12th Annual Nike Women's Half Marathon
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015
6:30 am
An estimated 20,000 women are registered to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon in mid-October. It's the perfect time of year to see the beautiful city sights, which these runners will enjoy as they meet their fitness goals over the 13.1-mile course. Registration has already closed for the Nike Women's Half Marathon, but the runners always appreciate the support of the crowds, so go cheer them on!
The race takes off from Union Square, which is within walking distance of Hotel Nikko San Francisco in the heart of downtown. If you've run the race in the past, note that the course this year heads in the opposite direction than that of previous years, but is still the same course. From the starting line runners will go west through the Western Addition and along the Panhandle into Golden Gate Park towards the Pacific Ocean.
Around mile 2, there will about a 100-foot elevation ascent. From miles 2 to 6, the elevation stays pretty steady. Before exiting Golden Gate Park, they'll make a bit of U-turn, which will take them out through the Richmond District towards the tony homes of Sea Cliff. Heading north and then east, the runners will make their way through the Presidio, with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the exquisite Marin Headlands and the picturesque San Francisco Bay. Here's where you'll find the steepest elevation climb of over 200 feet. Between miles 11 and 12, the course quickly descends to the finish line at the Marina Green.