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FAQ Topics

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Registration

Is there a cap on number of runners?
Yes.

When will registration be open? How can people register?
Official Online Public Registration opened October 2008. Register online now.

Is registration open to runners of all abilities?
We have a 6-hour time limit on the Full Marathon, a 3-hour limit on the 1st Half Marathon, and a 3.5-hour limit on the 2nd Half Marathon. Registration is only open to those who can finish within these limits. These time limits allow for stricter wave starts minimizing congestion on the Golden Gate Bridge and improve course flow. It is important that you list a correct EFT, otherwise you could be penalized.

How do I confirm my registration?
In order to confirm your registration online, you must know your first name, last name and date of birth OR age. Confirm your registration here.

What do I do if I cannot find my registration on the confirmation list?
Please email us. Use the subject line, "Registration." Be sure to include your first and last name as well as your current email address.

What are the different fees?
Please refer to the chart on our registration page to view the current fees. See our current registration rates.

When do the registration fees increase?
Registration fees will increase on set dates. Please check the website often for updated registration fee information. Sign up early and save! See our current registration rates.

What do our fees include?
See our individual event pages to see what each event has to offer.
Full and Half Marathoners will receive an Official Tech Race Shirt, a commemorative Medal (Coaster Medal for the full marathoners, and keychain medal for the half marathoners), goody bag, and a Finisher's Certificate. Progressive Marathoners will receive an Official Race T-Shirt, Finisher's Certificate, goody bag, and a commemorative medal. 5K Participants will receive an Official Race T-Shirt, goody bag, and a Finisher's Certificate. All fees include d-tag Timing.

Do you give out my email address?
No. Your email is kept confidential. We use only secure online registration sites and will not sell your email to any other organization.

Can someone else pick up my race packet?
If someone else picks up your race packet for you, they MUST have a copy of your email confirmation. Check out the Expo details.

Can I register for a friend?
You must be a designated third party representative to register for someone else. By signing the waiver on behalf of another person, you are attesting to the fact that you are a designated third party.

If I register for an event, can I later switch to another?
We will accept event change requests until June 15, 2009 for a $10 processing fee, space permitting. There will be no refunds for the difference in entry fees, and if you are switching to an event with a higher registration fee than your intial event, you must pay the difference in the registration fees.
You must notify us via email to switch your registration.
After June 15, 2009, you may make your switch at the Expo as long as space permits, we suggest you come to the Expo on Friday to see if there is room for you to switch events.
If you cannot participate, please refer to our cancellation policy. You may still attend the Expo and pick up your bib number, goody bag and t-shirt.

What is the race refund policy if I cannot attend?
In keeping with standard marathon/ event policy, The San Francisco Marathon™ does not offer refunds or transfers of registrations. For more information, please see our cancellation policy.

Can I transfer my registration to another runner?
No.

Can I register on the day of the event?
If there is availability, you can register at the Expo. Expo dates are July 24 and 25, 2008. Only 5K Participants can register on Race Day. There is NO Race Day Registration for any other events. Expo details are available here.

Can I download the registration form from the web site?
All registrations will be entered online, including our mail-in forms which are data entered online by RunSFM Staff Members. If you are reading this page, we have assumed that you have internet access and can register online. Again, we use a secured system for registration to ensure the safety of your personal information. However, please email us if you would like a mail-in form with the subject line of: Mail In Registration Form. Be sure to let us know if you would like it mailed to your house or in PDF format.

How do I make changes to the online registration form once it has been submitted?
You can view or make edits to your personal information by logging into your personal page. Log in or create a login here.

What is the final date when I can request a change in my online registration data?
All changes must be submitted by June 15, 2009, if you need to make any other changes, please do so at the Expo, space permitting.

Is online registration secure?
Yes. We use the most secure online technology called Secure Socket Layers or SSL that encrypts your personal and credit card information while transferring it from your internet browser to the our servers. You will know that your information is secure when the web site address on the top of your screen starts with https:// instead of http://. You can also view the double security of the little yellow lock that will appear on your screen. To view our security certificate, right click on the page and view the properties or double click the yellow lock.

What will my registration charge show up as on my credit card statement?
Your registration charge will show up from ‘Race Central' or Elliott Management Group.

Is Charter Membership still available?
Charter Membership was a special offering in 2005 and is no longer available.

