First held in 1970, the Walt Stack DSE Double Dipsea is a not just another tough trail run. It’s a sadistically designed race, intended to test your patience and perseverance. It rewards those most able to overcome adversity and show grace under fire. It leaves defeated those unable to adapt …
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First held in 1970, the Walt Stack DSE Double Dipsea is a not just another tough trail run. It’s a sadistically designed race, intended to test your patience and perseverance. It rewards those most able to overcome adversity and show grace under fire. It leaves defeated those unable to adapt and quick to give in to frustration. Walt Stack, founder of Dolphin South End Runners Club (DSE) considered it his favorite race and it eventually took his name to honor and remember him.
It’s not just the hills (though there are plenty) and it’s not only the steps (lots of those, too). What really makes this race the madhouse of trail runs is the perversity of the handicapped start times. With this handicapped format, every runner is forced to deal with a barrier much more difficult than hills or steps: other people!
The slowest start first and the fastest start last. If this race were run on roads, this would be no big deal. But these ain’t no roads! Mostly single-track from start to finish, virtually every runner is put in a position of constantly passing and being passed from in front and behind the entire race. It’s hard to imagine designing a race that would make it more difficult to simply run the trails. As course record holder Alex Varner put it: “Finding ways to safely get around all the other runners and deal with the constant passing is a major part of the race.” He should know. He won in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and every year he had to pass every runner on the course going out and coming back!
Fast or slow, as long as you can make the cut-offs and are ready to deal with the stress of so much passing (and being passed), we’re happy to have you. Walt Stack and the Dolphin South End Runners may have created a sadistic course, but the race (like all DSE races) has always been and will continue to be welcoming to runners of all ability levels.
It begins at Stinson Beach, runs the length of the Dipsea Trail to Mill Valley then back to Stinson Beach. Epic views, adventures — and lots of stairs — await you!
The Walt Stack DSE Double Dipsea race is a handicap race. If you’ve never run a handicap race before you’ll find that it gives you a whole new perspective. Instead of everyone starting at the same time, runners are grouped together in wave starts. If you are a slower runner the handicap will give you a big head start. If you’re normally one of the lead runners you’ll have to work hard to catch everyone! We all tend to run in the same circle of friends at every race. This gives you a chance to meet new people and to say hello to a lot of people who normally are either in front of you or behind you. More information on the handicapped start times can be found here.
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Twice the Fun
This is one of my most favorite races. Dipsea trail from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley, and back. Fourteen miles, and just over 4,000’ of gain. The weather this year … MORE
This is one of my most favorite races. Dipsea trail from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley, and back. Fourteen miles, and just over 4,000’ of gain. The weather this year was absolutely perfect! This was my 7th year doing it, and it was my fastest!! The Brazen crew and volunteers (as well as DSE) are the best in the biz!! Highly recommend this race!!
Get it done! Just so you can say u did!
Nationally known~starting at Stinson Beach. Do yourself a favor and get there a day or two early and stay the night. Driving up in the morning can be a pain … MORE
Nationally known~starting at Stinson Beach. Do yourself a favor and get there a day or two early and stay the night. Driving up in the morning can be a pain and really bites if you get car sick! You start by the beach and before you’re even .2 into your race, you’re headed uphill onto the famous Dipsea Trail! This trail is gorgeous but oh so challenging. The race is setup to be a handicapped race. A limited number of runners are allowed. Earliest starters =oldest. To win, you have to pass every single person that went off in front of you! Most areas are single track with traffic headed both ways. Stunning ocean views. Amazing wildlife. 600+ Dipsea stairs. Steady climbs up hills names Insult and Cardiac are not misnamed. Time cutoffs in effect for each AS. But to be able to say you did it=priceless. Rewards are huge medals, a patch, a T-shirt and gorgeous scenery and wildlife. With a beach finish chaser. Stinson beach to Mill Valley and back!! The waters cold and oh so perfect to soak those piggies post race!!! Amazing race with amazing people!
Rugged trail, Watch your step!
aid stations were awesome. The available treats were like an unexpected buffet at the top of the run. Volunteers were great. The trails are rutted and downright dangerous in places … MORE
aid stations were awesome. The available treats were like an unexpected buffet at the top of the run. Volunteers were great. The trails are rutted and downright dangerous in places if you aren’t wide awake. ‘Single file’ sections make passing difficult. We used to say: ‘sharpen your elbows’ before the Dipsea.
The toughest thing I’ve ever done!!
This was one of the most challenging things I have ever attempted! I fell at mile 7 and sprained my ankle. The crew was so amazing and took care of … MORE
This was one of the most challenging things I have ever attempted! I fell at mile 7 and sprained my ankle. The crew was so amazing and took care of me…even drove me back to the start. I can’t wait to sign up this year and actually conquer this beast!
