Nike Women's Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

T W.
ALAMEDA, CA

  (10-27-2011)

"This was my 4th or 5th Nike Half, and I, too, have mixed feelings. The pluses:

-beautiful, challenging, scenic course
-supportive environment, whether you're with Team in Training or feeding off that energy
-decent expo schwag
-Tiffany necklace

This year's race was not nearly as well organized as it has been in the past. At the expo we got nice perks like foot massage, gait analysis, food, samples. But there was no table to meet the pacers, and, in fact, I couldn't even find mine at the start. Not that impressed by the race clothes sold this year. Race bibs were round vs. standard rectangle, so the holes where I'd normally safety-pin my bib to my running skirt didn't fit in the standard snaps on my skirt. That said, I guess it's cool to have a differently shaped bib.

As for the race start, I didn't see maps posted for the race start area so why did the bag drop-off move to the other side of Union Square? It was CRAZY BUSY trying to drop off my bag -- very stressful and frustrating for everyone. And back to the pacing groups ... how can I have started in the 9:00-9:59 block of runners, finish with an avg. 9:31 pace, but only saw two pacing signs along the way?

I also feel torn to criticize participants -- walkers are most definitely welcome, but it would be helpful if the non-running participants could observe standard protocol by staying to the right and not walking 5-people-side-by-side. It took me until Mile 9 before I could run my own pace ... until then, I had to weave in and out of participants who really should have started behind me. Ultimately, I got injured from all the weaving in and out.

I missed the post-race Jamba smoothies but understand that we still got a nice supply of protein & carbs after the race. I'm not a big fan of the various Gatorade drinks that were served on the course or at the finish, but that's just personal preference.

I plan to be back, but with lower expectations. I wonder if Nike would consider reducing the number of participants to ensure a safer, more positive experience?"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2011

Mindy S.
Moraga, CA

  (10-27-2011)

"I have such mixed feelings about this race. This is my 6 time running it and I have watched it grow in popularity and sort of "outgrow" the abilities of the organizers to meet the needs of the racers adequately. I was unhappy when it went from open registration to lottery status, since I missed the inaugural race. Because I live locally, I like to enter these local races with friends. The lottery process makes it difficult - either you "all get it under a group registration" or you take your chances by entering separately. Packet pick-up was well organzied this year, but there was a huge glitch with the timing. The timing this year was handled by a different company and the chip was attached to our bibs. This was very cool as far as convenience, but the timing itself had a flawed process. I'm not sure what the problem was exactly, but I had to write to get my time and several of my running mates' times "fixed". The course is fantastic, the views are spectacular and let's face it, all these women run it, in part, for the little blue box waiting for us at the finish line awarded to us by a tuxedo-clad fireman. Weighing all the pros and cons, I will probably continue to enter the lottery and try and run, since I am a local, but honestly I'm not sure the price of the entry fee warrants the cons of the race that some others have pointed out."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2011

Robbie K.
Danville, CA

  (10-17-2011)

"This was possibly the worst run event I have ever participated in unfortunately. To start with very limited info coming out of the organization until you went to the expo and even then things were limited.

The start of the race was nothing short of a mob scene. They had corrals based on your planned finish time but you could basically go in any corral you wanted and then for Nike + registered racers (of which I was one but did not utilize), they had some special spot for you to line up but again the info coming out of the organizers was so limited I don\'t think people understood the purpose of such or that an area even existed. People were so incredibly rude and just pushed their way through the crowds in the corrals just to get where they wanted to be and were going under barriers to do so. I literally could not move 2 inches in any direction in the last 5 or 10 minutes before the race started because again it was such a mob scene. And then the joke was they had some Nike trainer lady on stage leading a warmup that would have had you stretching out your legs and bouncing around etc. but it was so crowded that was impossible.

There were not near enough porta potties. A field of 20K women and so they should be taking that into account and they clearly did not. The lines for the potties 30-40 minutes before the race were so long there was no way you would get in if you were at the back of the line before the race started.

Water stations on the course mostly only had water and Gatorade. Since Gatorade was a sponsor they gave out some type of power bars at some stops and I don't know about anyone else but trying to eat a power bar and run and then drink is not the easiest thing to do so most people did not take them. They gave out bananas and oranges once on the course and absolutely no GU or gels which seems very strange to me given it is somewhat of a staple for many runners these days. And again because the info coming out prior to the race was so limited I didn't find anything that said what exactly would be provided on the course other than water and Gatorade and other goodies or something along those lines. In addition they had Neutrogena handing out cans of spray sun screen at two different stations. These were full sized cans and I would have had to carry it the entire rest of the race (15 or more miles). I did not see one person take one which of course was not surprising. How about maybe give those out at the end of the race?

