San Francisco Marathon Provides Cool Climate and Scenic Route
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Thousands of long-distance runners geared in runner's shorts and shoes have descended upon the Bay for Sunday morning's San Francisco Marathon.
Veteran marathoner and Chief Running Officer for Runner's World Magazine, Bart Yasso knows the race has its literal and figurative ups and downs.
"It's good to be here in the coolest summertime weather anywhere in the country," said Yasso.
KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:
He said that San Francisco's cool summertime climate is a plus, especially considering this time of year; most marathon runners are competing in mostly hot environments.
But the city by the bay brings something else to the table that long-distance runners don't see everyday.
"You've got hills near Ft. Mason and up to the Golden Gate Bridge and hills through the Presidio. It's a tough course, but people just love it because you get a tour of this great city," said Yasso.
The race starts at 5:30 in the morning for diehards on The Embarcadero and winds its way through Crissy Field, over The Golden Gate Bridge and back through The Presidio and Golden Gate Park before finishing along The Embarcadero.
Yasso's advice to those who want to take up the sport is to just force yourself to get out on the pavement.
"Some days you just don't want to get out the door and you feel lazy, but once you get out there, you enjoy it. I've never come back from a run and said, 'I wish I didn't do that'," Yasso concluded.
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