Presidio's Greatest Lists: Five Ways to Train in the Presidio for the San Francisco Giant Race

Thursday, May 25, 2017 Category Recreation and Wellness

For the second year, the Presidio is proud to promote health and wellness in our City through the San Francisco Giant Race Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, to be held on Sunday, August 27.

The race starts at AT&T Park and winds its way through our beautiful City. San Francisco Giant Race is something everyone can enjoy, whether you are a family getting healthy together or an experienced athlete trying to break your own personal record. The race is preceded by a Kids & Family Relay Race, to be held on Saturday, August 26.

Register Now – and Support the Presidio

When you register for the San Francisco Giant Race, you can support restoration efforts in the park by selecting the Presidio as one of the event’s charity partners. It’s a great way to get healthy and give back. Register now >>

Five Great Ways to Train for the Giant Race SF in the Presidio

But before you run that race, it’s time to train, and the Presidio is the perfect place to prepare. To help get you going, we’ve put together Five Ways to Train in the Presidio for the San Francisco Giant Race.

1 – Find Your Training Buddies at the Fun Run Series

One of the best ways to keep your workout program on track is to find some training buddies. This summer, the Presidio is hosting three fun runs through the park with a new generation of veterans and the public. Everyone is welcome to join! At each gathering, participants will learn a little bit about the Presidio’s military and cultural history before setting off on a sprint through the park. Each run ends with drinks, a snack, a raffle, and the chance to socialize with other runners and hear about a local veterans’ organization. Fun runs are co-hosted by Presidio Sports Basement, Giants Enterprises, and the Presidio Trust, with support from Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB).

Register for one (or all three) of the Fun Runs with Veterans:

Fun Run Series with Veterans in the Presidio (7 miles); Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 6:30 pm >>
Fun Run Series with Veterans in the Presidio (8 miles); Saturday, August 12, 2017, 10 am >>

2 – Discover the Presidio’s 24-mile Trails System

Did you know the Presidio has 24 miles of trails? Our trails system offers incredible variety, and will take your from the forest to the beach. You can either choose from among the park’s 12 major routes, or create your own journey to keep your workout fresh. Design your own training program by taking a look at our Trails page. To get started, sample an easy, moderate, or difficult loop from our curated map.

3 – Hit the Stairs

If you’re looking to get your heart-rate up and build some leg muscle, the Presidio’s offers several staircases to add a fresh challenge to your workout. Shown here is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, where you can hit the stairs while taking in Pacific Ocean views. The famous “Sand Ladder” at Baker Beach and the Lyon Street steps (located just outside our gates) are other places you can “elevate” your game.

4 – Bike with the Family

presidio family friendly bike ride series

A great way to build muscle and stamina is by biking. This summer, the Presidio is inviting the whole family to get involved through the new Presidio Family-Friendly Bike Ride series, which takes place on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 to 11:30 am. The rides launch from the brand new Presidio Visitor Center and roll on a gentle path for four miles at a pace that’s manageable for all. The rides are led by a park ranger and a Presidio Trust guide.

Register Now:

Presidio Family-Friendly Bike Ride – Saturday, July 1 >>
Presidio Family-Friendly Bike Ride – Saturday, July 15 >>

5 - Go Gentle with Yoga

Whether you’re looking to stretch your muscles, increase your flexibility, or build strength in your legs, sometimes it’s good to go easy. This means yoga, and we’ve got several options in the Presidio. You can join the regulars on the Main Post lawn on Sundays during Presidio Picnic (with yoga by Lubb Dubb), or visit Baptiste Yoga, A Body of Work, or Planet Granite. Even the little ones can get into the groove at the free family yoga offered on Sundays at Presidio Sports Basement by It’s Yoga Kids.