In local athletic news, the friendly folks from the Runner’s World sponsored San Francisco Marathon announced today that this year’s course removes the dreaded (so I’ve heard) Great Highway out-and-back, and adds an out-and-back across the Golden Gate Bridge.

I’ve been running across the bridge and back for several weeks now, and it is the prettiest place in the city to incur joint damage, let me tell you . . . .

If you haven’t signed up for the Marathon yet, there’s still time. There are also 2 half-marathon courses to choose from, the first one now including the Bridge leg; the second boasts a (much) later start time, which I’m sure makes it an attractive option as well.

If 26.2 still sounds too scary - don’t forget a nice 7.46 is coming soon: Bay to Breakers - the funnest 12k with one bitch of a hill - is May 15.