Muir Woods Mountain Challenge
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Muir Woods Mountain Challenge
Muir Woods Mountain Challenge is a trail running event at Mt. Tamalpais State Park near Stinson Beach, California. The event offers multiple distances over technical dirt trails and fire roads, with steep climbs, rocky and rooty descents, steps, and frequent turns.
Distances:
- 10K - 6.4 miles, 1,950 ft elevation gain
- Half Marathon - 13.1 miles, 3,450 ft elevation gain
- 30K - 18.8 miles, 4,950 ft elevation gain
The course begins with a steep climb of about 2,000 feet in just over 2 miles up Willow Camp hill. Runners follow ridge-line single-track with views of Stinson Beach and the Pacific, descend the Matt Davis Trail toward the beach, and for longer distances return via the Dipsea Trail and through Muir Woods to reach Cardiac Hill before descending back to Stinson Beach. Trekking poles are permitted.
Courses are marked with colored ribbon and signs; blue ribbons indicate a wrong way. Aid stations provide a variety of foods and drinks and basic first aid items. The event is cupless, so runners must carry their own reusable cup or flask; disposable cups are not provided. Drop bag service is not available.
Field capacity is 300 across all distances. Timing uses disposable bib chips. Parking is available within the Stinson Beach Day Use Area. Dogs are allowed at the beach on leash but are not permitted on Mt. Tam trails.
Volunteer roles include setup, aid stations, course marshaling, timing, and post-race support; volunteers receive a race T-shirt, food, and event credit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
