SF Marathon- 8.3.08

The San Francisco Marathon is the only race that allows runners to run on the Golden Gate Bridge roadway. With over 15,000 participants in the full marathon, half marathon and 5K, the city streets were flooded with runners, making their way around the course. It was cloudy and cold, but not windy nor hot (the perfect running weather and not so pleasant spectator weather)

For the full marathoners, the course starts at the Embarcadero and continues through the piers, passing the Ferry Building, Transamerica Building, Coit Tower and Fisherman's Wharf. From here, runners pass Fort Mason and the Marina. Along the way, runners are rewarded with some breathtaking views of the city and bay. Runners continue through the Presidio, onward to the Golden Gate Bridge. They cross the bridge into Marin, at which point they turn around back onto the bridge and renter the Presidio, running alongside the Pacific Ocean. They continue running into the Golden Gate Park, passing by Stow Lake, Rose Garden and Conservatory of Flowers.

From the park, runners enter into Haight and continue towards the Mission until they enter Mission Bay, passing along the Baseball park. They begin the homestretch of the race that takes runners back to the Embarcadero to the finish line and cheering fans.



I had been toying with the idea of entering the half marathon, but when the fog rolled in during the summer months, I realized training for the 13 mile race would be compromised.

I was on hand today to provide medical support to the runners as a First Aid volunteer, as part of a group of health professionals from the UCSF.

We were situated at Camp Bravo, the second post-finish tent right next to the live music and awards ceremony stage. As we helped runners by providing basic first aid, we got to hear the "Sweet Home Alabama" and various other 1980's hits that I could not recognize.

In our red hats and shirts, we made our way through the post-finish line.



I was also there to support my older brother, who was running the Full 26.2 mile marathon. It's unimaginable how anyone can run that distance. He finished in under 4 hours and I am so amazed (and proud). He has been training diligently for this race, running (sunshine or no shine)- a rule I can not abide by.

It's inspiring to see him and other runners, making it the finish and then limping to loved ones.



Maybe, with some bending of my current training policy (a requirement of sun), I may train for the 1/2 Marathon next year and be one of those limping runners at the end, who are just joyed to be done.