LOVE this race
The best trail race out there. Gorgeous scenery, well organized race but tough tough tough. This was my sixth DD. And I’m going back in 2 weeks for more!!!! Wahoooo! MORE
The best trail race out there. Gorgeous scenery, well organized race but tough tough tough. This was my sixth DD. And I’m going back in 2 weeks for more!!!! Wahoooo!
Up and down (and maybe never again)
The Double Dipsea is a bucket list race well worth taking the time to do. Not a race to achieve a PR but rather to survive, the 4,000 foot elevation … MORE
The Double Dipsea is a bucket list race well worth taking the time to do. Not a race to achieve a PR but rather to survive, the 4,000 foot elevation change is an amazing challenge. Oh, did I mention that fast racers are handicapped, so that they have to squeeze past all the slower racers ahead of them? And that the often single-track course is covered in poison oak? Or that there are stairs–hundreds of rough-hewn, uneven height, uneven length stairs!–which must be both climbed down and then up again?
If that doesn’t make this mountains to sea race unique enough, the nature of the handicap and the tight trails meant that this was the chattiest race I’ve ever experienced. Racers were friendly (as Brazen racers always are!), but it took a whole lot more communication than usual to make everyone’s race successful. It’s not what I want out of a race every time, but it reminded me of the camaraderie and kindness of the racing community.
There was a moment on the race when I was squeezed onto a wooden retaining wall over a ravine as a large crew of racers squeezed past and I thought, “Maybe I didn’t really need to be here.” At other moments, though, when I could see the sea and the sky, trees and woods, and so much variety of Northern California’s beauty in one place that I almost forgot about the searing pain in my knee and the hours I had spent getting to one place just to turn around and come back again.
Brazen will always be my favorite racing group. They put on great races in beautiful places, and I always feel like I am running with people who enjoy being there (and don’t notice how so I’m going!). Double Dipsea had been on my list for a long time, and it did not disappoint!
Brazen is community
Brazen races are all about community. Their goal seems to be to retain the trail runner spirit of kindness to all, and get everyone of all abilities out there having … MORE
Brazen races are all about community. Their goal seems to be to retain the trail runner spirit of kindness to all, and get everyone of all abilities out there having fun.
Other ammenities include great food (and lots of it), awesome medals (everyone gets one), and cool shirt designs.
Survived my first Double Dipsea race!
I've heard so much about this race and that it should be on every trail runner's bucket list. It definitely didn't disappoint with 4500 ft elevation change, 600+ steps and … MORE
I’ve heard so much about this race and that it should be on every trail runner’s bucket list. It definitely didn’t disappoint with 4500 ft elevation change, 600+ steps and names like Cardiac Hill and Insult to Injury for portions of the route. Toughest trail race I’ve ever run but also one of the most rewarding with gorgeous views of SF skyline and Stinson Beach. Amazed by the runners that fly down the hills with all the roots and rocks sticking out so just got out of the way when they passed. Great volunteer support from aid stations to the start/finish lines. Highly recommend signing up for one of the limited spots for this race at least once!
Felt like I was 6 again!
It is a tough course, but it's a lot of fun! It was my first time participating in it and I had to figure out the running strategy on the … MORE
It is a tough course, but it’s a lot of fun! It was my first time participating in it and I had to figure out the running strategy on the go. I would recommend running/ hiking the trail before the race day so you are familiar what you will be dealing with. Please keep in mind that the weather can be pretty hot and you will be running quite a lot in the open space. Make sure to hydrate. In addition, since it is a trail there are plenty of roots and rock, so watch your step! I fell only once when going downhill (real trail running with blood and scratched knees).
Volunteers were great: cheering on the runners and providing them with water and food.
When you finish there is ice cream waiting for you and loads of food. It was a fun day! Thank you Brazen Racing!
AWESOME COURSE
I knew this race would be a challenge but I went in to it to enjoy the overall experience and it didnt disappoint!. I had a blast. The hills and … MORE
I knew this race would be a challenge but I went in to it to enjoy the overall experience and it didnt disappoint!. I had a blast. The hills and stairs were a blast, hard but fun. I met so many people and enjoy the volunteer support. I would do it again.
Mountain Climbing
More experienced reviewers then I have provided good technical reviews of the Double Dipsea, so mine will just be a personal reflection of my race. This was my second Double … MORE
More experienced reviewers then I have provided good technical reviews of the Double Dipsea, so mine will just be a personal reflection of my race.
This was my second Double Dipsea I think when I signed up I must have forgotten how hard this race is. I can say for myself I hike most of it and run when I can. You start on in waves at Stinson Beach, my age group started at 7:52 one of the last to go. There is ample parking and the Dipsea start has a fun carnival atmosphere mixed in with foreboding. New runners ask those who have done it before “is it hard”? and the those who have run it before roll there eyes and say yes!
