A 50 Mile race course through Marin can't get more comprehensive than The Marin Ultra Challenge. The route passes through many "must-see" destinations over the most iconic trails of Marin. The Headlands, Pirate's Cove, Dipsea Trail, Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, Miwok Trail, and arguably links as much of the Coastal Trail possible.
Starting from a small marina in Sausalito, runners pass under the Golden Gate Bridge on the first climb on the Coastal Trail. From the top, you will see a postcard view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge then continue down to Rodeo Beach and Pacific Ocean. The route flows through Tennessee Valley then passes Pirate's Cove on the way to Muir Beach.
From Muir Beach, runners climb to Cardiac Hill then link with the Dipsea Trail to St
inson Beach.
Next comes one of the most arduous climbs in the area; the Willow Camp Trail. The climb is about 1,700 feet over 2 miles (yikes). Just walk this and "re-group." My advice would be to re-fuel, re-hydrate, and prepare to crank through the 5 mile downhill section that follows along Coastal to Pantol Station then dropping into Muir Woods.
Enjoy the redwoods then do short and stout climb up the Lost Trail to Panoramic. After this "little pop" of a climb, you will have another gradual 3 mile downhill along the Redwood and Sun trails, past the Tourist Club and then connecting with the Dipsea back to Muir Woods.
The next 15 miles are filled with 1,000 foot climbs and descents along the the major Headlands Ridges. First the Miwok Trail climb to Dias Ridge then down to the Zen Center. Next up is the climb up Middle Green Gulch to Coyote Ridge then down to Tennessee Valley. Then the final section up Marincello and Alta then run the ridge along the SCA Trail where you will be able to see the finish 3 miles away.
The final section is the only part of the race that has a repeated section. However, to say your race started and finished by passing under the Golden Gate is pretty cool.
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