They ran out of food (at least that is what I was told) as when I finished my full marathon in just over 4 hours they only gave out a bottle of water and a bagel. They had zero fruit (bananas, oranges etc.) and nothing else. I am not asking for a meal but really, no fruit??? How do you run out of food when there is still 2.5 hrs of racing to go and therefore probably almost half the field of runners still to come in?

At the race results tent some of the computers weren't working and so many could not get their results and as of today (Monday) there is still no posting of the overall results. All you can get is your time. Every race I have run everything is posted almost immediately and is updated if new info becomes available.

No designated meet up with family and friends place and for a 22K runner field that seems like there should be a designated area.

I personally think Nike is trying to hard to be a unique race with things like Bra fittings and then even on the course having a station you could run in and give them your sports bra and they would give you a new one to wear. Giving out chocolate on the course but not giving out more fruit and things that people really want to consume to maintain their energy etc. They should stick to the basics on the race course and do all the other stuff at the end or during the expo IMO.

The course is tough but that is not a surprise as running in San Francisco typically is with all the hills. But it is scenic.

Nike should take some pointers from the Napa Marathon or the SF Marathon & 1/2 Marathon as those were well run races for the most part. Getting a Tiffany necklace is nice but keep in mind ladies you paid for it with the price of the entry fee. ($150 for the marathon!)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

Mindy S.
Moraga, CA

  (03-09-2011)

"I love this race. I hate the lottery process. I did not win a spot in 2010 and was devastated to miss it as I had run it for the previous 5 years. Will try again in 2011."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Jessica B.
Madison, WI

  (10-20-2010)

"It is unfortunate that Nike rode its brand popularity instead of putting on a quality event. True, the race raises a great deal of money for cancer research, boosts Tiffany medals, and the course is lovely and challenging, however when it really mattered, Nike fell flat on its face.

1-Why weren't there enough Mylar blankets for all of the finishers...especially those of us who finished purple-lipped in pouring rain?

2-Why did you talk and talk and talk about the finisher's medal and then not have enough for everyone?

3-Why did soaking wet, cold, medal-less finishers have to wait in line for 45 minutes to get on the shuttle back to Union Station?

Luckily, Nike can blind their participants with hoodies, t-shirts, and anything else customizable. It's a great race for TNT and the 6 person wide log jams they cause...it's not the race for anyone who truly enjoys the sport. It was like a weird, sweaty shopping experience.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jennifer E.
Akron, OH

  (10-20-2010)

"While this was my first marathon, I have competed a few half marathons. The expo was small, which I was actually okay with. It had more freebies and less junk sellers. Truely, if you forgot something, I am sure you could find it somewhere in San Francisco.
As for the race, it was crowded at the start (but what race isn't) and it took me about 20 minutes to get to the actual start line. No biggie since we are all chip timed. My complaint goes towards the "Team in Training" runners/walkers who decided that they were walking and started WAY ahead of me who was running the whole way. While this may be a good cause, and they train you how to run a race, but they also need to teach you RACE ETIQUETTE. There is no reason why there are four women walking side by side down the middle of the road. Get over to the side and let the runners run. It took me almost an hour to run 4 miles - it usually takes me about 34 minutes. That is time I could never get back and wouldn't you know that I was off my goal time by 30 minutes. Imagine if people had actually gotten over to the side and walked like they are supposed to. And I know majority of those women were team in training because they all had their shirts on.
As for the course, the first half is beautiful, while miles 17-26 are really boring. The hills were not bad at all, and actually they didn't even affect me since I had expected/trained for much worse.

Overall, I would compete in this race again if I had the option. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Linette H.
Bakersfield, CA

  (10-18-2010)

"I LOVE this race! The course is amazing, the crowd support is awesome, it is my favorite so far. When my friend asked me what I wanted for my birthday in April, I said I wanted her to run this with me! It was her first marathon ever! Even the rain wasn't the worst I've experienced. Hope to get in next year!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Kelly E.
San Francisco, CA

  (10-11-2010)

"Normally, after a full marathon, I don't have to pee. After Nike I did, which speaks volumes of the support and amount of water stations. There is nothing quite as cool as seeing thousands of women in running clothes at 6am covering Union Square. It is a bit crazy and I don't recommend getting there earlier than necessary, but just remember that all you have to do is head up the block to drop your sweats bag off. This will be my third year to run the full and I love the support, energy, beauty of the course, schwag and excitement of the race!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2005

