COURSE INFORMATION
Course Map | Course Description | Aid Stations | Pace Charts, Cutoff Times, Gear Bag Drops, and Crew Access |
Course Map
Endurance Challenge - Championship 50 Mile Course
Endurance Challenge San Francisco/Marin 50-Mile Map
50-Mile Elevation Chart:
Endurance Challenge - Championship Accelerade 50K Course
Endurance Challenge San Francisco/Marin Accelerade 50K Map
Accelerade 50K Elevation Chart:
Endurance Challenge - Championship Half Marathon Course
Endurance Challenge San Francisco/Marin Half Marathon Map
Half Marathon Elevation Chart:
Endurance Challenge - Championship 10K Course
Endurance Challenge San Francisco/Marin 10K Map
10K Elevation Chart:
Course Description
50 MileStart -10K Course Loop:
After exiting the start area, runners will enter the trail system and head west on Rodeo Valley trail. Runners head north on the Bobcat trail, ascending 800 feet, until they run into the Alta trail (*Note: the Alta Water Stop will not be open in the morning as runners pass). Runners will then reconnect with the Rodeo Valley trail and make the decent back to bottom of the hill and the Mile 5 Water Stop where they first entered the trail system.
End of 10K Course Loop to Tennessee Valley:
This 4 mile section starts with a relatively flat first mile along the Rodeo Valley trail but accumulates almost 900 feet of climbing between the first and second mile on along the Miwok fire road. Take a quick look at the views and get ready for a quick descent down the single track Old Spring trail to Tennessee Valley and the first aid station.
Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach:
The Tennessee Valley trail starts as a paved walking trail and turns into a fire road as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. In just over a mile the route enters the Coastal fire road and begins a 400 foot ascent over the next half mile. The reward is a killer view of the Headlands and Marin Coast. At the top of this hill the route veers off onto the Coastal trail, which is a beautiful single track that winds along high cliffs above the Pacific. After 2 miles the trail meets up with the Coastal fire road and drops down to Muir Beach and the next aid station.
Muir Beach to Pantoll Station:
Exiting Muir Beach and heading up to meet Hwy 1. Runners will take a left on Hwy 1 for a short stint to meet up with the single track Redwood Creek trail. Continue on Redwood Creek ¾ mile to the Heather Cutoff trail and take a left. This trail takes you 1.3 miles through a ranch to the Coastal fire road. The Coastal fire road enters into the Pantoll Ranger Station after 4 miles and 1,500 feet of ascent.
Pantoll Station to Stinson Beach Aid Station:
Runners will exit Pantoll and head down the Steep Ravine trail, a narrow single track through redwood forest. This trail meets up with the Miwok trail and then the famed Dipsea trail before opening up at Stinson Beach Aid Station.
Stinson Beach Aid Station to McKennan Gulch Aid Station Turnaround:
Passing through the aid station, runners will connect with Hwy 1 in Stinson and take a right along the Hwy. Runners continue a short way down Hwy 1 and turn right at the fire Station, leading back to the Matt Davis trailhead where runners will embark on a 2 mile ascent of about 1,400 feet before turning left on the Coastal trail. Single track trail passes over gently rolling hills to the McKennan Gulch Aid Station.
McKennan Gulch Aid Station to Pantoll Station:
Runners will turn around at the McKennan Gulch Aid Station and head back along the Coastal trail for 4.4 miles on single track trail until crossing Panoramic Hwy to the Pantoll Aid Station for the 2nd time.
Pantoll Station to Old Inn Aid Station:
Get ready to enjoy this ride! The Bootjack trail descends almost 1,300 feet in less than two miles along a stream through the beginning of a valley of redwoods. The single track trail is very technical. This is arguably the toughest trail descent in all of Marin. It is steep, rocky and root-filled. Be sure to keep your focus through here. The trail takes a left onto The Pelvin Cut fire road and winds its way to the Lost trail which returns the course back to classic single tracks and gains 800 feet in less than a mile. The trail reaches the Panoramic Highway and continues on the Redwood trail then connects up with the Dipsea trail and descends 700 feet in two miles back to the Old Inn Aid Station.