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Awards and Elite Athletes

Will elite runners attend and run?
Yes! We already have some great elite runners and are expecting more to come in. If you are an elite runner, please follow our elite entry instructions to apply for Elite Bib Placement. Read the elite instructions.

What are the awards, prize money and age group breakdown?
Please see our Awards Page for all details on divisions. Prizes will be updated as the event nears.

When is the awards ceremony and where is it held?
The Awards Ceremony will be held after the marathon at the Justin Herman Plaza Music Concourse from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

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Cause to Run

What is the Cause to Run Program?
The Cause to Run Program began in order to support local charities struggling to find ways to raise more money. We offer them a chance to be a part of an already established event, so their efforts could be focused on raising money instead of event management. We have expanded this concept to include both local and national charities.

What charities are involved in the Cause to Run?
We are always updating and adding more charities. The great advantage of our program is that you get to choose which charity you want to run for. View all our current causes.

What is it going to cost me to run with a Cause to Run team?
Nothing! The Cause to Run program does not require each team member to raise a minimum amount of money.

What if the charity I want to raise money for isn't listed?
If you want to raise money for a charity that isn't listed, please email us the contact information and we will contact them to sign up. Use the subject line, "Cause to Run." We select charities through an application process.

I am a charity that is interested, what to I need to do to sign up? What's required of me?
To register as a cause you will need to send us an email with information about your cause and where you are located. We can then email you the application. At this time all of the 2009 Cause to Run Teams have been selected, but we will select our 2010 Cause to Run charities in the summer of 2009.

What is the additional donation on the Registration Form for?
The Additional Donation is the amount of money you would like to donate to your team's charity. If you are not on a team, the money will go to Youth Run4Fun, which is the 2009 Beneficiary of The San Francisco Marathon events. This amount is in addition to your registration fees. All donations are optional.

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The Course

What is the start time? Will the marathon and half marathon start at the same time?
The Full Marathon and 1st Half Marathon will have wave starts between 5:30 AM - 6:20 AM. Starts will be strict this year to minimize congestion on the bridge and along the course. You will be assigned to a running corral based on your Estimated Finishing Time. The 2nd Half Marathon will start at 8:20 AM in Golden Gate Park. The 5K and Progressive Marathon will start at 7:45 AM. Details on wave times.

What will my wave start time be?
Your specific start time is based on your estimated finishing time. Wave time information.

Can you explain the Estimated Finishing Time?
The estimated finishing time is the amount of time in hours and minutes that it will take for you to finish the course. It is NOT the time of day you expect to cross the Finish Line. Because we are doing wave starts, we ask that you be as exact as possible to ensure you proper corral placement. If you need to change your EFT please login to your personal page and edit your EFT. Login here.

Why does the marathon have a 6-hour limit?
The 6-hour course time limit is beneficial to our runners. Since all of our runners must be off the Golden Gate Bridge by 8:30 AM, a faster field will enable the Bridge District to fully re-open on time. Given there are no viable alternative Bridges to the Golden Gate Bridge we must re-open the Running Lanes to traffic preventing significant traffic delays.
The 6-hour time limit and wave starts allowed for even runner flow and limited the traffic delays on the Golden Gate Bridge. Our runner feedback has given us high marks for the course flow.
The City of San Francisco requires that city streets and the Finish Line close after 6-hours.

What time does the course close?
The course closes based on a 6-hour Full Marathon pace time (13-minutes and 44-seconds mile pace). The 6-hour time limit will begin after the last runner in the last wave has cleared the Start Line.

What is the percentage of asphalt versus concrete on your course?
Our course is about 97% asphalt. Concrete is located at Mile 2.2 (1/10 mile), Mile 18.7 (2/10 mile), Mile 19 (1/10 mile), and Mile 25.3 (1/4 mile). Grass/ Earth terrain can be used in portions of the course, including Golden Gate Park. Light rail lines and curbs are found along various sections of the course. Some small metal expansion joints may be uncovered along the bridge.

Where is a good place for my friends and family to cheer me on?
View our Spectator Guide..

What time will the roads close?
Our course has a rolling closure from 3 AM until 2 PM. Please check our traffic report for specific road closure times. However during the marathon, please expect traffic delays around course areas. View a full traffic report.

How many water stations, toilets aid stations etc. will you have?
There will be 12 Water/Toilet/Aid Stations along the course as well as the Start and Finish Lines.

How many misting stations will you have?
We will have one or more misting stations along the course. They will be located towards the final miles of the Full Marathon route.