Barbara V.
Atlanta, GA

  (03-10-2010)

"I ran Nike as my first ever half marathon and boy was it tough. When you think of San Fran the first thing that comes to mind are the hills. Luckily, the race designers kept you away from the back breaking hills ... but there were for sure some doozies. The views were spectacular (got to see the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, beautiful views of the Pacific). The crowd was evenly spread out and placed at perfect spots. There was plenty of water and gatorade throughout the course. The bananas and oranges were a welcomed treat as was the chocolate near the end of the race.

The finishers medal is actually a Tiffany's necklace which is super cool and it is given to you by a fireman. What more would a girl want?!

The Expo left much to be desired. For such a hot race you would think it would be larger. The packet pickup was kind of a cluster as well, but they seemed to be moving the masses as best as possible.

I would run this race again just because of the experience. Months later I still cannot get over the views (or the hills)."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Susan K.
San Francisco, CA

  (02-24-2010)

"This is hands down one of the best races in the bay area if not one of the best organized races across the country! I did not get into the race through the lottery this year, but was able to train with ClubRunSF run by Nike. Mile 6 or 7 was tough because it was uphill, but the breathtaking views of the city are well worth it. This year I ran the full so the Great Hwy was definitely both a pain and joy (mi 16-26). Great race for beginners! "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

MsV 1.
ripon, CA

  (11-14-2009)

"Let’s get the details out of the way. Right now.

5:58:16, a 13:40 pace

121/212, 57%

I’ve started to write this report a dozen times. I’m not sure that I can capture exactly what this race has been for me.

PRE-RACE: It all starts Friday, when my Mom and sister come up to be my cheer squad, and to take my sons to San Francisco for the race. We are up late…my sister helping me pack and re-pack. Getting everything laid out, then put back in.

Saturday morning comes bright and early. I wake with a stomach ache. *that kind*…I get up at 4am, go back to sleep, get up…all marathoners must know this drill. Sleep, wake, look at clock.

At 6am, I am finally packed, have my bowl of oatmeal and am driving to San Francisco, about 80 minutes away. It’s dark. I had planned on taking the BART, but switched at the last minute, and am so happy that I did. Can’t even imagine dragging luggage today.

I check into my hotel, and decide to walk over to the Expotique.

I decide that Nike is a machine, it’s all a racket, am very cynical. I get some oxygen…I look like I’m sick here, but whatever.

I even stand in line for an hour to get a free manicure. I look up. The poster that would inspire me the rest of the weekend. Two girls. Happy finishers.

And…the Mother Ship. NikeTown.



I’m sitting doing the manicure, and get a tweet from @anotorias, aka Jennifer, who is…in the building. We have chatted on Twitter, but we go to Macy’s to get a coffee, and spend a lot of time talking about nothing at all…racing, running, folks.



My children ride spin bikes to make a smoothie. (what?)



Just as soon as I’ve decided that it’s all a big racket, I see a crowd in front of NikeTown. I think they are all in line to go in the store. People are taking pictures. We stroll over there, and see that it’s a wall. A wall of names of people who raised money for TNT. Suddenly, I realize I’m on that wall.



And, I almost cry.

This is where it gets really boring…everyone does this…lay out their gear, the food, the stuff that goes in the fuel belt…and oddly, I’m not nervous. We go to the TNT Inspiration Dinner, which is a whole other post. I will cry. I will. We go to meet the team, and CharlieBob gives us our last instructions. He’s dead serious. One of the girls is slightly tipsy, and he seems irritated, because he has said…no alcohol! We are told to be in the lobby at 6am sharp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RACE DAY: I wake up at 2am. At 3:30, I’m still awake. I put on my relaxation music. It just wakes me up more. I figure, what the heck. Might as well get up. Next thing I know I wake in a sweat, and it’s 4:45am. I take a shower. 3 Alarms go off…and, it’s on.



I meet CharlieBob downstairs.



This is, literally, minutes before I am lost in the crowd. I don’t know where anyone is. I don’t know where I’m supposed to go. I have my 12-14:09 orange bracelet, so I know I have to find orange. I can’t find my Mom, my sister, my kids. SpeedySasquatch, who at the 11th hour came in to coach me on my final moments last week, suggested I line up at the back of the corral. Great advice, but I can’t find the corral. Don’t even know what it looks like. Is it wood? Iron?

