The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Sophia Bush at the start of the 5k race of the 2011 San Francisco Marathon. Photo © Nancy Crowley/TNC

August 1 — San Francisco Marathon a Huge Success!

Thanks to all of you who ran yesterday for Team Nature Conservancy and to those of you who sponsored our runners! And huge thanks to Sophia Bush, who not only ran for us but who also raised more than $50,000 for the Conservancy. In total, we raised more than $98,000 to help protect nature and provide a sustainable planet for future generations. 

Race day dawned with a gray, overcast sky, keeping the temperatures cool for the mighty team of 47 runners who ran for the Conservancy. Staff members and friends of the Conservancy — including Sophia Bush — enthusiastically manned our cheer station at mile 25 to root on the runners as they headed toward the finish line.

We’re looking forward to next year's event and invite all of you to participate. It was a wonderful day for everyone. Thanks again! 

Join Sophia Bush and The Nature Conservancy

Actress and passionate environmentalist Sophia Bush will be using her feet to raise money to protect the planet this summer as a member of Team Nature Conservancy—she’ll be running in the San Francisco Marathon taking place July 31, 2011.

“A green, clean future for our nation and for our world matters. Nature is the source of clean air, fresh water and healthy food. Join me as I run for The Nature Conservancy,” said Sophia. “I’m thrilled to partner with The Nature Conservancy in the San Francisco Marathon to help protect our amazing planet.”

Everyone Can Run

The SF Marathon offers a half marathon, a progressive marathon and the full marathon. There’s something for everyone. Find out more about running for Team Nature Conservancy.

Support a Runner or Be a Fundraiser

Visit our official marathon fundraising page and you can pledge funds to a Team Nature Conservancy runner or join the cause as a fundraiser yourself.

You can play an important role in moving conservation and nature to the center of the world stage — starting with the 2011 San Francisco Marathon.

More than ever before, we must find innovative ways to ensure that nature can continue to provide the food, clean water, energy and other services we depend upon for survival. The funds raised by Team Nature Conservancy members will support the Conservancy's vision to leave a sustainable world for future generations.

To the Headlands

The San Francisco Marathon runs to the scenic Marin Headlands, which the Conservancy helped to protect in 1972.

In the mid-’60s, plans had been approved to develop a massive 2,000-acre development with 50 apartment towers, single-family houses, a "landmark hotel" and a mile-long shopping center along these spectacular hills. The Nature Conservancy and its partners took their fight to the streets, generating a huge outpouring of community support for the cause. They were able to raise the funds to purchase the land.

This effort provided a huge boost for the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), which today includes the headlands.

Introducing Team Nature Conservancy

Jessica Dillon

Rachel Wadsworth

Dan Olstein

Claire Jahns

Jordan Peavey

Lisa Van Cleef

Sasha Gennet

Andrew Reed

Liz Spence