A portion of the UCSF Race Medical team gathers for a photo before the race starts. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
SAN FRANCISCO (July 27, 2026) — The San Francisco Marathon was voted the eighth best marathon internationally and brings runners from all over the world to San Francisco. Physicians, athletic trainers, and medical volunteers from the UCSF Race Medical and UCSF Sports Medicine teams provided medical support for over 30,000 athletes during the 49th annual San Francisco marathon events held on July 26, 2026. Each year, the Race Medical team saves people from severe heat illness (heat stroke) and addresses everything from scrapes and muscle strains to stress fractures and dehydration. The team is placed throughout the course in case of any runner needs or medical emergencies. In addition to the full marathon, UCSF Race Medical covers the 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races.
“UCSF has been providing medical care at this race for the past 21 years and we are excited to continue supporting this city-wide event that brings together runners from all over to San Francisco,” said Race Medical Director Anthony Luke, MD, MPH. “We’re thankful for the volunteers from various backgrounds who donate their time and expertise to UCSF Race Medical.”
Dr. Celina de Borja, in the red hat, and Dr. Haley Oosterhouse, on her right, representing the Women’s Sports Medicine team, help prepare the Race Medical team before the race. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
The San Francisco Marathon Race Medical team also provides medical assistance for all emergencies within a two-block radius of the racecourse, allowing San Francisco citizens to get the medical care they need even during this busy event. The entire team comprised of twenty-one aid stations, over two hundred volunteers, and several ambulances spread across the route.
“Dr. Anthony Luke and I have gone to a World Academy for Endurance Medicine Conference and collaborated with other medical providers, who also provide care at races like the Boston and London marathons, to ensure that we can provide the safest experience,” said Race Medical Coordinator Michael Mayes, MS, ATC. “It's incredible to be surrounded by so much enthusiasm and community spirit. Seeing runners, spectators, and volunteers all come together while helping participants reach the finish line safely makes it a truly rewarding experience.”
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery extends its appreciation to the physicians, athletic trainers, nurses, medical professionals and students who dedicated their time to ensuring athlete safety and event operations.
From left, long-time UCSF volunteer Jackie Hammond, athletic trainer Elise Hammond, ATC; and sports and shoulder fellow Joseph Sliepka, MD at their station at the north end of the Golden Gate bridge. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
About the UCSF Race Medical Team
The UCSF Race Medical Team brings together physicians, athletic trainers, nurses, physical therapists, medical students, and community volunteers to provide medical care at major endurance events throughout the Bay Area. For more than two decades, the program has supported some of the region's largest races while providing specialized training and experience in race medicine.