The first mile feels like a normal Brazen race and that where for me it becomes different with names like “Cardiac” and “insult” you can’t help but be apprehensive. I struggled through the first 3 miles taking over 45 minutes on the mostly uphill, root littered, climb hitting the first two aid stations I stopped both times drank water and cooled off. This race was warmer then last year where we had fog for the first few hours. You then get to run downhill a bit so miles 4 & 5 felt good.
Before you reach Mill Valley and the stairs you hit a single track where runners are moving both ways so its stop and go. Everyone I was around was communicative and accommodating its one of the things I enjoy about this race is how much respect and consideration people show for each other when passing. I can only say that the stairs whether your going up or down are not easy.
I reached the Mill Valley turn around at about an hour and 53 minutes, I was happy with my time refueled and headed back out. The next 7 miles took me a little bit less then 2 ½ hours. The temperature was up and around mile 10 there is a long uphill battle. It’s the first time I can remember being with 5 other people for a good 2 miles and no one said anything. The uphill was difficult, the temperature was hot and we were all tired. I was mentally looking forward to the shade and the downhill and when I reached the aid station at the top stopped for a good 3-4 minutes and tried to recover.
The last 4 miles were my hardest both of my knees started to hurt and knowing I had 16 or so more Brazen races ahead of me (I am streaking again) I decided to walk the rest of the way (its more like hiking then walking). My time was slower this year but I have no shame about it, this is a tough race. I love the Double Dipsea trail and views and the experience are amazing. They say “its not for everyone” and this year like last year I swore I will never do it again. The race was several weeks ago my knees are recovered and I am getting ready for the Brazen Dirty Dozen and somewhere in the back of my mind I hear “well it wasn’t that bad, I’ll have to try and sign up again next year .
What are you STAIRING at?
Saying this is a tough race is an understatement. This course is really, really tough. Always an awesome time at this long running race. It starts at Stinson Beach, then … MORE
Saying this is a tough race is an understatement.
This course is really, really tough.
Always an awesome time at this long running race.
It starts at Stinson Beach, then goes out about 7 miles to Mill Valley.
Runners start in waves, based off age/sex, and it has a handicapped finish times.
Scenery is really nice in this race.
Stairs. Did I mention there are stairs?
This race totals over 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
Another cool thing is since it is an out and back, you get to see everyone twice.
I would recommend putting in your calendar the date that registration opens.
Recalling last year and the year before, it sold out pretty quick.
Stay tuned to next year when I do it for a third time.
Did you notice any pattern in my post?
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and more stairs!! 🙂
Beautifull course
+ Excellent organization + Beautiful Course + Lot's of hills! Be prepared. + Ample Aid stations filled with water and snacks. + In true Brazen style - Epic medals. oah, … MORE
+ Excellent organization
+ Beautiful Course
+ Lot’s of hills! Be prepared.
+ Ample Aid stations filled with water and snacks.
+ In true Brazen style – Epic medals.
oah, what a great course! Yes, this course is described as ”Sadistic” but I didn’t get the pet name ”Crazy Runner girl” for nothing! This Run did the infamous Dipsea Trail TWICE – Out and then back where your were running head on to others runners on a single trail, it was indeed a true test of my patience as you have no choice but go with the flow and for the most part that means only running as fast as the person in front of you.
Stats:
-4,500ft elevation
– On the event listing stated 13.7 mile course, my Run tracker registered 14.22 (Many other peole I spoke to also got very similar distance between 14.10 and 14.25)
– 441 flights of stairs as measured by my FitBit
This event started wuth various “handicaps” with older and slower tunners leaving first and a new group starting off every 2-4 minutes.
This is not a course you do to get a good finish time, I was prepared for this but what I was not prepared for was how backed up the first 5-6 miles would be. Pretty much all uphill this was my dream part of the course and uphill running being something I excel at but I couldn’t Run the speed I wanted to because I was stuck behind other runners that are not as fast as me.. I was warned before sign up and the pre race email though.
The course was indeed VERY narrow for the most part and making passing people almost impossible in some parts but you got to know the people around you pretty well and the view from the top of the peak was amazing!
The volunteers and aid stations were great! Everyone was very encouraging and each aid station was filled with goodies in true Brazen style – Water, electrolite drink, candies, chips, pretzels, fruit and of course Aid…basically everything you needed.
Post race was one big party and re-feed with all the same food plus Bagels and treat Brazen is well known for – It’s It Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. This is one thing I actually partook in for the first time of any Brazen event, I totally earned it!
The goodies bags, Tech shirt, medal and transfer are pretty sweet too.
