Saturday Long Run Description (3/21/15)

Here is a link to Saturday's course map-

Saturday's Course Map

Here's a verbal description as well:

Everyone will head NORTH along the Marina towards the Warming Hut. Upon reaching the Warming Hut (roughly 2 miles), you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.

Everyone will head uphill on Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure that you are on this path and NOT on Lincoln. You do not want to be running on Lincoln for this course.

You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.

You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge. PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE. 

Continue running on the pedestrian side of the bridge for roughly half a mile. As you approach the first tower/tier of the bridge keep your eyes peeled for a ‘MM 7’ in chalk in the middle of the sidewalk. This is 3.5 MILES. Beginner runners turn around here and head back to the monkey bars for 7 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along the pedestrian side of the Golden Gate Bridge until you reach the SECOND PILLAR/TIER OF THE BRIDGE. This is 4 MILES! Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the Monkey bars for 8 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. This is 4.5 MILES. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. Everyone will turn around here and return to the monkey bars for 9 MILES. Advanced level runners are done upon reaching the monkey bars!

Race level runners will continue running SOUTH along the Marina towards Fort Mason Hill by the Marina Safeway. You will crest the hill and head down towards Aquatic Park. Run along the waterfront until you reach the end of Aquatic Park. There is a large cul-de-sac here. Turn around and head back to the monkey bars for 11 MILES!