run through Golden Gate Park to the finish line at the Pacific Ocean. Extra points if your race bib is the only thing you've got on.
May 31 in Burlingame
Everyone has different reasons and motivations for running—if yours involves pink tutus, unapologetic tiaras, girl power, and heavy sparkly medals, this might be the race for you. Did I mention feather boas, champagne, roses, and hunky firemen?
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
July 19 in Napa (SOLD OUT)
This popular race sold out almost immediately for 2015 (except for a few VIP and charity bibs still available), but if running through beautiful Wine Country sounds like your kind of race, make sure to add this one to your Watch List on NextBib to hear when next year’s registration will open!
The San Francisco Marathon, 1st Half, 2nd Half, and 5K
July 26 in San Francisco
SF’s namesake race has something for runners of all ability levels, and for many that something is running across the freaking Golden Gate Bridge!
The 1st Half Marathon is a scenic run along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate, and through the Presidio. The 2nd Half picks up in Golden Gate Park, with rolling hills through Haight/Ashbury and the Mission to end at the Ferry Building.
The San Francisco Marathon is now the city’s only marathon. It combines the 1st and 2nd Half Marathons for a beautiful 26.2 mile tour of the city.
And finally, 5K participants have the Embarcadero all to themselves as they run from the Bay Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf and back.
August 15 in Oakland
This half marathon explores some of the best of Oakland, including Jack London Square, Uptown, Download, Piedmont Ave, Claremont, Lake Merritt, Grand Ave, and finishes on the steps of City Hall in Frank Ogawa Plaza. This year, a new 5K option is also available.
The Giant Race Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
August 23 in San Francisco
Calling all Giants fans! This crowd favorite returns for its 6th year with a half marathon, 10K, and 5K all running along the Embarcadero and finishing on the field in AT&T Park. All participants also get a collectible bobblehead of one of the players.
And for families with kids, there’s even a Kids’ Race and Family Relay that takes place within AT&T Park.