Old Inn to Muir Beach:
The Dipsea trail continues to meet the Deer Park trail, which is a short downhill to the Redwood Creek trail. This is a horse trail that is relatively flat and winds along Redwood Creek to the town of Muir Beach. Runners have to get back on Hwy 1 at Muir Beach (the same stint of Hwy 1 coming out of the Muir Beach Aid Station) to connect to the Dias Ridge trailhead on the left.
Dias Ridge to Tennessee Valley:
Dias Ridge Links up to the Miwok trail and crosses Shoreline Hwy on the way to the next aid station. Upon leaving the aid station, the Miwok becomes a fire road before turning into a wide single track that descends all the way back to the Tennessee Valley Aid Station.
Tennessee Valley to Alta Water Stop:
The Marincello fire road climbs out of Tennessee Valley for just over 2 miles gradually ascending almost 700 feet. The Marincello trail links with the Alta trail and leads to the Alta Water Stop.
Alta Water Stop to Fort Barry (Finish):
The home stretch easily winds towards the final descent of 800 feet over 2.5 miles along the Rodeo Valley trail. Once exiting the trail system, runners will head to the right along Bunker road. They will then cross Bunker road for their final short climb to the finish at Fort Barry.
Accelerade 50K
Start to Tennessee Valley:
After exiting the start area, this 4 mile section starts with a relatively flat first mile along the Rodeo Valley trail but accumulates almost 900 feet of climbing between the first and second mile on along the Miwok fire road. Take a quick look at the views and get ready for a quick descent down the single track Old Spring trail to Tennessee Valley and the first aid station.
Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach:
The Tennessee Valley trail starts as a paved walking trail and turns into a fire road as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. In just over a mile the route enters the Coastal fire road and begins a 400 foot ascent over the next half mile. The reward is a killer view of the Headlands and Marin Coast. At the top of this hill the route veers off onto the Coastal trail, which is a beautiful single track that winds along high cliffs above the Pacific. After 2 miles the trail meets up with the Coastal fire road and drops down to Muir Beach and the next aid station.
Muir Beach to Pantoll Station:
Exit Muir Beach and heading up to meet Hwy 1. Runners will take a left on Hwy 1 for a short stint to meet up with the single track Redwood Creek trail. Continue on Redwood Creek ¾ mile to the Heather Cutoff trail and take a left. This trail takes you 1.3 miles through a ranch to the Coastal fire road. The Coastal fire road enters into the Pantoll Ranger Station after 4 miles and 1,500 feet of ascent.
Pantoll Station to Old Inn Aid Station:
Get ready to enjoy this ride! The Bootjack trail descends almost 1,300 feet in less than two miles along a stream through the beginning of a valley of redwoods. The single track trail is very technical. This is arguably the toughest trail descent in all of Marin. It is steep, rocky and root-filled. Be sure to keep your focus through here. The trail takes a left onto The Pelvin Cut fire road and winds its way to the Lost trail which returns the course back to classic single tracks and gains 800 feet in less than a mile. The trail reaches the Panoramic Highway and continues on the Redwood trail then connects up with the Dipsea trail and descends 700 feet in two miles back to the Old Inn Aid Station.
Old Inn to Muir Beach:
The Dipsea trail continues to meet the Deer Park trail, which is a short downhill to the Redwood Creek trail. This is a horse trail that is relatively flat and winds along Redwood Creek to the town of Muir Beach. Runners have to get back on Hwy 1 at Muir Beach (the same stint of Hwy 1 coming out of the Muir Beach Aid Station) to connect to the Dias Ridge trailhead on the left.
Dias Ridge to Tennessee Valley:
Dias Ridge links up to the Miwok trail and crosses Shoreline Hwy on the way to the next aid station. Upon leaving the aid station, the Miwok becomes a fire road before turning into a double track that descends all the way back to the Tennessee Valley Aid Station.
Tennessee Valley to Alta Water Stop:
The Marincello fire road climbs out of Tennessee Valley for just over 2 miles gradually ascending almost 700 feet. The Marincello trail links with the Alta trail and leads to the Alta Water Stop.
