I did this race its first year, 2003, and again in 2013. They were so different they can't really be compared so my comments are in regard to the 2013 half-marathon.

I should begin by saying my review is from a male's perspective, which normally wouldn't be a problem except this race is very, VERY woman-identified. I know what you're thinking: "Well, it's called the Nike WOMEN'S Marathon and Half-Marathon!" Yes, you're right. However, NIKE had no problem accepting my registration fee, and there were plenty of other men who ran the race. My biggest issue is that, if they allow men to sign up, they should at least acknowledge there are men running the race at the EXPO and on the course, and in their swag, etc. Men were not allowed to start in a corral with an anticipated pace of under 9:00/mile. Despite registering with my goal pace, I was given a corral assignment much slower than what I signed up for and wasn't told this until the day of the EXPO. I was also told it could not be changed because "a woman must win this race". The EXPO had nothing for men. Even the shirt I received was not a shirt cut for a man despite there being a male shirt line at the finish.

Regarding the course, I think it's a beautiful course with challenging hills! I doubt anyone could run a PR on this course, but it's a great challenge and you get to see a lot of San Francisco. Where the race really falls short, however, is in the lack of management of spectators. I cannot even begin to describe the terrible mess of spectators and runners around the 18-mile mark (of the full) and finish line. The only way for people to get to the finish and meet their race friends was to cross the actual course! Runners had to actually jump, swerve, or stop to avoid running into spectators who were not accustomed to watching races. Additionally, they event staff tried to do too little too late to help with the congestion. By the time the marathoners were finishing, there was a funnel of people on the course that really only allowed about two runners to pass through over the last 400 meters, which didn't seem safe to me.

I think this race has the potential to be awesome, but the coordinators have some serious work to do to improve the spectator situation. Additionally, if you're a man, I'd recommend just cheering on your female friends.