SF Muni Adapts Routes for Golden Gate Park Race

Muni Routes 18 and 44 rerouted Sunday morning for Hot Chocolate Run in Golden Gate Park

Muni Reroutes 2 Routes for Golden Gate Park Race

San Francisco Muni riders using Routes 18 and 44 near Golden Gate Park should plan for detours Sunday morning, January 11, 2026. The transit agency will reroute both bus lines starting at 7:20 a.m. to accommodate the Hot Chocolate Run, officials said. Commuters traveling through the Richmond District and western neighborhoods should expect delays and consider alternative routes during the morning hours.

Annual Race Requires Transit Adjustments

The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is an annual race series that regularly requires transit accommodations in Golden Gate Park, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Route 18 serves the Richmond District along 46th Avenue, while Route 44 connects western neighborhoods to the Golden Gate Park area. Golden Gate Park regularly hosts large events including marathons and festivals that require SFMTA route adjustments, officials said. Transit agencies routinely coordinate with city special events offices to manage temporary service changes for races and parades.

Two Routes Affected During Morning Hours

Routes 18 and 44 will be rerouted during the morning hours, though officials haven't specified an exact end time for the detours. The changes begin at 7:20 a.m. when the first race starts. Specific street-by-street detour paths for the two routes weren't available by publication time. Officials said detailed detour information is typically provided closer to event dates through real-time alerts and transit notifications.

Service Returns After Race Concludes

The route reroutes will remain in effect during the morning hours until the race concludes, transit officials said. The agency didn't provide a specific time when normal service will resume. SFMTA typically announces when routes return to regular service through its alert system once events wrap up.

Riders Should Plan Ahead for Delays

Commuters using Routes 18 and 44 should allow extra travel time Sunday morning and consider alternative routes if possible. Officials said riders should check for updates before traveling. Moovit provides real-time updates for Muni routes, helping riders navigate service changes and find alternative connections during special events.