Alta Water Stop to Fort Barry (Finish):
The home stretch easily winds towards the final descent of 800 feet over 2.5 miles along the Rodeo Valley trail. Once exiting the trail system, runners will head to the right along Bunker road. They will then cross Bunker road for their final short climb to the finish at Fort Barry.
Half Marathon
Start to Tennessee Valley:
After exiting the start area, this 3.5 mile section starts with a relatively flat first mile along the Rodeo Valley trail but accumulates almost 900 feet of climbing between the first and second mile on along the Miwok fire road. Take a quick look at the views and get ready for a quick descent down the single track Old Spring trail to Tennessee Valley and the first aid station.
Loop back to Tennessee Valley:
The Tennessee Valley trail starts as a paved walking trail and turns into a fire road as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. In just over a mile the route enters the Coastal fire road and begins a 400 foot ascent over the next half mile. The reward is a killer view of the Headlands and Marin Coast. Runners will then veer to the right and meet up with the Coyote Ridge fire road. Runners will eventually connect with the Miwok trail and head right, leading back to the Tennessee Valley Aid Station.
Tennessee Valley to Alta Water Stop:
The Marincello fire road climbs out of Tennessee Valley for just over 2 miles gradually ascending almost 700 feet. The Marincello trail links with the Alta trail and leads to the Alta Water Stop.
Alta Water Stop to Fort Barry (Finish):
The home stretch easily winds towards the final descent of 800 feet over 2.5 miles along the Rodeo Valley trail. Once exiting the trail system, runners will head to the right along Bunker road. They will then cross Bunker road for their final short climb to the Finish at Fort Barry.
10K
Start to Finish:
After exiting the start area, runners will enter the trail system and head west on Rodeo Valley trail. Runners head north on the Bobcat trail, ascending 800 feet, until they run into the Alta trail. The will hit the only water stop along the way at mile 3, then reconnect with the Rodeo Valley trail and make their final descent, gaining the 800 feet back on the way to the Finish Line at Fort Barry.
Aid Stations
Accelerade and water will be provided at Aid Stations and Water Stops throughout the course. The Aid Stations will provide Accelerade, water, bagels, PB&Js, fruits, candy, salty snacks and more. Basic first aid needs will be available at all Aid Stations. Specific pharmaceutical needs will be the responsibility of the runner. Please see the course map for Aid Station locations.Pace Charts, Cutoff Times, Gear Bag Drops, and Crew Access
It is essential that participants select the appropriate race distance, based on their preparation and experience. For their safety and the safety of others, runners not reaching the designated cutoff points by the designated times will be removed from the course. No exceptions will be made. Continuation on the course will be unofficial and at the risk of participants.
Championship 50 Mile Pace Chart
| Aid Station | Name | Mile | Next Aid | Crew | Pacer | Front Runner | Middle Runner | Last Runner | Drop Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start/Finish | Start/Finish | 0 | 5.8 | - | - | 5:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:00 AM | Yes |