Personal:
So happy to have knocked this off of my bucket list! Yes, I did have quite a spectacular wipeout 5 miles from the finish line where on some downhill steps I tripped, twisted my Ankle and landed on where I then proceeded to slide down another step (must have looked hilarious to the guy behind me) it meaning I had to limp cursing my way to the Finish (I’m no quitter!) But call me insane… I would also love to run this event again!
– Crazy Runner Girl
It's like having a baby...
I just looked at my past review and it was probably a good thing that I skipped a year. This race is like having a baby. I needed time in … MORE
I just looked at my past review and it was probably a good thing that I skipped a year. This race is like having a baby. I needed time in between to forget the pain before going back for more!
All joking aside, this race is awesome. This year I went up in my AG, so I started pretty early. My goal was to just finish this year. I had just run SOTG 50k the week before, so I wasn’t expecting a great time, but I was sure hoping my legs would get me through the ups and downs.
I will concentrate on the things that were different from my previous rating. First of all, the weather was PHENOMENAL. It really was perfect in all ways. Last year I volunteered at Insult, ran it the year before that, so I’ve had experience this race as a volunteer and participant. This year it “felt” like it was even better organized (if that is possible) than the past 2 years. The Aid Stations were so great! I think one of the AS ran out of some food items but for the most part, I had what I needed, when I needed it. I don’t have much more to add. This race is not easy, but when you cross that finish line, you know you have just finish a very special race.
A different trail race
Registration is as challenging as the course. Half the race is sold out within 18 minutes and a few days later they opened up for the second half of available … MORE
Registration is as challenging as the course. Half the race is sold out within 18 minutes and a few days later they opened up for the second half of available registrations and sold out within an hour or so. Usually registration is in March and race is in June. The race is must for trail runners. I booked a room at one of the two hotels in Stinson Beach and had a great weekend. 700 runners run from Stinson Beach up to Mount Tamalpaias and down to Mill Valley, and back. That alone is a bit insane. In order to spread the crowds on the course they let the oldest run first. 80+ year old women at 8am (there are people in every wave!) It is not the slowest first, but the oldest first. Some of these “older” runners are clearly faster than me. Double Dipsea is just different! I love that Brazen Racing organizes it. Oh, in Mill Valley you run down an insane amount of stair steps and then back up. Insane is kind of the right word.
My Favorite Kind of Pain
This is one of the toughest races in my year, but it's my absolute favorite! The views are spectacular, but you have to earn them. This race is no joke...4500 … MORE
This is one of the toughest races in my year, but it’s my absolute favorite! The views are spectacular, but you have to earn them. This race is no joke…4500 feet elevation and people passing you on extremely narrow single track. It’s treacherous, and you can’t wear headphones for good reasons…you must, must be able to hear everything going on around and coming up behind you. I would love to say that every single runner is gracious and polite, but at this race, that’s just not the case. But even with that said, this is an unbelievable race, a true test and the views are what you see in postcards. It’s absolutely beautiful! Lots of preparation required, you have to seriously train for this race. I recommend Hill work, and then some more Hill work. And I hope you love stairs, lots of them. My goal this year is to finish in under three hours.
Hills and steps
Be prepare for the fast elite runners they will run you over. Loved this race and planning on running again in 2016. I will definite train more steps MORE
Be prepare for the fast elite runners they will run you over. Loved this race and planning on running again in 2016. I will definite train more steps
Quad Crushing Fun!
As always Brazen puts on a top notch event. Friendly staff, well marked course and well stocked aid stations. The course is beautiful and challenging (aka steep) its the Dipsea … MORE
As always Brazen puts on a top notch event. Friendly staff, well marked course and well stocked aid stations. The course is beautiful and challenging (aka steep) its the Dipsea twice, duh! Be ready for stairs, there are too many to count but the reward of completing the double is worth it. Planning to do it again in 2016.
Great, challenging and fun race!
Be prepared to climb and then climb some more. However, I enjoyed myself so much that it's on my to be repeated list. The volunteers at the aid stations were … MORE
Be prepared to climb and then climb some more. However, I enjoyed myself so much that it’s on my to be repeated list. The volunteers at the aid stations were awesome.
I finished, that is all!
I left this race saying I would never do it again, but I probably will. I must be a glutton for punishment. Lots of stairs. Did I say stairs? I … MORE
I left this race saying I would never do it again, but I probably will. I must be a glutton for punishment. Lots of stairs. Did I say stairs?
I enjoyed the handicapped format…for the most part. This really is not a race for everyone, but I feel very proud of myself that I finished it. I’m pretty sure the people in the next town over heard my sigh of relief when I crossed the finish line. It does have very pretty trails to enjoy, but this race is definitely not for beginners. Brazen Racing does such a great job at organization, and I think they did a fantastic job, this being the first year they worked with DSE.