The John Lawson Tamalpa Challenge
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The Tamalpa Challenge 2026
The Tamalpa Challenge 2026 is a set of three cross-country races held on October 11, 2026 at Miwok Meadows in China Camp State Park, San Rafael, California. The event continues the tradition of running cross-country races in this park.
The course is roughly 4.20 miles long, mostly rolling single track trail with about a quarter mile on asphalt. The start area is near the Miwok Meadows gate, and the finish line and registration are in the Miwok Meadows picnic area.
Racing is offered in separate divisions for women, masters men, and open men. Entry requires registration and fees vary by registration date. Prize money is awarded in multiple categories, including open team and individual payouts, master and senior individual and team amounts, and a veterans award.
Organizers request that warmup and warmdown runs be taken off the course once races have begun to reduce the risk of collisions; suggested warmup routes include going south on Shoreline Trail from the Miwok gate or using the paved road stretch between the start and finish areas. State Park rules limit attendance in Miwok Meadows to 200 people at a time, and parking is limited; participants are asked to carpool when possible and may park along San Pedro Road, which is near the Miwok Meadows gate but about 300 yards from registration. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
