The Dipsea Race
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The Dipsea Race
First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in the United States. 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 trails that require care on footing and attention to the terrain. Because of the trail conditions and environmental concerns, the race limits the field to about 1,500 runners.
The event uses a handicapping system that staggers start groups by minutes and applies penalty minutes for recent winners. This start format produces overall winners from a range of ages and both sexes. The entry process is weighted to favor local contestants and the race is primarily a Northern California event.
Timing is expanded during the race with mats that provide near real-time splits at several points on the route, including the top of the Dipsea stairs, Windy Gap, Muir Woods, Cardiac, White Gate, and Stile. The Dipsea Race Foundation and race committee also run related programs such as volunteer trail clean-ups and scholarships that support the race and trail stewardship. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
