Golden Gate Headlands Marathon - Race Reviews

4,200 ft. of vertical climb and the last 0.5 mile (x 2 loops) is in sand - makes this one tough marathon. I've run a dozen marathons and this was the most difficult, but well worth it. Out in nature, beautiful scenery, fresh air and challenges all the way. Only 27 marathon runners - just you and nature and that little voice in your head. Ran it barefoot, slow and steady.

Race brief was great! Lots of interaction with the runners. My only complaint was a few of the runners took a wrong turn, on a bridge. Other than that, it was a great race and I would definitely run it again. I loved the last stretch, running on Rodeo Beach.

This is my ninth marathon and definitely the hardest one yet. The hiking trail on which you run is quite steep at some points. This is a killer the second time around. It's a two-loop, 13-mile trail that is absolutely beautiful. After the first loop, I felt like I usually do after running a whole marathon. Definitely bring your own water. Would I do it again? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes.

This is my second marathon after NYC last year and I have to say that I enjoyed it a lot more. The weather was great and the views are spectacular. I lost a few good minutes stopping and enjoying it, but was worth it. The course is not as difficult as I thought (2 hills x 2 loops) but when you get to the last hill around mile 16 and you have to go up continuosly for 2.5 miles on 7% grade it can be tough. Running downhill is hard on knees but the beach is the final killer. The trail is in perfect condition except a small area with mud (25 ft) The organization was great for the size of the event, but cannot compare to NYC marathon obviously. I had to carry my own bottle though - the stations may be a little far apart for some people. No significant spectators except start/finish, which makes it peaceful if you prefer that. No headphones - tough for city guys from ipod generation. Also recommend getting your legs in the ocean if you like an ice bath post race. Good job enviro-sports! Thumbs up!

First thing you should know: this race is only 24 miles - not an official full marathon. However they say they "give you credit for all the hills." Well, yes, those hills are killers, but the two mountains (on each of the two laps) are even tougher. The spring rains had so inundated the trails that in one spot, keeping your shoes on was the focus because the trail was out of sight/under water. The end of each lap was on the beach: dry, fluffy sand, just another challenge on the way to a tremendous feeling of accomplishment finishing this race. The course itself is beautiful and in couple of places, the views of the Pacific are stunning. Definitely not recommended for a first-time marathoner!

The hills are VERY STEEP, but the views and general surroundings are fantastic. This was my second half marathon and a great training for my first full marathon. The full is a double-loop on this course, which has two giant hills at the beginning - I can't imagine doing the full and knowing that those hills were coming up again! Not really accessible to fans, and the rainy spring meant that we were all muddy at the end, but the beach finish is nice for spectators if not for knees. Friendly organizers/volunteers.

The course starts with an uphill challenge that climbs both hills and stairs to a beautiful view. The trail is rutted and muddy with loose shale and bogs creating almost an obstacle course. A lot of fun to run and very memorable. The route, however, is badly marked creating confusion with runners looking at maps, asking directions, etc. I was running the half-marathon and a number of runners, myself included, took the wrong path and ended circling back and adding about 5 miles to the run. I'm training for the Great Wall Marathon, so the extra training is fine, I guess, but there were runners in our misguided group that gave up and walked as they weren't at the point of running 18 to 20 miles.

I entered the 1/2 marathon this year (the full is two laps) and am strictly a road race guy... this thing kicked my arse! My PR for a 1/2 is around 1:30, but came in on this one in 1:47. The race begins uphill and there is a segment up trail stairs. The uphills are brutal b/c they are not only steep, but LONG. The resulting downhills are just as steep, so you can't really open it up and coast. In fact, you have a hard time taking in the scenery b/c you have to constantly watch your footing for all the rocks. The beach finish is, in fact, the finishing blow. I do not run on sand ever, and it's definitely an art form. You feel yourself churn in place! After all that, the feeling you have at the finish is amazing. The guys running it are great and really put on a great event. The weather was perfect, also. I highly recommend this race, but don't expect a great time!

This was my first marathon ever, so I was pretty nervous to begin with. The course ascends/descends about 4400 feet which was pretty challenging for me. Add to that a finale with a run along the soft seashore and you got yourself a challenging course, but you will definitely get rewarded with some beautiful scenery. The volunteers were great with excellent aid stations and their hospitality. Overall, I would definitely recommend this beautiful trail!

Friendly low-key trail marathon with a beautiful 2-loop course. Race directors are laid-back, allowed us to run 3 loops for a training run (1 loop before the race started), and trusted us when we told our time for the first 2 loops. Friendly volunteers at aid stations, good trail-running food (gorp, pretzels, fruit, twizzlers, etc.) Cold showers at finish. Highly recommended!