Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon
San Francisco, CA
Official Website : http://xnet.kp.org/sanfrancisco/index.html
Date : February 1, 2009
Race Type : Running
Race Distance : Half Marathon
Race Description: Your participation in this event helps support the Koret Family House, The Harbor Light Center for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and Support for Families of Children with Disabilities. If, in addition, you would like to make a personal donation to one of our designated charities, Pamakid Runners will gladly forward your contribution to the designated charity. If you register by mail, include a separate check, made payable to the individual charity, and if you register online, simply select 'Additional Donation' and choose the charity you'd like to donate to.
4 Reviews for Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon
So, I believe this race used to be called the Home Depot Half Marathon. I did this race back in 2000, and I probably should have trained more than I did. A half marathon is the longest race I have ever done, and I was really proud of myself for finishing even though it wasn't an easy task. The day I did this race, it was freezing cold, extremely windy, and pouring rain! I did okay until mile 10, and then I spent the last three miles crying and just wishing I was at the end. The course was really pretty, especially the last part which goes right along Ocean Beach. I remember receiving a nice long sleeve t-shirt after the race, which I changed into immediately because I was soaked from the rain. There was also lots of snacks and freebies after this race which is always nice. I think I would do this race again in the future, but I would train more and better weather would be a bonus for sure!
I ran this race in 2007 and 2008. The run is beautiful and the course winds along golden gate park and right along the ocean. The race is very well organized with frequent water stations. I especially like all the great causes this run supports. Next year I am thinking about running the race and raising money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. In 2008 there was a lot of rain and crazy wind, but it still was a great time and sometimes the weather is half the fun. Great company and a hard workout. I would recommend this run.
I have been doing this half-marathon for many years. It has always been a part of Super Bowl Sunday festivities as it always coincides with this event. The race course is absolutely beautiful.It heads up though the panhandle section of Golden Gate Park, then makes a u-turn and winds down through the park out to the Great Highway . The run then continues next to the ocean. All the scenery is breathtaking. The race is extremely well organized with frequent water stations. Energy boosters such as Powerbar Gel are provided as well. There are always many booths and excellent snacks at the finish line.In addition, the funds raised go to many worthy causes, one of these is Family House which provides housing for families of children receiving cancer treatment at UCSF hospital. You'll have fun and help the community!!!I highly recommend this race..
I believe this race used to be called the Home Depot Half Marathon and was on the same course. I never did it as that race but have completed it under the new sponsorship. In 2008 a group of friends got together on one hell of a cold and rainy San Francisco morning to run this as training for Arizona Ironman. I wish I had better memories of this race but all I seriously recall was running in a torrential downpour. I was soaked from the start, freezing, and came close to crying more times that I would like to admit. The rain and wind knocked down mile markers, blew over the finish clock which was frozen at like 1:21:01 - no I did not run it half that fast. Running on the Great Highway was like punishment. Rain was falling so hard that it hurt as it hit your face and the wind was pushing you sideways. It was the first time I ever went into a port-a-potty and didn't want to leave.
But I can't blame the race for the weather. I am sure they did a great job because the race is packed every year. You start in Golden Gate Park and wind around, almost like you are doing the Bay to Breakers - but with real runners - and run all the way to the sewer plant and back on Hwy 1, alongside the ocean. The view, on a good day, is most spectacular... but all I remember was thinking a tsunami wave was gonna rise up and put me out of my misery. Sorry this is such a painful review, but this is all I recall. Oh yeah, that and I got lots of yummy food samples at the end because everyone bolted after they finished, but my friend got lost picking us up - like 2 hours late! - and I got to peruse the snacks plenty of times! haha