Running News Daily

Golden Gate Double 8K Showcases Speed and Scenery in San Francisco

August 3, 2025 – San Francisco, CA

Over 400 runners gathered in San Francisco on a stunning summer morning to compete in the Golden Gate Double 8K, along with an Open 10K and 5K. With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge visible throughout the entire course, runners were treated to not only fast racing but also unforgettable views.

The highlight of the day was the Double 8K (5K + Break + 3K) event. Anthony Cortes, 31, of the 30–39 age group, claimed a commanding victory with a combined time of 26:56. Cortes blazed through the 5K in 17:07, then returned after the recovery break to cover the 3K in 9:49, holding off all challengers.

Behind him, a competitive men’s field included Colin Kennedy and Charles Hudson, both 47, who finished second and third with times of 34:08 and 34:56, respectively. Among the top women, Betty G, 58, ran a strong combined time of 40:30, followed closely by Cordelia McGee-Tubb (40:54) and Ruben Romero (42:23).

Open 10K Results

In the Open 10K, 22-year-old Noah Sauer led the charge with a time of 38:57, followed by Mark Speets (41:17) and Cole Ryan (41:49). The top five men all broke the 45-minute mark, with performances from runners in both the 20–29 and 50–59 age groups.

Open 5K Highlights

The Open 5K was equally exciting. Barrett Wade, 49, won in 18:31, just holding off 15-year-old Taylor Synnott, who finished only three seconds back in 18:34. Rounding out the podium was Kris Croome, 45, in 18:46. The youth field was especially deep, with impressive times from runners under 19, including Sofia Kiyama (21:48), Kiki Boukas (21:57), and Amina Zegar (22:44).

A Day to Remember

With ideal weather and the Golden Gate Bridge in full view from start to finish, this year’s Golden Gate Double and Open Races offered the perfect blend of competitive racing and scenic beauty. Enthusiastic spectators lined the course, and the atmosphere was electric from the first gun to the final finisher.

San Francisco isn’t just a city of hills and cable cars—it’s a runner’s dream. With its unique blend of urban energy, coastal serenity, and panoramic vistas, the City by the Bay offers some of the most scenic running routes in the world. Whether you’re training for a race or simply looking for a refreshing jog, these four routes provide the perfect introduction to San Francisco’s running scene.

1. Golden Gate Park Loop

• Distance: 7 miles

• Terrain: Paved paths and dirt trails

• Highlights: Botanical gardens, Stow Lake, and peaceful groves

Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s version of Central Park—only longer and filled with even more natural variety. This 7-mile loop guides runners past the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, and around Stow Lake. It’s ideal for tempo runs, long runs, or easy days, offering both paved and soft-surface options with minimal traffic distractions. You’ll find moments of quiet and lush green scenery that make you forget you’re in the middle of a major city.

2. Presidio Challenge

• Distance: 4 miles

• Terrain: Hilly with stairs and varied paths

• Highlights: Sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay, forested trails, military history

Looking for a climb and a challenge? The Presidio route rewards effort with unmatched views and tranquil forest trails. Once a military post, this national park is now one of the most scenic places to run in San Francisco. Start near Crissy Field, ascend via the Batteries to Bluffs Trail or the Ecology Trail, and loop back through shaded switchbacks and historic military bunkers. It’s a great test of fitness with picture-perfect moments.

3. Embarcadero Waterfront Run

• Distance: 3–6 miles

• Terrain: Flat, paved promenade

• Highlights: Bay Bridge, Ferry Building, Pier 39, sea lions

This runner-friendly route delivers postcard-worthy views and an easy-to-follow course along the Bay. Begin at Oracle Park or the Ferry Building and head north past piers, ships, shops, and cafés. The Embarcadero is ideal for morning or evening runs, with great lighting, plenty of water stops, and occasional sea lion cameos at Pier 39. It’s also one of the most accessible spots for visitors staying downtown.

