The Nike Women's Marathon***

This is the description of the Nike Women's Marathon that Runnerworld.com provided for their article "Marathons You Should Run In 2008" :

Where: San Francisco, California


When: October 19


Age of Race: Running since 2002


Highlights: Hills, Urban, Great Foods, Lavish Fuel Stations, Entertainment, Cool Schwag, Star Power



Every marathon is 26.2 miles and every hotel is a place to sleep, but what sets them apart from the rest are the amenities. This marathon has special touches galore--most geared toward the 95 percent of runners who are women, including a "coat check" to drop your warmups at 2.5 miles; a "pedi-care" station for blister treatment or a change of socks; a Ghirardelli chocolate stop; and a Tiffany's necklace given to you at the finish by a fireman dressed in a tux.



ROUTE: The course takes you past so many scenic areas that many runners carry cameras. From Union Square, you run through the Financial District and Fisherman's Wharf; along the bay with unobstructed views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge; up into the eucalyptus and cypress forests of Presidio National Park; five miles apiece in Golden Gate Park, along Ocean Beach, and around Lake Merced; and finish on the ocean. The city's steep, cable-car hills are avoided, but three hefty climbs at miles six, eight, and 11 mean you should run to have a good time, not to run one.




ENTERTAINMENT: There are 39 stations with live music, DJs, and cheering squads, plus two more bands at the finish.




SPECTATORS: Some wait at the finish, which is near miles 11 and 16. Others take free shuttle buses to two of the four cheer stations, where comedians keep them in good cheer.



REFUEL: Fourteen fluid stations and seven food stations with Luna Bars, Luna Sport Moons Energy Chews, bananas, granola, or chocolate. Postrace spread features Bear Naked granola with yogurt and bananas, and to wash it down, Jamba Juice smoothies.




SCHWAG: Technical T-shirt, loaded goody bag, plus the Tiffany's version of a finishers' medal. The Nike Expotique also offers massages, manicures, and yoga classes.



STAR POWER: Nike athletes give expo talks; 2007 speakers included Joan Benoit Samuelson (who also led a pace team) and Brandi Chastain.


Umm...a fireman in a tux giving me out the schwag? I like this race even more. Except for the part about 3 hefty climbs...hill repeats here we come!

***please note- men are welcome to run. The article notes that women out number men 20:1 in this event. There are some seriously smart dudes. Just like the guys in High School who took Home Ec.