SF Marathon 2025: The Races, Routes and Road Closures This Weekend (Plus How to Watch It All)

On your mark, get set: the 2025 San Francisco Marathon is returning to the city this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.

It’s the ultimate event for runners in the Bay Area — and according to organizers, the race is almost sold out.

All this also means that this weekend may be tricky for pedestrians and drivers to move around the city, with the multiple road closures the San Francisco Marathon will bring to the city to accommodate thousands of runners.

Keep reading for the 2025 SF Marathon route, which roads will be closed, where to find public transit changes and how to watch from the sidelines if you’re a spectator.

We’ll also give an overview of the weekend’s events and races themselves if you’re feeling spontaneously athletic (or want to meet people?) and decide to join the big challenge at short notice. And yes, several of these races now allow dogs.

Jump straight to:

• Can I still sign up for the full marathon or one of the shorter races?
• How can I cheer my friends on in the SF Marathon, or just spectate?
• What routes within San Francisco will be closed to cars and public transit?

What is the SF Marathon route, and when are the races?

The 26.2-mile main event — the full SF Marathon — is on Sunday, July 27. The full marathon starts at 5:15 a.m. on Embarcadero Street at Market Street and finishes on Embarcadero Street at Howard Street.

There are several other races taking place both Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, including half marathons, 10K races and 5K races, as well as a family-friendly run and a dog-friendly race. And if that’s not enough, you can run an ultramarathon this weekend in San Francisco, too. Jump to more information about the races taking place around the SF Marathon this weekend and how to register.

What will the weather be like in San Francisco this weekend for the marathon?

Check the weather forecast again before you head out, as San Francisco weather can turn on a dime. The National Weather Service forecasts the weather a week out, so you’ll be able to get an idea of the prediction for July 26-27 starting this weekend.

Whether you’re planning to participate in a race or just spectate, be sure to drink plenty of water well before going out. You can also be strategic about how to combat heat by cooling your body’s pulse points such as your neck, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. It can bring quick relief. In case things get toasty, KQED has a thorough guide on how to stay safe during a heat wave.

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

I need to bail. Can I defer my SF Marathon registration until next year?

In the marathon but not feeling up to the task this weekend? You can defer your registration to next year for a $39 fee. The ability to defer has extended to the weekend of the race, but the SF Marathon says organizers “reserve the right to end the option to defer at any time for any reason.”

I want to run in the SF Marathon or one of the other races. What do I need to know?

Feeling motivated all of a sudden? You can still register for one of the SF Marathon races online. The last day to register is July 26.

Prices went up after July 20, so the cost of attending now ranges from $408.11 for the big marathon to $44.64 for the smaller events.

• The Full Marathon (Sunday) is 26.2 miles with a six-hour time limit. It starts at 5:15 a.m. from Embarcadero at Market to Howard.
• The Bridge Half Marathon (Sunday) is the one where you get to run the Golden Gate Bridge. It is 13.1 miles with a three-hour time limit. It starts at 6:30 a.m. from Embarcadero at Market to Presidio, Lincoln at Ralston.
• The City Half Marathon (Sunday) is the race where you get to run through the neighborhoods. It is 13.1 miles with a 3.5-hour time limit. It starts at 8:30 a.m. from MLK Jr. Drive at Golden Gate Park to Embarcadero at Howard. You can save 13% on this purchase by using the code 13SFM.
• The Alexi Pappas SFM 10K (Sunday) is named after the Olympian. It is a flat 6.2 miles and starts at 7 a.m. from The Embarcadero near Mission Street to the Embarcadero near Washington Street. Dogs are now welcome for this race.

There are also two 5K runs taking place over the weekend:

• The Saturday 5K race allows your dog to run with you on the waterfront. It starts at 7 a.m. and is at Crissy Field Stadium. It is a 3.1-mile course, and you have an hour.
• There’s another 5K run on Sunday down the Embarcadero, at which dogs are also allowed. It starts at 9 a.m., and it is a 3.1-mile course, and you have an hour.

If all this sounds a little too relaxed, you can also do the marathon on both Saturday and Sunday as an ultramarathon.

Looking for something more family-friendly and chill? There is the Lollipop Family 1K race on Saturday, which is a little under a mile. It starts at 8 a.m. from the Presidio Sports Basement, near the water, and is $44.64 to register.

If you can’t make it to San Francisco, you can join the race virtually by registering on the SF Marathon’s app. It is $131.44 to join, and you’ll need to download the SF Marathon tracking app to follow your progress.

You can get all of the results and photos on the SF Marathon website after the end of the race.

How can I cheer the SF Marathon runners on?

Are you a good friend cheering on a runner? Make sure you know which race they are running in — after all, there are six of them. Look at the above section to check out the times and routes. You can also track a runner’s progress using the SF Marathon app using a bib number.

Whether you’re just planning to watch for fun or will be looking out for someone, read the SF Marathon’s tips for getting to the race as a spectator.

What routes within San Francisco will be closed to cars and public transit?

If you’re trying to get to the race for the full marathon’s 5:15 a.m. start time on Sunday, remember: BART service does not start early enough to get you there.

Instead, the SF Marathon will have shuttles from six BART stations to get you to the starting line. Buses will run very early in the morning from Walnut Creek, El Cerrito Plaza, MacArthur, Bay Fair, Daly City, and Millbrae BART stations and arrive by 4:30 a.m. at the Main Start Line on the Embarcadero. You’ll need to purchase your bus ticket ahead of time, though.

The SF Marathon website breaks down which city streets will be closed for races at what time, along with some recommended detours. Vehicle traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, which is on the route, will remain open in both directions throughout the marathon.

A lot of SF Muni lines will be rerouted due to marathon weekend events. SFMTA has a regularly updated list of route alterations, changes and closures on its website.

Working out closures and timings isn’t super simple, and the SFMTA encourages people to call 415-701-2311 with any questions about transit. The SF Marathon event hotline is 415-684-7458.

This story was originally published on July 17.