4. Lands End Coastal Trail

• Distance: 3–4 miles

• Terrain: Dirt trails and stairs

• Highlights: Cliffside Pacific views, Sutro Baths, Golden Gate Bridge overlook

Lands End feels like a trail runner’s escape—without leaving the city. The route snakes along the cliffs on the city’s northwest edge, offering stunning ocean views, cypress trees, and a glimpse of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. While the terrain includes stairs and some narrow paths, the scenery is unforgettable. Make time to stop at the Sutro Baths ruins and the Lands End Labyrinth for a true San Francisco experience.

Looking for a Race? Don’t Miss August 3

If you’re inspired to test your fitness on one of these routes, sign up for one of San Francisco’s most scenic events: the Golden Gate 10K, 5K, and Double 8K, happening on August 3. Held at Crissy Field, these flat and fast courses offer panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay—without ever crossing the bridge itself.

The event also features the Golden Gate Double 8K, a unique two-part challenge: run a 5K, take a short recovery break, then race a 3K. The combined time determines your score, adding a strategic twist that rewards consistency and pacing.

It’s an ideal race for all levels—from competitive racers to weekend warriors—and a memorable way to experience the San Francisco waterfront on foot.

Tips for Running in San Francisco

• Layer Up: Weather can shift quickly. Fog and chilly breezes are common even in summer.

• Mind the Terrain: Hills and stairs are frequent. Don’t underestimate them.

• Stay Hydrated: Water fountains are available in parks and along the Embarcadero.

• Beat the Crowds: Early mornings offer the quietest, most peaceful running conditions.

• Use Public Transit: Many routes are easily accessible via BART, Muni, or bike share.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, San Francisco delivers a unique mix of urban running and natural beauty. With iconic views, varied terrain, and a welcoming fitness community, the city makes it easy to fall in love with running all over again.

So lace up your shoes, pick a path, and let San Francisco move you.

Would you like me to add clickable registration or map links for the August 3 races?

We had an amazing morning in San Francisco for our 9th annual Golden Gate Double 8k (5k+break+3k) and our Golden Gate 10k/5k.   We had 452 registered runners.  The weather was perfect.  Like in the 50-60’s with hardly any wind.  And we could see the GG bridge the whole time.  

Congrats to our Double winners: the current king of the Double Anthony Cortes clocked 25:20 (15:52 + 9:28) for the win.  14-yearly-old Caroline Chang did her first double today and won clocking 32:03.

There were two world bests set today.  71-year-old Suzanne Koonce (second photo) from Menlo Park, California smashed the current 70  plus record set by Sharlet Gilbert of 43:38.  Suzanne clocked 41:48 today.  

Bobby Hastings of Chico, California set the record for 60-69 a couple of years back of 31:39, a time that was nearly two minutes ahead of everyone else.  Today he focused on beating that time and he did clocking 31:29.

The next double racing event is set for Dec 16th in Palo Alto California. The featured event, the Double 15k (10k+test+5k) will be run.  There will also be the Palo Alto 10k/5k and the Bob Anderson’s one mile kids run (kids 13 and under).

Anthony Cortes (first photo) from Half Moon Bay, California won his third straight Double Racing event August 7 in San Francisco.  He clocked 25:21 for the Double 8k.

Double racing veteran Jose Pina was just 23 seconds behind in second place.  Anthony had won the 5k (15:59)  and Jose did close the gap by four seconds running at 4:59/mile pace but not enough to over take Anthony.  Times from the two legs of a Double are added together for scoring.

Participants in the Double 8k first ran 5k at 8:20am and then 3k at 9:35am.  The runner (male and female) who wins the first leg wears the yellow jersey in the second leg so everyone knows who they need to beat in the second leg.

In the female division 14-year-old Evey Powell (second photo with her mom in red cheering her on) from England blew away the field clocking 30:31. 7th best time ever. Her 12-year-old sister won the open 5k clocking 22:05 earlier in the day.

