If you’re planning on participating in the 2021 San Francisco Marathon, or any distance of race at the event, you will need to be ready to put on your mask. For at least part of the race that is.
That’s right, this Sunday September 19th runners in the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10k, as well as Saturday’s 5k run. Will all have sections of the course that will require runners to wear a face mask. With potential fines for any runner caught avoiding using a face covering. This may be one of the first major races to have taken this precaution. So let’s take a look at why the event organizers have had to make this part of the race’s safety protocols.
Why is the San Francisco Marathon requiring masks? And why for only part of the course?
One of the reasons the SF Marathon is such a great course is because part of it runs through the beautiful Golden Gate National Recreation Center. This area is run by the National Parks Service. And for those of you who missed the announcement a few weeks ago, on August 16th the National Parks Services announced that it would require face masks for “any indoor buildings and crowded outdoor spaces.”Â
Because of this new announcement and in an effort by the race organizers to keep the event going without a hitch. They have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the runners while meeting the guidelines of the property owners that allow the race to take place.
For marathon runners, they can expect to have their masks on for roughly 6 miles of the race. With the main section San Francisco Marathon requiring masks starting at mile 6.7 to mile 13.15. Below are the maps for each of Sunday’s races. The blue line on the course shows the sections where masks will be required.