Who manages the water stations?
Water stops are each managed by a volunteer group. Each volunteer captain is responsible for getting the volunteers to their station on time and making sure there is enough water and electrolyte set out for the runners. Each captain is equipped with the tools necessary including a training session before race day to make sure he/she understands the responsibilities associated with the water stop.

Will there be food at the finish line?
Yes, we will have a variety of food at the finish line available to all finishers. In past years the food has been: cheesy bread rolls, cytomax, water, potato chips, energy bars, and bananas.

Are the full marathon and half marathons located on the same course?
Yes, the First Half will be the first 13.1 miles of the Full Marathon and the Second Half will be the last 13.1 miles of the Full Marathon.

Will the Golden Gate Bridge be a part of the course again?
Yes! We will be running over the Golden Gate Bridge. Runners will be doing an out and back on the roadbed of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is only included in the Full Marathon and the 1st Half Marathon. It is NOT included in the 2nd Half Marathon, Progressive Marathon, or 5K. Check out our course map for more details.

Is there congestion on the course and Golden Gate Bridge?
We implement strict and dispersed wave starts, which allows for better flow and minimizes congestion on the course, especially in the earlier miles (including the Start Line and Golden Gate Bridge). Our Wave Starts provide our runners with the room to run from the Start of the race on. We also limit entry to runners who can complete the marathon course in 6 hours or less. Therefore, there is NO early start for the marathoners that need more than 6 hours to complete the course. A faster field reduces crowding at the Start, on the Golden Gate Bridge, and along narrow parts of the course.

What would happen to the course if the US Department of Homeland Security issued a Code Orange alert?
In case of a Code Orange alert the Course would feature an out and back on the Great Highway instead of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Again this would only happen in case of a Code Orange alert. Please view our Code Orange Course Map here.

What's the topography like?
Review the topography map.

Which Half should I run?
The First Half - The First Half takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is more challenging than the Second Half. You will enjoy scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean for most of the course. You will run though the Richmond District and into Golden Gate Park where you will finish at the Rose Garden, on John F. Kennedy Dr. at 14th St. Review the topography map.

The Second Half - The Second Half starts at Spreckel's Lake (on JFK at 36th Ave.). It is a faster course than the first half, most second half runners use their time to qualify or set a Personal Record (PR). You will tour most of Golden Gate Park. You will pass through the Mission District and into Mission Bay. You pass right by AT&T Park where the Giants play and onto The Embarcadero for your Finish at the Ferry Building. Review the topography map

Is the course closed to traffic?
The course is closed to traffic. While we make every effort to keep all traffic off the marathon course there will be traffic in neighboring lanes or crossing the course. Roads will remain closed for all marathoners with a sub 6-hour finishing time. You will be given 6-hours after the last runner has cleared the start line.

Is there a time limit?
Yes, the course is only open to those with a sub 6-hour Marathon time and a sub 3-hour First Half Marathon time. The time limit on the Second Half is 3.5 hours.

Where does the course take us? Why is this the best way to tour SF?
The course is an exciting tour of San Francisco. It takes you through the most famous, scenic, and exciting parts of our great city. Read the Full Marathon Course Description.

Is the course difficult?
The San Francisco Marathon™ course is difficult. Surprising, but yes, we do have a lot of flat areas on our course. About half the course is flat, a quarter is uphill and a quarter is downhill. While the course may prove a challenge it is an experience worth achieving. Check out our map and topography for more details.

Where is the start and finish of the race? Is it a loop course?
The Full Marathon is a loop course. The Half Marathons are point to point. The start/finish for the Full Marathon is located at the Ferry Building at Justin Herman Plaza. The intersection is Market St. and Steuart St. The First Half's Finish and the Second Half's Start are both located in Golden Gate Park.

Is the course USA Track and Field Certified? If so, does the Boston Marathon consider this a qualifier for their race?
Yes. The course is USAT&F certified and as such a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Because we are a Champion Chip timed race course, you can apply for Boston through their online registration system.

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Electrolyte and Gel

Who is your electrolyte and gel sponsor?
Cytosport is our Official Electrolyte and Energy Gel sponsor.

Will you have electrolyte at every water stop?
Yes. We will have electrolyte at every water stop.

Will you have gel packs at any water stops?
Yes. We will have two gel stops on the course at Water Stop 3 and Water Stop 8. The flavors will be orange and vanilla.

