Runners from across the globe will unite in the city by the bay Sunday for the San Francisco Marathon.
The annual event has swelled from 1,000 local participants to over 27,000 since the first race 40 years ago. Such an increase of attendees led to a record sellout this year, pulling in the largest group of runners ever seen.
While many will be taking part in the full 26.2-mile-long race, other options for participants include a half marathon and 5K race. For runners seeking an added challenge, the event is also offering an ultra-marathon, which traverses 52.4 miles of city streets
After completing their run, participants will be greeted by a well-earned beer garden and festival at the finish line.
If interested to see what it takes to be a long distance runner, the San Francisco Marathon will also be holding a Race Expo on July 21 and 22. The free event will feature some of the top running and health pop-ups.
For those not participating, the event will impact traffic in the area. All northbound lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Southbound lanes will remain open.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary:
Local
• 40 for 40 Challenge: More than 5,000 returning TSFM runners are receiving a one-time-only historic anniversary challenge medal once they finish a cumulative 40 miles at TSFM 2017.
• 40 in 40 Distinction: Ultramarathon runners will each be receiving an exclusive medal honoring their completion of more than 40 miles during TSFM’s 40th Anniversary race.
• Honoree runners: There are honoree runners racing the 40th Anniversary that range from runners who participated in the inaugural running of The San Francisco Marathon in 1977, and Olympians who have won The San Francisco Marathon, to inspirational runners completing impressive accomplishments.
• Bigger Finish Line Festival at Justin Herman Plaza: The festival is open to the public on race day from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.. The festival will feature a redesigned beer garden, presented by Lagunitas, enhanced runner recovery areas and food/nutrition and fitness experiences for spectators and runners alike.
Route Map: http://bit.ly/1e37ugz
Race Starts: Ultramarathon – 12:00 a.m. (midnight July 23) Mission Street and The Embarcadero
Full Marathon – 5:30 a.m. Mission Street and The Embarcadero
1st Half Marathon – 5:30 a.m. Mission Street and The Embarcadero
5K Race – 7:45 a.m. Mission Street and The Embarcadero
2nd Half Marathon – 7:30 a.m. John F Kennedy Drive and 47th Avenue
Finish Line (for all races except 1st Half Marathon): Folsom Street and The Embarcadero
1st Half Marathon Finish Line: 14th Avenue Meadow in Golden Gate Park
Finish Line Festival -- 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Beer Garden – 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony – 9:30 a.m.
Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Are you running in Sunday's #SFMarathon? Keep this route map handy: https://t.co/2Tuq7GrXW3 #TSFM2017 #CheersTo40 pic.twitter.com/iqWR3XRUNF
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) July 21, 2017