| Aid #1 | 5 Mile Water Stop | 5.8 | 3.1 | No | No | 5:50 AM | 6:04 AM | 6:20 AM | No |
| Aid #2 | Tennessee Valley | 8.9 | 4.2 | Yes | No | 6:17 AM | 6:54 AM | 7:32 AM | Yes |
| Aid #3 | Muir Beach | 13.1 | 5.3 | No | No | 6:54 AM | 7:40 AM | 8:40 AM | No |
| Aid #4 | Pan Toll | 18.4 | 2.9 | Yes | No | 7:41 AM | 8:51 AM | 10:09 AM | Yes |
| Aid #5 | Stinson Beach | 21.3 | 4.7 | Yes | No | 8:06 AM | 9:31 AM | 10:58 AM | No |
| Hard Cutoff #1: Stinson Beach Aid Station 10:58 AM | |||||||||
| Aid #6 | McKennan Gulch Turnaround | 26 | 4.4 | No | No | 8:47 AM | 10:26 AM | 12:17 PM | No |
| Aid #7 | Pan Toll | 30.4 | 5.6 | Yes | Yes | 9:26 AM | 11:22 AM | 1:31 PM | Yes |
| Aid #8 | Old Inn | 36 | 5.1 | No | No | 10:15 AM | 12:32 AM | 3:05 PM | No |
| Hard Cutoff #2: Old Inn Aid Station 3:05 PM | |||||||||
| Aid #9 | Shoreline HWY | 41.1 | 2.9 | No | No | 10:59 AM | 1:35 PM | 4:31 PM | Yes |
| Aid #10 | Tennessee Valley | 44 | 3.1 | Yes | Yes | 11:25 AM | 2:10 PM | 5:19 PM | Yes |
| Aid #11 | Alta Water Stop | 47.1 | 2.7 | No | No | 11:52 AM | 2:50 PM | 6:11 PM | No |
| Finish | Finish | 49.8 | - | - | - | 12:15 PM | 3:24 PM | 7:00 PM | Yes |
Aid Station 5, at mile 21.3 will serve as the first of two hard cutoff points. Runners must reach this point 5 hours and 58 minutes after the start of the race. Aid Station 8, at mile 36, will serve as the second of two hard cutoff points. Runners must reach this point 10 hours and 5 minutes after the start of the race.
Championship Accelerade 50K Pace Chart
| Aid Station | Name | Mile | Next Aid | Crew | Lead Runner | Middle Runner | Last Runner | Drop Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start/Finish | Start/Finish | 0 | 3.95 | - | 7:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 7:00 AM | Yes |
| Aid #1 | Tennessee Valley | 3.95 | 4.15 | Yes | 7:34 AM | 7:31 AM | 8:12 AM | Yes |
| Aid #2 | Muir Beach | 8.1 | 5.3 | No | 8:10 AM | 8:16 AM | 9:28 AM | No |
| Aid #3 | Pan Toll | 13.4 | 5.6 | Yes | 8:57 AM | 9:26 AM | 11:05 AM | Yes |
| Aid #4 | Old Inn | 19 | 5.1 | No | 9:46 AM | 10:34 AM | 12:48 PM | No |
| Aid #5 | Shoreline HWY | 24.1 | 2.9 | Yes | 10:30 AM | 11:36 AM | 2:21 PM | Yes |
| Aid #6 | Tennessee Valley | 27 | 3.1 | Yes | 10:56 AM | 12:10 PM | 3:14 PM | Yes |
| Aid #7 | Alta Water Stop | 30.1 | 2.7 | No | 11:23 AM | 12:48 PM | 4:11 PM | No |
| Finish | Finish | 32.8 | - | - | 11:47 AM | 1:22 PM | 5:00 PM | Yes |
Championship Half Marathon Pace Chart
| Aid Station | Name | Mile | Next Aid | Crew | Lead Runner | Middle Runner | Last Runner | Drop Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start/Finish | Start/Finish | 0 | 3.95 | - | 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Yes |
| Aid #1 | Tennessee Valley | 3.95 | 3.35 | - | 9:17 AM | 9:30 AM | 9:47 AM | - |
| Aid #2 | Tennessee Valley | 7.3 | 3.05 | - | 9:57 AM | 10:38 AM | 11:32 AM | - |
| Aid #3 | Alta Water Stop | 10.4 | 2.75 | - | 10:12 AM | 11:04 AM | 12:12 PM | - |
| Finish | Finish | 13.1 | - | - | 10:31 AM | 11:37 AM | 1:02 PM | Yes |
Championship 10K Pace Chart
| Aid Station | Name | Mile | Next Aid | Crew | Lead Runner | Middle Runner | Last Runner | Drop Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start/Finish | Start/Finish | 0 | 3.45 | - | 9:15 AM | 9:15 AM | 9:15 AM | Yes |
| Aid #1 | Alta Water Stop | 3.45 | 2.75 | - | 9:39 AM | 9:56 AM | 10:21 AM | - |
| Finish | Finish | 6.2 | - | - | 9:57 AM | 10:29 AM | 11:15 PM | Yes |