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The Expo and Packet Pick-Up

Where do I pick up my bib number, t-shirt, goody bag,  and timing chip?
Your bib number, timing chip, goody bag, and t-shirt will be located at our Expo. Read all about the Expo.

What are the Expo Dates and Hours?
Friday, July 24, 2009, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 25, 2009, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Can I pick up my packet on race day?
No, all participants must come to the Expo to pick up their packet.5K participants can pick up their bibs on race day at the main Information Booth in Justin Herman Plaza.

Can you mail me my packet?
No, we do not mail out packets, all participants must come to the Expo to pick up their packet.

How can I be a vendor at the Expo?
Booth space is dependent on availability. Email us, use the subject line, "Expo Vendor" for more information on becoming a vendor.

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Friends, Family and Spectators

Can my friends come to the weekend events?
Yes. We would love to have your friends and family join you in your experience. Be sure they note the cheering sections on our course map to find out where they can keep you motivated! Check out our Spectator Guide.

My friend is running the Full/ Half Marathon. Is there an event I can participate in as well?
Yes. We offer a 5K and Progressive Marathon for friends and family who don't want to run a Half or Full Marathon, but would like to join in the festivities on race day. By running the Progressive Marathon you can train and use your miles with your friend/ family member.  Please visit our 5K Run/Walk page for more information.

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Hotel and Travel

Who is the host hotel, what is the price and where is it located? How do I contact the host hotel?
Our Host Hotel is the Hyatt Regency located at Market St and Steuart St. We also work with many other hotels within walking distance to the Expo and Start/Finish Line. More Hotel Information is available here.

Are there a variety of hotels available at different prices?
Yes. More Hotel Information is available here.

Where should I stay to be close to the Start/Finish Line?
The Start/Finish is located at Justin Herman Plaza across from the Ferry Building. The intersection is Steuart St. and Market St. Fisherman's Wharf, SOMA, and Union Square are also short cab rides away. For Half Marathoners, there will be busing available to/from Justin Herman Plaza to/from your Start/Finish. Buses are only for Half Marathoners who have registered for the bus.

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The Race

What is the official name of the event?
The San Francisco Marathon™.

What is the Date of the Event?
Sunday July 26, 2009.

How many runners do you expect for this year?
We expect to sell out again this year with 20,000 runners.

What other activities are planned for the Marathon Weekend?
We have an annual pasta feed on Saturday Night. On Saturday, the day before the race, we have the Expo. We also will be conducting seminars on Friday and Saturday. View the Race Week Schedule.

What's the homepage?
http://www.runsfm.com

What kind of runners enter into this race?
The Full Marathon attracts runners of various levels. Over half of our full marathon field has finished a previous marathon, but for thousands of athletes, this is their first full marathon.
For those runners who love the scenic views of San Francisco, but are not ready for the full marathon, choose to run either the 1st half marathon (3 hour limit) or the 2nd half marathon (3.5 hour limit).
In addition, this event attracts families and friends in both the 5K Run/Walk and the Progressive Marathon.

How far is a full marathon?
26.2 miles

How far is a half marathon?
13.1 miles

How far is a 5K?
3.1 miles

Are there relays teams?
We will not have a relay.

Are dogs allowed?
No. We ask that there are no dogs or any pets or animals on the course.

Are skates, strollers or bikes are allowed on the course?
No. We ask that there are no skates, strollers or bikes on the course. It will be too crowded on the course and we want all runners to have a positive experience.

Are wheelchairs allowed on the course?
Yes. Please note on your entry. The course in considered difficult with both significantly steep up and down hill portions. The course includes but is not limited to curbs, cobblestone, steel bridges and railroad tracks. We strongly suggest that you are an experienced wheelchair participant. Our wheelchair participants will be starting in the front of our last wave at 6:30 AM.

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Runner Concerns

What does the finisher's medal look like and how big is it? Do all runners receive finisher's medals?
All Full and Half Marathon runners will receive a commemorative finisher's medal. The Full Marathon medal has won a ‘Best Schwag' Award from Runner's World. It is a 3.25” Coaster Medal. The Half Marathon medal is similar in style and coloring, but is half the size and is a keychain! Participants in the Progressive Marathon will also receive a finisher's medal, which is similar to the Half Marathon medal.

What size t-shirt should I order?
Our Full Marathon and Half Marathon Race Shirts, are technical tees made by Green Layer, and we offer male and female cuts. All shirts fit true to size. The 5K and Progressive Marathon shirts are coed cotton shirts.

