"Runner's World" magazine has named San Francisco the second best U.S. city to run in because of its "inspiring views, great weather and killer hills." With an average high temperature of 64 degrees F---17.8 degrees C---and an average low of 51 degrees F---10.6 degrees C---November delivers exactly the kind of temperate weather that is ideal for races. But there are other health-minded activities, including a Green Festival that galvanizes the entire city.
U.S. Half Marathon
Run across the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the panoramic views of San Francisco while you race the U.S. Half Marathon, held in early November. Just before mile five you will start climbing the bridge's abutment. By mile nine you will have crossed it twice with views of the city skyline, Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean. There are also hills elsewhere on the course, which starts at the base of the curved Municipal Pier on the western end of the Fisherman's Wharf and ends close by in the Aquatic Park. By taking part in the U.S. Half Marathon, you will be supporting the race's official charity partner, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in its fight against childhood cancer. Racers receive a St. Jude T-shirt as well as fundraising support. Early registration through early September is $65. Price is as of 2010.
Run Wild for a Child
Support the San Francisco Firefighters' Toy Drive by taking part in the Run Wild for a Child 5K or 10K in late November. Bring a new toy to donate or run dressed as a toy to compete in the costume contest. Both the 5K and the 10K race take place in the eastern section of Golden Gate Park near the historic Haight Ashbury neighborhood and end by the Music Concourse in the park where there is a post-race Expo. The race stars at 8:30 a.m. Race officials award medals to age division winners at 10:30 a.m. Online registration will become available over the summer.
Yoga Mini-Retreat and Immersion
Experience satsang---meaning "association with the wise" through a half hour of silent meditation---with one of a variety of yoga workshops, classes, mini-retreats and immersions this November. The Yoga Tree offers a Jivamukti Yoga Immersion exploring this style of Hatha yoga over three days in mid-November for $120. The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco hosts a yoga mini-retreat in mid-November for $35. In late November, Yogakula hosts a workshop with Deane Juhan, author of "Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork," called "Understanding, Dealing with and Learning to Avoid Injuries," for $75 at least one week in advance. Throughout the month, you can take individual yoga classes at any of these establishments as well as at Yogaworks and Yoga Tree.
Turkey Trail Trot
Start off Thanksgiving in San Francisco with the 5K Turkey Trot or the three-mile Pilgrim Promenade. Bring the kids along, too. They can do the 100-meter Kid's Gobbler Chase. All three take place in the Polo Field area in the western half of the Golden Gate Park. The Gobbler Chase starts at 8:15 a.m.. The adult races start at 8:30 a.m. The runners who finish first, second and third in the 5K win gift certificate for San Francisco's Sports Basement as well as turkey, pumpkin or apple pie and wine. The first finishers in each age division also receive food awards. Entry for the Turkey Trot is limited to 1,000 runners. Online registration will be available over the summer. Gobbler Chase kids are free with a registered Turkey Trot adult.
Green Festival San Francisco
Learn how community nonprofits, city departments and city residents are working together to make San Francisco healthier at the three-day Green Festival held in early November. In 2009, more than 150 speakers and 400 green businessmen and organizations participated, including representatives from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, American Land Conservancy, Conscious Cothing and Cooperative Community Energy. Speakers at the 2009 fall event included award-winning investigative journalist Amy Goodman and Rob Holmes, the founder and president of the Green Living Project. Festival passes for this year's event will be available online this summer.
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