About the SF marathon:
> > you
> > through all the great places of SanFran.<
> Considering the location of this race - is the course really hilly? I'm
> looking for a possible "1st marathon" and would like my first 26 miles to
> be fairly flat!
> Marilyn
i was not quite prepared for the hills and should have saved more for the
end. The race does not lack for interesting SF scenery (a good thing in a
first marathon!). The course starts downhill over the golden gate bridge
into the city and is basically flat-ish until about mile 10 or 12 or so.
Then comes the *famous* Hayes street hill (made famous by the Bay to
Breakers 12K race)- this is about a 300 foot climb in about a mile- not a
killer but you should slow down on it (after all, more than half the miles
are left.) The second half has a lot of rolling hills so this is probably
not a good race for a novice to expect to run a negative split. As others
have mentioned the support is very good (massages at the finish :) ), the
stadium finish has a big time feel and they give each finisher a medal
which is great for the ego and a great keepsake esp. for a first marathon.
Also, the weather is almost certain to be comfortable. When I ran it it was
55 degrees start to finish!
Enjoy the race!
-Chad