SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON

An estimated 24,000 runners are expected to participate in the various events of the 2010 San Francisco Marathon edition. In the last years SF Marathon included a full marathon, two half marathons, and a 5000 meters race, but this year the organizers are introducing in addition a Munchkin Kids Fun Run, with three different races: 1 mile, 0.5 mile and the 100 yard dash.

This new event is planned to stimulate a higher involvement of younger family members in this local tradition. A pre-registration was required and the $25 tax per child will be designated for the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center.

Unlike the Bank of America Chicago Marathon or the ING New York Marathon the San Francisco marathon is developed by the non-profit Committed 2 Community.

History begins on July 10, 1977, when Athol Barton, a taxicab driver, won the first SF Marathon and he took home a t-shirt for his performance. In 1988 that the race was canceled due to different complaints coming from some merchants. The SF Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, a race which became famous for its high standards and also for its long history.

It’s not easy to establish a personal record at San Francisco Marathon, whit so many hills around and this race is not for the casual runner. In fact many runners simply don’t want to waste their energies here because of the difficulty of the path, but on the other hand they are some other competitors saying that this is the most exciting course to participate.

Trying to offer the best climate for the runners, the organizers will start the race very early in the morning, in more “waves”. The start and finish line will be on the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. The Full Marathon will start at 5:30 a.m., the First Half Marathon at 6:32 a.m, the 5K/Progressive Marathon will start at 7:45 a.m., the Second Half Marathon at 8:15 a.m. and the new Munchkin Kids Fun Run will develop at 8:30 a.m.

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