Once the cap gun fires, you'll have a chance to check out the city like you've never seen it. Cruising past Fisherman's Wharf, you won't have to worry about tour buses or trolleys. On this special day, runners rule the roads. Your journey will take you through the Marina, across the Golden Gate Bridge and back, around Golden Gate Park, down Haight Street, through the Mission District, past AT&T Park (home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants), and underneath the Bay Bridge.

Then, the finish line. That's 26 miles of beautiful sights and not a dull aesthetic moment. So while you may be exhausted, sweaty and hurting at mile mark 16, at least you'll have something pretty to look at!

If you'd rather not put your body through an excruciating and endurance-based challenge, there are plenty of official and unofficial cheer stations along the way. Dress up in costume, or show off your arts and crafts skills with a glittery sign. But if you want to know where this on-location writer will be, it's in a bar with a window view. Because the San Francisco Marathon passes through some of the best neighborhoods, we suggest you check out the course map, park yourself at one of the many watering holes along the way (Haight Street or the Marina are always excellent choices), and watch the runners race by while you enjoy a nice cold beer.

Everyone loves a marathon, so get your butt to San Francisco Marathon for a fun run (or drink) in the sun (or fog).

What: A very long run, or watching others on a very long run
When: July 31, 2011
Where: A 26-mile course around the 7-by-7 mile city.