Up next to share her favorite run is Sarah (@alwyzsleepn on Instagram). She shares with us her favorite place to run on her lunch break…
Favorite Run: Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA
Runner: Sarah
Location: Fort Mason, then along the Marina, up to the Presidio. However, when I need to do speed runs, I’ll run at the SF Municipal Pier, and Aquatic Park –> The run takes me through two different National Park Service sites – the San Francisco Maritime National Park, and different portions of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, plus the Marina Green.
Address: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 2905 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Fun Facts : The San Francisco Municipal Pier was built in the early 1930s as a recreational pier. Today it continues to be heavily used by anglers but also is heavily trafficked by joggers and tourists visiting the area. // Fort Mason was previously a US Army Post, from 1864-1966, and was designated a National Historical Landmark in 1985. During WWII, it was the Army’s designated logistics center for sending supplies to troops in the Pacific. // The Presidio is Home to the Letterman Digital Arts Center, where one can find a life size statue of Yoda; it’s also home to the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Distance: It can be as short as you want, or as long as you wish. Since I run at a leisurely pace, during my lunch hour, I get in about 2-3 miles in an out-and-back. However those with more time, or who wish to run longer distances can run to the Golden Gate Bridge, or get lost inside the Presidio.
Difficulty: Fairly easy. There are some hills if you wish to run them. The one unavoidable hill is up to Fort Mason, yet, my guestimate for elevation is 30-40 feet at most for that hill.
Why You Love It: I love it because it’s right outside the door of my office. It’s a very scenic route, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or the San Francisco Bay. It’s full of people, but at the same time I feel like I have the whole route to myself.
Parking: I take public transportation to work, so I’ve never needed to park. However, there is street parking, and parking garages near by.
Favorite Place To Eat Post-Run: I run during my lunch hour (RUNCH), so I will bring my lunch. However for others, In-N-Out, Chipotle, and for the ultimate treat, ice cream at Ghirardelli Chocolates. Sometimes, I’ll grab a post run iced tea at the Starbucks on Beach and Hyde, featuring one of my favorite murals at a Starbucks.
A big thanks to Sarah for sharing her favorite run with us. We hope that this series turns into a list of super cool runs across the country and even internationally – that way if you are ever in the area you know of a recommended route from a fellow #teamsparkle member.
If you’d like to be featured on an upcoming Sparkle Athletic “Favorite Runs“ post, please email us at favoriteruns@sparkleathletic.com.