Let me preface by saying my SF Marathon bib listed me as being a part of the 40 for 40 challenge. I couldn’t actually recall what that was when I picked up my packet and found myself wondering if that meant I was eligible because I was 40 and running the 40th. Turns out it’s this:
The San Francisco Marathon is honoring its four decades of race finishers on July 23rd, 2017 with the limited time 40 for 40 Challenge. Returning half, full and ultra marathon finishers are eligible to earn an exclusive challenge medal in 2017 if they run our half, full and ultra in 2017, for a total of at least 40 miles* over the two years. Runners joining The San Francisco Marathon for the first time in 2017 are eligible to earn the challenge medal in 2018 if they register for qualifying 2017 and 2018 race distances before April 30th, 2017. Read on for more details. Ring in 40 years of The San Francisco Marathon with us. Complete the 40 for 40 Challenge!
Link: http://www.thesfmarathon.com/challenges/40-for-40-challenge/
I’m still reeling from a sense of inhumanity and wanton disregard for others during my travels. So instead of witty commentary, here’s a simple photo gallery from the 40th Anniversary San Francisco Marathon.
Part One: The Starting Line
Instead of a starting gun for each wave, they had the World Champion Cable Car Bell Ringer send us off by clanging his bell.
***
Part Two: Shadows and Fog and A Bridge In The Clouds
The opening miles took us through Fisherman’s Wharf and up toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Most shot are blurry from low-lighting and foggy conditions.
Part Three – The Presidio and Golden Gate Park
Everybody remember where we parked — it’s in the fog bank.
Part Four: The Sun Breaks On Through… and 50 years after the Summer of Love, I’m pass by Haight/Ashbury
***
Part Five: The Home Stretch
“Almost There” chants and cheers greet runners inevitably far too soon — “almost there” being an entirely relative concept when running 26.2 miles. I suppose one is “almost there” in the early 20s but there’s still a long way to go…
***
Part Six: The Bay Bridge Marks The *REAL* Home Stretch To The Finish
