{"id":397809,"date":"2026-07-14T11:33:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T11:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/397809\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T11:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T11:33:19","slug":"sold-out-sf-marathon-2026-the-races-routes-and-road-closures-plus-how-to-watch-it-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/397809\/","title":{"rendered":"Sold-Out SF Marathon 2026: The Races, Routes and Road Closures (Plus How to Watch It All)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everything you need to know about the 2026 San Francisco Marathon weekend on July 25-26, including the route, the road closures and whether it’s too late to sign up.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

If you still want to sign up for the SF Marathon, you still have time.\u00a0(AN Studio\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Keep reading for the 2026 SF Marathon route, which streets will be closed, where to find public transit changes and how to watch from the sidelines if you\u2019re a spectator.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll also give an overview of all the weekend\u2019s events and races themselves if you\u2019re feeling spontaneously athletic (or want to meet people<\/a>) and decide to sign up for a race at short notice.<\/p>\n

And important to flag \u2014 several of these races now allow dogs.<\/p>\n

Jump straight to:<\/p>\n

What is the SF Marathon route, and when are the races?<\/p>\n

The 26.2-mile main event \u2014 the full SF Marathon<\/a> \u2014 is on Sunday, July 26. The full marathon starts at 5:15 a.m. on Embarcadero Street at Market Street and finishes on Embarcadero Street at Howard Street.<\/p>\n

You can check out a map of the entire course<\/a> on SF Marathon\u2019s Strava account, which also includes elevation levels and first aid\/water stops.<\/p>\n

\"AnBe aware of street closures and changes to Muni this weekend because of the SF Marathon. (Elena Popova\/Getty Images)
\nIs it really too late to sign up for the full marathon and 1st half marathon?<\/p>\n

Yes, the full marathon \u2014 and the popular 1st half marathon<\/a> over the Golden Gate Bridge \u2014 are both sold out.<\/p>\n

According to officials, the spots went out \u201cfaster than ever\u201d<\/a> this year. But you can still join the waitlist<\/a> and hope for the best.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpots do open up,\u201d the website reads. \u201cPlans change, runners defer, and entries become available again. When they do, the right wait list is the best way to secure yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are my other options for races around the SF Marathon that weekend?<\/p>\n

Your other options for races during the SF Marathon weekend that are still accepting sign-ups include:<\/p>\n

The City Half Marathon<\/a> (Sunday)<\/p>\n

This is the race where you get to run through San Francisco\u2019s neighborhoods. It\u2019s 13.1 miles with a 3.5-hour time limit and starts at 8:30 a.m. from MLK Jr. Drive at Golden Gate Park to Embarcadero at Howard.<\/p>\n

Race fee:$303.74<\/p>\n

The Alexi Pappas SFM 10K<\/a> (Sunday)<\/p>\n

This race is named after the Bay Area\u2019s own Olympian<\/a> Pappas and is a flat 6.2 miles that starts at 7 a.m. from The Embarcadero at Market Street to the Embarcadero near Washington Street. Dogs are now welcome for this race.<\/p>\n

Race fee: $164.04<\/p>\n

\"\"And if you are a runner who wants to take on the SF Marathon challenge but hasn\u2019t signed up yet, you\u2019ll have to act fast \u2014 and be prepared to be flexible. (RichVintage\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

5K race<\/a> (Saturday option)<\/p>\n

This 5k allows your dog to run with you along the Embarcadero waterfront. Starting at 8 a.m, this is a 3.1-mile course with an hour limit.<\/p>\n

Race fee: $120.04<\/p>\n

5K race<\/a> (Sunday option)<\/p>\n

Dogs are also allowed at this Embarcadero waterfront race, but the race isn\u2019t a loop like the Saturday option, instead starting at The Embarcadero at Market St. and ending at Embarcadero at Washington Street. This 3.1-mile race starts at 9 a.m. and has an hour limit.<\/p>\n