Is merchandise be available online?
You can check out all available RunSFM merchandise at a partner web site: http://www.runningwell.org

Can I use headphones?
We strongly encourage runner's not to wear headphones during the race. This is not only due to runner safety on any race course, but also because we are on an urban course. It is important that runners are very aware of their surroundings and what is going on in case of emergency, and also to be aware of the traffic and your surroundings. If you must wear headphones then we do ask that you only wear them in one ear.

What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
We provide medical assistance at each of our 12 water stations and if you determine that you cannot finish the race, SAG vehicles will be available at each water location for pick-up. Medical Aid is available at each water stop. Each participant is responsible for his or her own health insurance.

I'm a first time marathoner; is this marathon a good race for me?
Congratulations on running your first marathon! Every first time marathoner needs to dedicate training and research to understanding what it takes to run a marathon. For a first timer, it is important to discuss training with a professional or experienced marathoner. Every person is different, but with the right training and dedication you absolutely can accomplish a great finish at The San Francisco Marathon™. We have hosted many first time marathoners (30% in 2005 and 32% in 2006), and would love to show you how exciting a marathon can be!

Will there be training runs?
Yes, we will have training runs in the Bay Area. View our training options.

Is there an age limit – young or old?
We do not have an official age limit. Please consult with your physician if you have any questions, despite your age, concerning your participation in The San Francisco Marathon™. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your waiver, and we would recommend you opt for the Half Marathon over the Full Marathon.

Can you explain the Estimated Finishing Time?
The estimated finishing time is the amount of time in hours and minutes that it will take for you to finish the course. It is not the time of day you expect to cross the Finish Line. Because we are doing wave starts, we ask that you be as exact as possible to ensure you proper corral placement. To change your EFT, please edit your personal information.

Where can I find race results?
http://www.runsfm.com/raceweek/results.html

Where can I find photos of the race?
http://www.runsfm.com/raceweek/results.html

Where can I find a course map?
View all RunSFM Maps.

If I have feedback regarding the race, whom do I contact?
Please Email us with any race feedback. We appreciate all comments and would love to hear what you did and didn't enjoy, so that we can keep making our race more enjoyable for our runners.

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Sponsorship

Who are your 2009 Partners?
You can view all sponsor information here.

How do I become a sponsor?
Email us. Use the subject line: Sponsorship.

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Where do I park for the event?
Parking will be limited due to the high number of registrants and the limited spaces available in San Francisco, so please try to carpool, have a friend/family member drop you off, or taxi in. More parking and transportation information.

Are there shuttle buses?
Shuttle buses will be provided to or from Justin Herman Plaza to your start location for the 2nd Half Marathon and from the finish location of the 1st Half Marathon. The ride is free and included in your race registration. Full Marathoners will not need to the bus since the Start and Finish will be located in the same general location.

What time do shuttle buses operate?
Second Half Marathon buses will run from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM. They leave from Mission and Steuart St. and arrive at the Second Half Marathon Start Line.
First Half Marathon buses will be running until 10:00 AM. They will take runners from their finish line to Justin Herman Plaza.
Buses are One-Way and for runners with Half Marathon Bib Numbers only.

Is there a fee to ride the bus?
No. It is only for half marathoners - runners must show their bibs to board the buses. Spectators will not be allowed on the runner bus.

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Volunteers
I would like to volunteer. How can I do this?
Great! Thousands of volunteers are needed to staff aid stations, work the Expo and offer support to the runners at the start and finish. To volunteer please visit our Volunteer Page for available shifts and time. Be sure to register as a volunteer before the slot you want is taken. All volunteers receive a cool official race volunteer t-shirt. Visit our Volunteer Page.

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Walkers
Can I walk the San Francisco Marathon or Half Marathon course?
The Marathon is open to all types of athletes who can complete the Marathon course in under 6 hours or a 13:44 minute mile pace.
The 1st Half Marathon is open to all types of athletes who can complete the 1st Half Marathon course in under a 3-hour or a 13:44 minute mile pace.
The Second Half Marathon is open to all types of athletes who can complete the 2nd Half Marathon course in under a 3.5-hour or a 16:02 minute mile pace. All Second Half Marathon participants will start at 8:20 AM at Spreckel's Lake in Golden Gate Park at on JFK at 36th Ave.
Any walkers who are unable to complete the course in these times are encouraged to join our Progressive Marathon or 5K Run/Walk.

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