I turn and see my kids. The loudspeaker says something about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society…and that Myeloma…and that’s all I hear. My mother looks at me, and says, “Did you hear that?” We weren’t sure if Myeloma was a blood cancer, supported by the LLS. My grandfather died of this in 1970. The only grandfather I will ever know, and I loved him so much. My sister got out her sharpie, and along with the other names on my arm, wrote, “Grandpa Eddy”. I will cry again, but instead, I will play this in remembrance of him. It’s a long story. Another post. (I’m the Silver Girl, in case you’re wondering)

I look to the left. There’s the corral. I have to hop in. I’m in the very front. I tell ya. It was the thrill of the day for me. The 5:30 pacer was right behind me. I didn’t even really know what a pacer did…exactly. I held signs, I snapped pictures. I watched as everyone started. Finally, 20 minutes later…we went.

RUNNING: It’s hard to describe that first mile. Overwhelmed. Crowded. Joyous. The pacer? I think to myself when she takes her first walk break…”No way. I am not walking in MILE ONE!”

At Mile Two, I joined her, and was with her until Mile Twelve. {*note: At mile 6, I knew I would finish. Jennifer ran up and with me around mile 9 or 10. (HOW COOL!) Then, the Half Marathoners split off to the side.*}

Let’s just say, my good senses overtook my pride, and I decided that if anyone could get me through this, the pacer could…and she took me to mile 12, until I had a very bad stomach ache…again. I had to use the porta-potty. So she stopped. Then, while I’m deciding what to do she yells, “5:30 pacer is leaving the bathrooms!” This just made me get OUT OF THERE.

And, I never saw her again. Just that little red sign going farther and farther away from me.

At Mile 13.1, we turn around in Golden Gate Park. I see other runners coming back, and I think…okay. This is hard now. The hills. I was prepared for the hills. I was not prepared to be alone, after running with *Deb*. She had a whole other group now, and I was lost.

I turn the corner, and out of the blue I hear, “Hey, Linda…can I run with you?” Her name is Michelle. She is from Houston. She is all supportive. SURE! I needed a partner right about then, and she was struggling…so I said, let’s do what the pacer does: Run 5 minutes, Walk 1. We did this the rest of the race…or a version of it.

We had rules: She said, I don’t run up hills. I said, I walk if I want to. Jockeying for position I guess. I had to go to the bathroom. In the woods. She says, “Go ahead, I’ll cover ya.” With this, she saved my life. Seriously. I would yell, “HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM”, which became our signal of distress.

At Mile 16, the Half Marathoners come in and Michelle says, whatever you do, don’t look right. There is my sister and my sons, and my youngest yelling…”It’s right here, you can stop RIGHT HERE!” To the right is the finish. We are at Mile 16, and have to go to the left.

I see my Mother, and want to cry…but I have no pain.

Here’s where it gets sketchy. We go out 3 miles. We go up to Lake Merced (who puts a lake by an ocean?). From mile 19-22, I am at the *Bite Me* miles. I know I will keep running, but I am having a hard time. My legs feel like lead. My stomach hurts, I’m cramping…I stop at Mile 22 and get Tylenol from the First Aid…which is exactly what I needed.

The best part of the day: Coming down from the lake, and running the last three miles. At this point, I had no music. I listened to the sound of feet, and the ocean. Beautiful. Zen.

Several times, people from TNT come out and run with me. Michelle waits, but then I tell her she needs to go. I need her to go. She has done a great service to me, and I want her to finish strong. I don’t even care how I do…but I look at my watch, and if I keep running, I can make 26.2 miles in under 6 hours.

I hear my sister yelling. My kids are running up with me on the sides. Taking pictures. I see my Mother. Again. I know she is proud of me.

I am so close. I start to sprint. I call up Granny in heaven, who doesn’t even need to give me that push again…but she does…and I thank her (again, another post). I am vaguely aware that Michelle has turned around to look at me and cheer me in.

I sprint. I remember the times in Jr. High when I ran with my dad. The times on the track team when I’m last, and my family is in the stands waiting for me. I remember my Dad yelling to sprint on our street. And, I am sprinting.

I look up at the clock. I make it under 6 hours. I get a blue box from a man in a tuxedo, which seriously was fabulous, but I couldn’t see a thing. I take the box, and I cannot move. People are hugging. I don’t even know what to do.

