Golden Gate Headlands Marathon

4,200 ft. of vertical climb and the last 0.5 mile (x 2 loops) is in sand - makes this one tough marathon. I've run a dozen marathons and this was the most difficult, but well worth it. Out in nature, beautiful scenery, fresh air and challenges all the way. Only 27 marathon runners - just you and nature and that little voice in your head. Ran it barefoot, slow and steady.

Race brief was great! Lots of interaction with the runners. My only complaint was a few of the runners took a wrong turn, on a bridge. Other than that, it was a great race and I would definitely run it again. I loved the last stretch, running on Rodeo Beach.

This is my ninth marathon and definitely the hardest one yet. The hiking trail on which you run is quite steep at some points. This is a killer the second time around. It's a two-loop, 13-mile trail that is absolutely beautiful. After the first loop, I felt like I usually do after running a whole marathon. Definitely bring your own water. Would I do it again? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes.