San Francisco Marathon

    Emerging BQ Likelihood
    San Francisco, CA

    Date

    July 26, 2026

    Field Size

    Large (2,000 - 9,999)

    PR Score

    95.6 / 100

    BQ Rate

    2.9%

    Hilly
    Big race energyFirst-time qualifiers

    Why It's BQ-Friendly

    6536 finishers, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere for participants.

    Course features significant elevation changes, with some steep climbs and descents throughout.

    Takes runners through diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury.

    Only 2.9% of finishers achieve a BQ, indicating the course's challenging nature despite its scenic beauty.

    About This Race

    With a PR score of 95.59, this marathon presents a significant challenge due to its hilly terrain. Runners will navigate San Francisco's iconic hills, which can be exhausting, especially in the summer heat. Despite its reputation for difficulty, only 2.9% of finishers qualify for Boston, making it a tough race to secure a BQ. Expect a scenic experience along the waterfront, with views that can distract from the effort of the climb.

    Race Strategy

    Focus on conserving energy during the early stages, especially on the steep ascents. Use downhill sections to recover and regain speed, ensuring that you maintain a consistent effort on the flatter stretches.

    Course & Elevation

    No Elevation Data

    No elevation data was found in the course profile file.

    Typical Race Day Weather

    Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date

    🌡️

    Temp

    63.4°F / 56.1°F

    ☁️

    Conditions

    Partly Cloudy

    🌧️

    Precipitation

    0.00 in

    💨

    Wind

    17.8 mph

    Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary

    Travel for This Race

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