Michelle comes up to me. I hug her and say “Thanks Michelle!” She says, “that’s not my name…I have a really hard name, so it’s easier to say Michelle.” This makes me laugh, and then I cry like a baby. A total stranger. Who ran with me over half of the race. Who pulled me when I wanted to stop.

Her name is Najat.

I cry. I’ve done it…but not alone.

More to come later…when I can process what this means to me…but I think I’ve found my race. It’s the Marathon. It is.


"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Karen K.
Boston, MA

  (11-14-2009)

"To echo what many people have said already regarding the full marathon: The first half of the marathon was fantastic. The view was gorgeous and even up until we split off from the half marathoners, I was still enjoying myself in Golden Gate Park. But once we were on the Great Highway, that was when willpower was the only thing that was sustaining me. It stretched on and as I looked over to my right I realized that it was something to look forward to when I finished the Lake Merced Loop. The Lake Merced Loop itself was nothing to write home about either. I do feel that Nike should make more of an effort to support/recognize the full marathon runners since we are running twice the distance as the half marathoners. As some of the marathoners have mentioned already, there is not much of a difference in terms of running the full and the half so why would you run the full?

To be fair, I did actually love running the marathon. The first half of the course made me realize exactly why I loved running in San Francisco and the musicians playing and dancing along the way were awesome. I also loved how there were many aid stations and we were being taken care of there.

The Tiffany Necklace and the T-Shirt were both great. I particularly liked the men in tuxes with their silver platters.

If I were to run this race again, I would run the half marathon. (If I could get in through the lottery!!)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

gotta r.
san fran, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"While running the Nike women’s half marathon last Sunday, I was so happy to finally see the finish until this woman volunteer came out of no where asking me where my bib was, I said I don’t where a bid because it bothers me so because I wasn’t wearing a bib she started to push me to the side saying I can not finish the race.

I couldn’t believe this was happening, the finish line was in my grasp and some woman is pushing me to the side. When she realized I wasn’t going to stop she then tried to trip me from behind, which really pissed me off. I told her “lady I’m wearing my timing chip which proves I paid for this race” but she still would not let up. I was pushed to the side and was not allowed to finish the race.

Being a guy I couldn’t care less about the Tiffany necklace, or the men in tuxedos at the end. My goal is to race and beat my time. Instead some ****ing b**ch who’s job was to stop anyone who didn’t have a bid on with just seconds from the finish was and is absolutely the most ridiculous thing Nike or any marathon can do. I have been racing my whole life from 5k to ultras and I have never witnessed anything like this before. I will never run a Nike event again or wear anything that advertises them.

Gotta run
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Kelly V.
San Francisco, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"This race was highly over-rated, in my opinion. I'll break it down for you:

Expo: Had some unique things going on but overall the booths were very minimal. I'm used to getting all kinds of free samples to try out before, during, and after the race but I walked away with almost nothing. I did love the free ipod engraving! That was awesome! The manicures were a good idea but the lines were just waaaaay too long. I even had the nike+ band that got me to the front of the line! It just wasn't worth the wait. And it kind of takes away from the whole "expo experience" when you have to go across the street for logo race gear (i.e. shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, etc.)

Race start: Horribly unorganized and overcrowded. I got there almost an hour early and it took me almost the entire time to drop off my bag and get to my proper pace corral. Once I was finally situated, there were people standing next to me with coffees in hand, jeans, scarves and backpacks on their shoulders- clearly not participants!, so why were they standing there taking up space that is desperately needed for the runners?? Not only that but I was in the 9:00-9:59 pace bracket, I'd barely crossed the start line and I was already having to dodge hundreds of walkers!! There should be nobody in my pace group or lower walking after .2 miles! So aggravating!

Course: Beautiful and breathtaking! The first half is absolutely gorgeous; weaving through downtown, the financial district, the piers, up to the Golden Gate, down into the residential Presidio, into Golden Gate Park. It's perfect. Then you get to the second half. SO long and boring! Your scenery doesn't change for nearly 3 straight miles; nor does the grade. While it's nice to get a break from the hills for a bit, I really needed something to take my mind off of how much further I still had...therefore, seeing runners on the other side of the road at miles 24 and 25 certainly didn't help ease my mind. It's painful to see people running alongside you knowing they're approaching the finish line and you still have to run around the entire lake! Ugh!

Aid Stations and events: There were plenty of aid stations but no "gu" which was a bummer. They did provide bananas at one, oranges at another and of course the chocolates at 23. Also had granola bars and a couple stations of Luna moons (good stuff!). The events list for each mile was highly exaggerated. Almost every time I passed a band, they weren't even playing, I passed cheerleaders that could barely muster "Go runners!" and "power song stations" that weren't playing a thing! I don't run that fast so it's not like they were just in between songs as I passed!