Race fee: $118.94<\/p>\n

Looking for something more family-friendly and chill? There is Sebastian\u2019s 1K Mad Dash<\/a> on Saturday, which is a little under a mile. It starts at 9 a.m., starting and finishing at Embarcadero and Washington. The race fee is $28.75.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t make it to San Francisco, you can join the race virtually by registering on the SF Marathon\u2019s app<\/a>. It\u2019s $110.15 to join, and you\u2019ll need to download the SF Marathon tracking app to follow your progress.<\/p>\n

Which streets will be closed to cars and public transit for the SF Marathon?<\/p>\n

The SF Marathon website breaks down which city streets will be closed for races at what time<\/a>, along with some recommended detours.<\/p>\n

There will be closures along The Embarcadero, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf and in the Marina District. However, rest assured that vehicle traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, which is on the route, will remain open in both directions throughout the marathon.<\/p>\n

\"\"A map of traffic advisories during the 2026 San Francisco Marathon. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Marathon)<\/p>\n

A lot of SF Muni lines will also be rerouted due to marathon weekend events.<\/p>\n

SFMTA has not yet updated its guidance for this year, but you can peek at the 2025 list of route alterations, changes and closures<\/a> to get a sense of what\u2019s to come.<\/p>\n

Where can I cheer the SF Marathon runners on?<\/p>\n

Are you a good friend cheering on a runner? Make sure you know which race they are running in<\/a>, and then look at the above section to check out the times and routes.<\/p>\n

You can also track a runner\u2019s progress using the SF Marathon app<\/a> using a bib number.<\/p>\n

Where can I find my pictures and results after the race?<\/p>\n

Participants will have their pictures emailed to them a few days after the event \u2014 or on the race results and photos page on the SF Marathon website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I need to bail. Can I defer my SF Marathon registration until next year?<\/p>\n

Bailing? The people on the waitlist will thank you!<\/p>\n

You can defer your registration to next year<\/a> for a $39 fee, and the last day to do so is July 24. (That\u2019s also the last day to convert your in-person race into a virtual one<\/a>, if your plans have unexpectedly changed.)<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that registration is nontransferable, and you cannot give or sell your bib to someone else.<\/a><\/p>\n

What will the weather be like in San Francisco for the marathon?<\/p>\n

Check the weather forecast again<\/a> before you head out, as San Francisco weather can turn on a dime \u2014 and keep in mind that the National Weather Service forecasts<\/a> the weather a week out.<\/p>\n

Historically, the temperature around the courses is usually around 64\u00b0F, according to the SF Marathon website.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re planning to participate in a race or just spectate, be sure to drink plenty of water well before going out.<\/p>\n

\"\"The 49th Annual San Francisco Marathon returns July 25-26, 2026, offering distances from a 5K, 10K and half-marathon, to the full marathon and an ultramarathon. (Jason Doiy\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

You can also be strategic about how to combat heat<\/a> by cooling your body\u2019s pulse points, such as your neck, inside your elbows, and behind your knees, to bring quick relief. In case things get toasty, KQED has a thorough guide on how to stay safe during a heat wave<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The full marathon has 14 hydration stations<\/a>, which include water, electrolytes, medical assistance, and toilets. The SF Marathon encourages runners to bring refillable water bottles that are 50 gallons or less.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best way of traveling to the SF Marathon starting line that morning?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re trying to get to the race for the full marathon\u2019s 5:15 a.m. start time on Sunday, remember: BART service does not start early enough to get you there<\/a>, and you\u2019ll miss your race.<\/p>\n

Instead, the SF Marathon will have shuttles from six BART stations<\/a> to get you to the starting line. There is free parking at BART stations, and buses will run very early in the morning. Times are subject to change, but the list of BART stations with shuttles is currently:<\/p>\n

Bay Fair (San Leandro) at 3:50 a.m.
\nDaly City at 4:05 a.m.
\nEl Cerrito Plaza at 4:05 a.m.
\nMacArthur at 4:05 a.m.
\nMillbrae at 4:05 a.m.
\nWalnut Creek at 3:55 a.m.<\/p>\n

Buses aim to arrive by 4:30 a.m. at the Main Start Line on the Embarcadero. You\u2019ll need to purchase your bus ticket ahead of time, though.<\/a><\/p>\n