San Francisco reels you in with the beauty of the bay, then makes you earn it all the way to the finish line. This breathtaking course is mostly flat in the beginning, and the run across the bridge is a must at least once in your running career – though watch out – it’s hard cement and it has a serious camber (leans to the edges) so it can be hell on your knees. After the bridge are the surprise hills of the Richmond district – get ready for long rollers.

Anyone who does the full course is a total stud – San Francisco giveth, but San Francisco make you payith for it!