Spectators: Great energy in the first half but again the second half is dreadful; unless you're Team in Training of course. If you aren't, you're on your own out there. You're completely ignored by nearly every spectator in the second half. Don't get me wrong, I genuinely admire and appreciate all the money and time that is donated by TNT but c'mon, I'm out here doing the same thing today. I could use the encouragement too!

Finish line: Tiffany necklace- ok, cool. The shirt was awesome! The granola and yogurt parfait was a nice touch as well as the chocolate milk but no beer, the results booth's computers were down, and again the massage tent line was waaaay too long. Remember, I even had the "front of the line" pass!

Anyways, I'd do this race again but only the half. I'm never doing the full here again! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Elbert O.
Torrance, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"This wasn't just my first time running in this race, it was my first marathon ever.

So first things first: don't make this your first marathon. Unless you've added a good number of hills to your long runs, or have a regular strength training regimen for your lower body, there's a decent chance you'll suffer. I was already suffering from ITBS going into the race and by mile 20 was definitely losing my will to live.

That said, this was probably one of the best overall races I've ever participated in. The course itself (at least for the first 18 miles or so) is fantastic and very scenic and gives you a glimpse of the best of what San Francisco has to offer. Crowds, particularly when going through the city and suburbs, were very enthusiastic and there was decent periodic musical entertainment. And the race basically nailed all of the nitty gritty organizational type details: bag check in, for example, was flawless.



"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jennifer T.
Los Angeles, CA

  (10-19-2009)

""Run Like A Girl" - the big race!!! I've heard so many great things about this race from different people that I was bummed to not have gotten into the lottery early on. When I was finally able to get enter as a Nike+ user I was STOKED!

This is what I hear: Tiffany's necklace, fireman, Nike oh yeah... lots of HILLS. They had changed the course of the race a bit from 2007 due to road closures. This year's course was the toughest to date, including more hills with a steeper incline.

I ran this race as a back to back half after a faster flat course. So I was looking to take it as slow recovery run for fun.

Although a lot would say that the course was hard (it was definitely NOT a fast course) I absolutely *loved* it, ran through parts of the city, the pier, and there was a really crazy uphill mile at the mile 7 marker that went over about a mile and a half. Pretty nuts! The hill went over and went down towards a really fast downhill winding and right by the ocean. SO BREATHTAKING (or maybe I was out of breath?)

The weather was perfect!

The "expotique" as they called it was all Nike to the 9s. The Tiffany's necklace was nice (not my style) and the finisher shirts were very cute!

Also cool - getting to hear Kara Goucher and Joan Benoit speak at the Expo!

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Bita S.
San Francisco, CA

  (10-18-2009)

"Today, I finished my second back-to-back NWM race. I am an average runner who has completed a few full and many halves. Today, I ran the half-marathon course and I earned that Tiffany & Co exclusively-designed necklace. Yes, it is mine and mine alone ƒº The reason I chose half versus the full course for this particular event is that 1) the first half of the course is the most challenging, breath taking and by far interesting part of the course, 2) the full marathoners and half-marathoners are only separated by just a t-shirt color and 13.1 more miles. We both get the same Tiffany necklace so why bother... I live in SF, so I train with NWM club right here in the city. They start their program at the end of June which is way too early for me as I am usually in the middle of cycling season or climbing some mountain or doing triathlon (first tri season for me ;)). This year, unlike last year, I got into the event through the lottery so I was not as pressured as last year to fight for all the punches to get into the race but I did it for the chance to hang out in the VIP tent and warm up with the other club runners right before the gone goes off. Furthermore, the VIP status gives you the chance to start the race right behind the elite runners. Some people like this and some don¡¦t. I happened to like early ahead of the pack. Unfortunately, the Nike running club program is only available in SF and Danville, Ca. This year, both at the expo as well as the day of the race, I could visibly notice that the number of runners is much less than last year. Nonetheless, 10000+ women and a few brave guys ran the event today. Overall, the course is very hilly and yet breath taking at the same time. Starting in 2008, they changed the course a bit and added one extra small hill to go around the Aquatic park (where you leave Fisherman¡¦s Warf behind and get into Fort Mason area.) Generally, all those hills get many out-of-town runners by surprise. The NWM club does a good job of getting the runners on those hills right from the get go and early in the training. Meanwhile, any well trained runner should be able to complete the course even if they have to walk here and there to catch their breath and get their heart beat under control. This race is also inspired by Joan Samuelson¡¦s (First Olympic Marathon gold medalist) accomplishments so it is nice to see her at the event every year. Last year, she even came out and ran with the club on the Wednesday before the race. In conclusion, I do recommend this race (either full or half) to everybody out there. Come to SF, enjoy the city, do some shopping and run around the city all in the same weekend and earn a Tiffany necklace before going home ;)"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Sandra .
San Francisco, CA

