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San Francisco Marathon: Where to Watch

The best places to cheer the 2014 Marathon
By - posted 7/25/2014 No Comment

See your favorite runner or cheer all of them on as they get closer to the finish line of the San Francisco Marathon on Sunday, July 27, 2014 which starts at (gulp) 5:30 am.

The starting line for the First Half Marathon and Full Marathon is on the Embarcadero at Mission Street. The starting line for the Second Half Marathon and the finish line for the First Half Marathon is in Golden Gate Park near the Rose Garden (on JFK). The finish line for the Second Half Marathon and the Full Marathon is on the Embarcadero at Folsom.

2014 Spectator Locations & Course Entertainment

#1: Sports Basement Presidio (mile 4.5)
The steepest hill of the race is between miles 4 and 5 – right around the second water stop. Help support the participants by cheering them on as they go up the hill and enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sports Basement is located at 610 Mason St. in the Presidio, across from Crissy Field.

#2: The First Half Marathon Finish in Golden Gate Park (first half mile 13.1)
Congratulate your loved one at the Half Marathon point of the race. Cheer on the marathon runners, while watching the finish of the First Half Marathon. This cheer area is located on JFK Drive at 14th Avenue in Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden.

#3: The Second Half Marathon Start in Golden Gate Park
Cheer your loved one on at the Second Half Marathon starting line. Cheer on the marathon runners, while watching the start of the Second Half Marathon. This cheer area is located at the corner of JFK Drive and 36th Avenue in Golden Gate Park.

#4: Haight Ashbury (between miles 19 and 20)
Watch runners cross this popular intersection in the Upper Haight District of the city. Runners need your support as they head into the final 10k. You can grab some breakfast or coffee as you wait at the many local cafes. This location can be found at the corner of Haight St. and Ashbury.

#5: Sports Basement Bryant St (mile 22)
Make some noise and help participants carry on at one of the more difficult parts of the race. Sports Basement is sponsoring this Potrero Cheer Station. Cheer, dance and support the participants around Mile 22 to help them finish the race.

2014 Course Performers & Cheer Stations

  • Start Line – SF Cable Car Chorus – Barbershop Quartet/National Anthem
  • Mile 3 – Tipping Point – Cheer Station
  • Mile 4 – Sports Basement – Cheer Station
  • Mile 6 – The Gillbillies – Surf Rock Band
  • Mile 9.5 – Team Red White and Blue – Cheer Station
  • First Half Finish – El Arbol and DJ Izzy Wise – DJ and the Bike Tree
  • Second Half Start – Lindsay Leaver – National Anthem Singer
  • Mile 14 – Drum Circle with Joel Elrod
  • Mile 15 – Mind Over Distance – Cheer Station
  • Mile 15.5 – Deadlies – Surf Rock Band
  • Mile 17.1 – The Joy Drops – Americana Band
  • Mile 18 – San Franpsycho – Cheer Station
  • Mile 18.2 – Freddie Future – DJ
  • Mile 19 – Cello Joe – Beatbox Cello Looping
  • Mile 21 – Mind Over Distance – Cheer Station
  • Mile 21.5 – Nothin’ But Fun Band – Blue/Rock’n’roll Band
  • Mile 22 – Sports Basement – Cheer Station
  • Mile 22.5 – Marjikeze – Rock/Funk/Reggae Band
  • Mile 23 – lululemon – Cheer Station
  • Mile 23.75 – Hiwatters – Surf Rock Band
  • Mile 24.25 – Mind Over Distance – Cheer Station
  • Mile 24.5 – Batalá San Francisco – Drum Ensemble
  • Finish Line – Con Brio – Finish Line Band

Spectator Bus Options (not required)

There are two spectator bus options:

1. One way bus to Golden Gate Park (First Half Finish Line).  There is NO return service with this bus; spectators must find their own transportation back to the Main Finish Line. Fee: $5 per ticket

2. The Hop-on, Hop-off service stops along the waterfront at Crissy Field (stop #1), in beautiful Golden Gate Park (stop #2), where you will have multiple opportunities to watch your runner, and the eclectic Dog Patch area of Potrero Hill (stop #3). Fee: $20 per ticket

Buses leave from the corner of Mission and Steuart streets (near the Start Line) beginning at 5:45 am and continuing through 11:30 am that dayTickets must be purchased in advance.