Saturday Long Run Course Description (8/25/12)

We'll be launching from the Beach Chalet parking lot @ 1000 Great Highway and running through Golden Gate Park. Here are a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:

1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.

2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!

3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.

Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it! Here's a link to the course map (3-7 miles)-

Saturday’s Golden Gate Park Run!

Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.

You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left. This is roughly a mile into your run.  

Get on the LEFT side of JFK at this point. Roughly half a mile later on the left side of JFK you will see a 'MM3' in chalk. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running on the LEFT side of JFK. Eventually you will come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is 2 MILES. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 4 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running on the LEFT side of JFK for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right.  

This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘MM 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is 2.5 miles! Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!

Race level runners will continue running along the left side of JFK until you reach the intersection of JFK/Stanyan. This is 3.5 miles. Look for a 'MM 7' in chalk at this intersection. Race level runners will turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!