  (08-18-2009)

"Expo: I hate Nike race expos. Everything there is so Nike-centric so not a lot of variety. This expo was even dumber because they had race items on display but you couldn't purchase anything. You had to either go to Niketown or a Foot locker in a mall a few blocks away. BUT there were some neat things at the expo. Manicures, button making, ipod engraving, etc.

The start: The speaker system was so bad, my corral could barely tell the national anthem was being played. I lined up in my proper pace corral but there were people WAY slower who lined up ahead. I spent the entire first half of the race trying to get around walkers taking up the whole running area.

Course: Hits all the great SF areas! VERY hilly around the bridge area. Long uphill slogs and screaming downhills. In my opinion it is tougher than the first half of the San Francisco marathon.

Aid stations: They were giving out Luna moons which were yummy. I heard they gave out free socks but they were all out by the time I got there. The chocolate aid station was awesome.

Crowd Support: TONS of TNT cheerers so just pretend they are cheering for you, too.

Finish: Lots of food and entertainment.

Swag: The reason to do this race. Great shirt and Tiffany's pendant.

Highly recommend! Do not recommend the marathon over the half since the course is dreary the second half and you get the same swag at the end. Bummer it is so hard to get a spot via the lottery system.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Marisa B.
San Jose, CA

  (08-15-2009)

"I have done the nike women's half three times. You have to enter this event through a lottery 6 months before the race so if you picked do it! If you don't get picked try again the next year.
It is a great event - although tons of people do it so be prepared for crowds in the beginning and the end. And on race day you have to arrive very early to catch the shuttle to the start and navigate your way around the start area.
There is plenty of water throughout the race and the course tours the city nicely. The people who participate in this event and run the event are always very supportive and positive. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Geoff L.
San Mateo, CA

  (08-05-2009)

"I earned the lil blue box and i\'m proud of it. Admittedly, I decided that my mom would be more proud wearing the fine piece of silver, so I "regifted" it=P.

The race itself was great with plenty of support and great training runs prepping for the race. This was the first year when they started and finished the race at the Great Highway. The route has sinced been improved so i won\'t go on too much about it...but what a tough start ascending to the cliff house out of the gates.

Currently, you can only register via lottery. I, along with other friends, have tried unsuccessfully to register the past couple years...which is kinda a bummer considering our motivation and intent is there, but the race\'s rise to popularity has outpaced our desire. oh well...rock and roll 1/2 here we come!

Still, i recommend this race to all newbie and seasoned runners as the aid stations are well stocked, fan support is there, and the sponsorship is on par with the some of the best races out there. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2004

Mindy S.
Moraga, CA

  (08-03-2009)

"What can you say about a race with near perfect scenery, fantastic weather (usually), amazing shwag, and a Tiffany Necklace handed to you by a handsome tuxedo clad man at the finish line. It just doesn't get any better than this. If only SF would allow more participants so the entrys didn't have to be by lottery! It is by far hands down, my favorite race and I have been luck to get an entry for the past 5 years! "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Melanie C.
San Jose, CA

  (07-31-2009)

"Ran this as my first half through Team in Training. In the dark of the morning, seeing pace group signs was a little bit of a challenge, but nothing too bad.

The course was fantastic. People were cheering, there was a lot of scenic variety. Hills were enough to remind me I was running (boy was my adrenaline going, or something) but leveled out just when I felt I might have to walk.

My biggest complaint was having to get past the firemen and shirt pick up, etc, before I could find the bathroom, because I really had to pee by the end of it. Overall a great race, and spectator-friendly with the buses.

It could, however, be somewhat more male-friendly even though it's the Women's Marathon. Men are welcome to run it, but there's no changing tent for them? That's not very fair.

Love the tech shirt, too, though had to go up a size from a regular tee."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Karena Q.
Washington, DC

  (07-23-2009)

"This was a FANTASTIC first marathon. I trained with Team in Training and I was so glad to see the waves of purple running and all the coaches cheering people on! The course was absolutely gorgeous - there was only one big hill around mile 6 or so and it was totally worth it...the view of the water and Golden Gate Bridge had people stopping with cameras! It was a great running tour of the city (I had never been to SF before) and the weather was perfect - no humidity and just warm enough by the time we finished.

