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SF Marathon Route: Road Closures, Start Time, and Course Map for 2026 Race

The 2026 San Francisco Marathon takes place Sunday, July 26, with over 30,000 runners. The route crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Baker and back, causing road closures from 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday.

SF Marathon Route: Road Closures, Start Time, and Course Map for 2026 Race

SF Marathon Route: Road Closures, Start Time, and Course Map for 2026 Race

The short answer

The San Francisco Marathon is an annual road race held in July. The 2026 edition takes place Sunday, July 26, starting at 5:15 a.m. The full marathon route begins near the Embarcadero, runs through Fisherman's Wharf, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County to Fort Baker, and returns across the bridge to finish near the Ferry Building. Over 30,000 participants are expected. Road closures begin Saturday night at 9 p.m. and last until Sunday 3 p.m. Muni services will be adjusted. The weekend also includes a 5K, 10K, two half-marathons, and an ultra marathon.

Why it's trending

The San Francisco Marathon is happening this weekend (July 25-26, 2026), with the main race on Sunday. Residents and visitors are searching for the route to plan travel around road closures and to find viewing spots.

The 2026 San Francisco Marathon is set for Sunday, July 26, with over 30,000 runners expected to take part. The race starts at 5:15 a.m. and follows a course that crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Baker and back, according to organizers and local news reports.

Road closures will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday and remain in effect until 3 p.m. Sunday, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced. The closures affect streets along the race route, including parts of the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Muni services will be rerouted or adjusted.

The marathon weekend also includes other races: a 5K and an ultra marathon on Saturday (8 a.m. and 10:15 p.m., respectively), and two half-marathons (6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.), a 10K (7:15 a.m.), and a 5K (9 a.m.) on Sunday. The SFMTA said it is prepared to handle the event, noting that 'public transit is the most affordable and reliable choice.'

About 70% of runners are from the Bay Area, the organization says. The marathon is known for its scenic but challenging hilly course, making it a premier West Coast event.

Timeline

  1. 5K Race

    The first race of the weekend takes place.

  2. Road Closures Begin

    Street closures go into effect for the marathon.

  3. Ultra Marathon Start

    The ultra marathon begins.

  4. Full Marathon Start

    Main marathon starts with over 30,000 runners.

  5. First Half-Marathon

    Half-marathon starts.

  6. 10K Start

    10K race begins.

  7. Second Half-Marathon

    Another half-marathon starts.

  8. 5K Start

    Final 5K race of the weekend.

  9. Road Closures End

    All road closures are lifted.

Questions people ask

What is the route of the San Francisco Marathon?

The full marathon starts near the Embarcadero, goes through Fisherman's Wharf, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Baker in Marin County, and returns across the bridge to finish near the Ferry Building.

When are the road closures for the SF Marathon?

Road closures begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and last until 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, according to the SFMTA.

Are there other races besides the marathon?

Yes, the weekend includes a 5K, 10K, two half-marathons, and an ultra marathon on various days and times.

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