San Francisco Marathon 2015: Route, Course Map, Times, Road Closures and Details

The annual San Francisco Marathon returns to the streets of the "City by the Bay" on Sunday for a complete slate of races. The event features the standard marathon but also includes two half marathons, an ultra marathon and a five-kilometer race.

One of the marquee attractions of the annual running showcase is the opportunity to compete in a race that crosses the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. There aren't many other cities that can provide that type of view for the field to enjoy.

So let's check out all of the important information for the 2015 edition of the event, followed by a preview of what runners can expect.

Race Details

Where: San Francisco, California

When: Sunday, July 26

Start Times: Full Schedule

Route: Course Map

Road Closures: Complete List

Preview

This year's race marks the start of a new era for the San Francisco Marathon, as it received Olympic qualifying status from USA Track & Field. Top finishers could now qualify for the 2016 Olympic Team Trials, giving them a chance to represent the red, white and blue in Rio next summer.

Michelle LaFrance, the event's director of marketing, discussed what the new distinction means for the race as a whole, per Molly Martinez of KRON.

"The new designation elevates the San Francisco Marathon's level of competition, attracting top competitive runners and starting a journey that race spectators can follow through to the Olympic Team Trials and beyond," LaFrance said. "It is an honor for San Francisco to be a city where Olympic dreams can be realized."

The new status joins the race's role as one of the qualifiers for the Boston Marathon, as well.

So the event, which was established in 1977, is really taking on a pivotal role for American athletes. It's an attraction for both top contenders looking to potentially make the Olympics and casual runners who want to experience the atmosphere and surroundings.

It makes sense because it's a race that's been dominated by people from the United States in recent years. Since 2005, the only non-American winner was Yoko Shibui of Japan on the women's side in 2009. Otherwise it's a clean sweep for runners from the host nation.

While the race would love to attract more elite runners from around the globe, further embracing the national aspect through becoming an Olympic qualifier is a big step.

All told, the San Francisco Marathon is becoming a spotlight event on the American racing calendar. It's a chance to get a close-up view of one of the country's most picturesque major cities, which is the biggest treat for most of the field.

For those with their eyes on a major prize, spots in the Boston Marathon and Olympic Team Trials are up for grabs. It gives the event something for every level of runner and should allow it to keep growing in the years ahead.