One part of the course I absolutely loathed was the loop around Lake Merced (it's probably miles 18-23 or 24?). It's lonely, long and there was a small portion where we were running next to traffic! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

del .
,

  (07-02-2009)

"The course is amazing, I would love to do it again but I didn't get picked in the last 2 lotteries. The crowd is less awesome, completely overrun with team in training even in 2007 alot of these runners don't know basic running etiquette: lining up ahead of their pace, running in wide packs causing bottle necks, and stopping right in the middle of the road. The expo was amazing, the tshirt and of course tiffany's neclace are as well. The aid stations are also great, oranges at mile 10ish, chocolate at 12, would really love to be able to run it again."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Alisa B.
Pleasanton, CA

  (06-24-2009)

"There's really no better race to run. Fantastic expo, well-organized, and on a clear day like we had, unbelievable scenery. Wonderful friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere (at least where I run, back in the pack)."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Liz M.
Oakland, CA

  (06-24-2009)

"This is an amazing race. The only thing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars is the current lottery system. Entry into the race can feel near impossible (unless you join Team in Training-which is an awesome organization).
The course is beautiful, the energy in the city is alive and the finish line...well a blue box. Need I say more? If you can get in, do this race!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Mengting S.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-13-2009)

"This is a great race to run for a first timer! The course is beautiful and its held during the fall when its not too hot or cold.

There are a couple of hills but nothing too huge. Aid stations are plentiful and there's lots of food and drinks throughout the course.

I would run it again but its gotten so popular that its hard to register for a spot in the race when it fills up so fast!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Kimi J.
, NV

  (06-10-2009)

"I ran the half-marathon in 2006, after a former roommate suckered me and a couple others into signing up - then bailed on us. But thank goodness she did! It was a great race, my very first, and even training for it was exciting. The course started out downtown with hordes of women chatting and cheering as the sun rose. The first six miles are flat and take you around the Embarcadero with a great bay view. Then comes the hill! The hill from the Marina into the hills by Lands End is painfully steep and most people had to walk at least part of it. The best part about uphill though, is that there is usually a downhill to go with it, and here the downhill provided a view of the beach and ocean (down past the Cliffhouse). I was running with a bum knee, so when I crossed the finish line (and was handed a tiffany's box from a firefighter in a tux!), I ran straight to the med tent where the staff expertly got my knees wrapped in ice in a minutes time.

Memorable moments? Three men with cardboard signs cheering the thousands of ladies on...and giving their phone number. Coming around down the Marina and seeing the crowd starting the climb up the massive hill (yikes). Watching women squeal when "their" song came on the speakers as we passed by certain music stations. And running alongside so many other women? That was an experience in and of itself!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Kevin H.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-08-2009)

"Very well-run organization with free run runs and discounted Nike Gear. I was just a spectator, but my girlfriend did the race. Very impressed with Nike and the free group training runs"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Elva H.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-11-2009)

"When I did the Nike Half Marathon back in 2006, it wasn't the madhouse, must-win-a-lottery-to-sign-up, I-might-consider-giving-my-kidney-on-the-black-market-to-get -a-spot craziness it is today. The fact that it's morphed into such a popular race speaks volumes about the organization, the fun and the camaraderie that is Nike Women's (Half) Marathon. As a complete novice, I thought the race was a lot of fun. It was not too intimidating since there was a good mix of people who were competitive runners and people who just wanted the satisfaction of walking across the finish line. There were people cheering the runners on all along the stretch of the run. The scenic route through Sea Cliff and the Great Highway was awesome. I think this is a great race for anyone who is looking for a fun experience. The hills can be killer though, so make sure to train... and hydrate! I'm not sure if I'll ever do another half marathon, but if I do, I hope I have good luck with lotteries! Nowadays, you'll need all the luck you can get to secure a spot... "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Stephanie W.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-23-2009)

"As a non-runner, this was the only race I was willing to try. Tiffany necklaces at the finish line? Pedicure stations? A chocolate mile? Oxygen bars? Oh, I'm so there :) The energy/excitement of the crowd, beautiful scenery, multiple cheering squads, and much-needed water stations kept me going all 13.1 miles. And for someone who's never run more than 3 miles, I'd say that's not bad at all...."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009