71-year-old Sharlet Gilbert from Richmond, California clocked 44:29 to win the 70 plus division.  This is the second fastest time for this divison.  She set the record in 2021 clocking 43:38 on the same course.

The best time ever for the Double 8K was clocked Sept 6, 2015 in Nyahururu, Kenya.  17-year-old Eligah Kariuki from Kenya posted 23:33.  Kristen Rohde (USA) holds the women's record clocking 27:34 in Palo Alto, Califonria Feb 19, 2017. 

At most Double Racing events there are also open races.  At this recent event there was also the Golden Gate 10k and 5k run/walk.

Nina Zarin’s from Arlington Va was the overal winner in the Golden Gate 10k clocking a blistering 35:59. First male was Noah Gonzalez clocking a solid 37:36.

18-year-old Dominic Robles won the Golden Gate 5k clocking a fine 16:54.

"What a fun morning we had in San Francisco August 7. The weather was perfect for our sold out field," said race director Bob Anderson.

This was an official Double Racing event sanctioned by the Double Road Race Federation (DRRF) which was founded in 2010 when the sport was created.  Over 150 events have already been held in six countries.  

There are four official Double Racing events: Double 5k (3k+break+2k), Double 8k (5k+break+2k), featured event Double 15k (10k+break+5k) and Double 21k (15k+break+6k).  Stats, records and more details can be found on the website DoubleRoadRace.com 

The next Double Racing events scheduled are: Palo Alto Californiua Dec 17 (Double 15k), Brisbane California (Double 15k) March 2023 and Golden Gate August 6, 2023.

"If you would like to set up an official Double Racing event get in touch," says Double Racing creator Bob Anderson. 

My Best Runs is the official sponsor of the DRRF.

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oollee Water Provider will be the official water supplier for the fifth annual Golden Gate Double 8K, UjENA 5k and Golden Gate 10k events being held August 4 in Crissy Field across from Sports Basement in San Francisco.

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"We are excited to welcome oollee as our official water provider," says race director Bob Anderson.  oollee will also be awarding the male and female 10K winner one of their water purifier system valued at $2199 each. 

The Golden Gate 10K, UjENA 5K and DOUBLE 8K (5K+3K) courses offer unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge for more than 80% of the course! The course will begin on historic Crissy Field near the Presidio in San Francisco.  Runners will enjoy the gorgeous vistas of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

These races sponsored by Sports Basement are competitive and fun events.  A special Golden Gate finishing medal will be awarded to all 10K and 5K finishers. The featured event is the Golden Gate Double 8K.  Participants will race a 5K at 8am, take a break and then race 3K at 9:15am.  Times are added together for scoring. 

"Double Racing was started in 2010 and nearly 100 events have been staged already," says creator Bob Anderson. 

"If you have not done a Double, you need to experience it," says Lisa Wall social media director for My Best Runs.  "I have run several and I really like the unique aspect of the event."

The event is almost sold out and most likely will be within the next few days. 

Bob Anderson ran his first "official" Double Racing event in October, 2010,  "That was the Double Road Race in Cabo Mexico," says 70-year-old lifetime runner Bob Anderson. 

"It was very hot and humid and the second 5k leg was tough but I did it."  For that Double, runners first ran 10K and then one hour and forty-five minutes ran a 5K.  Times are added together for scoring. Since then Bob has run 59 Double Racing events of different lengths. 

On August 5 in San Francisco, Bob will be running the 4th Annual Golden Gate Double 8K.  The first leg is a 5K and the second 3K leg starts one hour and 15 minutes later. 

"It is always hard getting started on the second leg but once I get going I get back into the rhythm" says Bob. 

"My pace is always faster the second leg.  I have had some sciatic nerve issues this year but that seems to be behind me now.  I can't wait to run the Golden Gate Double 8K and on September 30th the Pacific Grove (California) Double Road Race.  I am hoping to win my division at both."