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Course
The route
13.6 miles · 2,156 ft of climbing · four aid stations. Big loop through the Marin Headlands: rolling singletrack, fire road, coastal ridgelines, and views of the Pacific, the Bay and the Golden Gate. One honest climb. Finish at San Francisco Running Company.
View the interactive map and elevation profile on Strava
Cutoff: 5.5 hours
That's 24:15 per mile over 13.6 miles, or about 22:30 per mile if you'd rather bank ten minutes for the climb. A steady walk on the flats with a purposeful hike on the hills gets you home inside it. There are no intermediate cutoffs at the aid stations; the only clock that matters is the finish at 1:30 PM. If you're worried about the time, come to a coaching session, book the free 1:1 consult, or email us. We'd rather help you plan than have you skip it.
Aid stations
Four on course. Each one has Skratch hydration and chews, Maurten gels, water, Coca-Cola, and real food (Swedish fish, peanut M&Ms, bananas, pretzels, chips, with gluten-free and vegan options). Menstrual products are stocked at every station.
- Aid 1: Alta Trail and Bobcat Trail junction, about mile 2.5 (next aid in 2.3 mi). No restrooms.
- Aid 2: Coastal Trail parking lot, about mile 4.8 (next aid in 1.8 mi). Vault toilet.
- Aid 3: Gerbode Valley trailhead parking lot, about mile 6.5 (next aid in 2.4 mi). Vault toilet.
- Aid 4: Alta Trail and Bobcat Trail junction, about mile 9.1 (4.5 mi to the finish). No restrooms.
Bring your cup. Every runner gets a HydraPak SpeedCup in their race packet. Use it, or carry your own bottle, flask or hydration pack, and volunteers will fill you up. Compostable cups will be on hand if you need one, but we'd love for most of them to go unused
Carry enough to get you between stations. The longest stretch is the last 4.5 miles to the finish.
Toilets
Portable restrooms at the start and finish, and vault toilets at Aid 2 and Aid 3. There are no restrooms at Aid 1 or Aid 4.
Drop bags
There are no drop bags on course, but you can check a bag at the start. The gear check tent is hosted by our friends at Movemint and opens at 7:00 AM race morning; look for the Movemint tent near the start/finish. Pick your bag up there when you're done.
Bring a warm layer for after the finish. The Headlands run cool and windy, even on sunny days.
What to wear on your feet
Trail shoes. The course is dirt singletrack and fire road, with loose gravel on the descents and mud if it's rained. Road shoes will work in a pinch; a lugged trail shoe will be a lot more fun. Stop by the store before race day and we'll help you pick, or try a pair from The North Face at packet pickup.
Trail rules
Stay on marked trail, yield to hikers and horses, pack out what you bring in. No headphones on singletrack. No dogs on course; it runs through a National Recreation Area. The Headlands are shared ground and we'd like to be invited back.
Course questions? Email caymen@sanfranciscorunning.com.