The Dipsea Race

The Dipsea Race

The Dipsea Race is a historic annual trail race first run in 1905. It is held each year on the second Sunday in June and follows a scenic 7.4 mile route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. The course includes long stair sections and steep, technical trails that affect pace and footing.

The event uses a distinctive handicapping system that staggers starters so competitors of different ages and sexes can contend under a common format. Entry is limited to about 1,500 runners for safety and environmental reasons. While entrants come from many places, the race is primarily a Northern California event and the entry process is adjusted to slightly favor local applicants.

Race operations include expanded timing mats that provide near real-time splits at several points on the course, including the top of the Dipsea stairs, Windy Gap, Muir Woods, Cardiac, White Gate, and Stile. The Dipsea Race Foundation supports related activities such as scholarships and trail projects, and the organization posts annual results and summaries after each event.

Age eligibility has been updated in recent years: minimum participant age was set to 6 years in 2023 and raised to 7 years beginning in 2024. Volunteer organized clean-up sessions and other community activities are regularly scheduled in the lead-up to the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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