2026-2027 Running Races in San Francisco, California
Upcoming running races in and near San Francisco, California - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, with dates, pricing, finish-time stats, start-line maps, and local run clubs to train with.
San Francisco running is a study in contrast: you can log flat, fast miles along the Embarcadero or Crissy Field in the morning and be grinding up steep neighborhood staircases by afternoon. Golden Gate Park pulls runners from every corner of the city, and the Kezar Stadium track has been a training anchor for as long as anyone can remember.
The mild climate means there is no real off-season here - the bayfront paths, Ocean Beach promenade, and the bridge crossing stay busy year-round. That same accessibility shapes the race calendar: events lean toward the classic city distances, but the terrain underneath them ranges from fast waterfront pavement to the kind of cross-country dirt you find tucked inside Golden Gate Park.
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The San Francisco races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Oct 14, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in San Francisco
Is San Francisco a good place for a first race?
Most events here offer a 5K alongside longer distances, so you are not forced into a big commitment to find a starting point. A handful also include a 1-mile option, which takes almost any pressure off.
How big are the fields at San Francisco races?
Published field-size figures are rare in this calendar. The Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run - a free ultra with 50K, 50-mile, and 4.5-mile options - lists a field of 51 runners, giving you a sense of what a smaller, more intimate event looks like here. Most races do not publish a field size, so it is hard to say across the board.
What finish times can I expect at San Francisco races?
Finish-time data is limited. The Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run, which has published results, shows a median finish time of 5:45:34 across its ultra distances. Only 3 races in total have published results, so a broad picture of finish times across the whole San Francisco calendar is not available.
When is the best time of year to find a race in San Francisco?
Fall is the busiest stretch, with 12 races from September through November. Summer and winter each hold 8. If you want the widest choice, target the fall block. Spring is the quietest window, and March in particular has just 1 race on the calendar.
Are there trail races near San Francisco?
Yes, one race around San Francisco gets you off the pavement: 1 mixes road and trail.
