Golden Gate Trail Run (Winter)
Sausalito, CA
- 50K, Marathon, 30K, Half Marathon, 8K, Kids Run
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Enjoy vistas of the Pacific Coast and of the spectacular Marin Headlands with views of Tiburon, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor’s measuring wheel.)
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Should be Considered Destination
I have run out here probably a half dozen times now. It is the Marin Headlands. This is a true half marathon. Some organizers have a route at the same … MORE
I have run out here probably a half dozen times now. It is the Marin Headlands. This is a true half marathon. Some organizers have a route at the same venue that is short, and some call it a 20k (12.4 miles). They are all good, but the variation in distance and elevation gain can be considerable. I asked the organizer of this one, and it’s just how they lay them out; it isn’t anything about the park rules (I thought perhaps they require different things or make people alternate). This one runs clockwise, with the big ascents at the very beginning and then continuing over the front half.
I think people have realized this is spectacular. Folks are traveling to take part. You see the bay, the ocean, and the city. There are hills, and there are woods. You even go through a working stable. You have to be careful not to disturb the horses.
The organizers are friendly and good. The main guy has several different race outfits. The volunteers are terrific. There is a really nice older fellow, who I think I have insulted, because he always says it’s downhill from the aid station, and I never believe him — I’m just joking, but in fact there were little rises which by that point you think, geez, it wasn’t true it’s downhill . . . It’s funny how perception changes as you get tired, because it’s absolutely factual those later bumps are nothing like the beginning. It’s 2500 feet plus of gain. It’s not as bad as the 3000 feet challenges in the San Francisco Bay Area, not only because of course it’s 500 feet less, but it’s not as steep. It’s more of a steady climb.
I never hesitate to sign up for a race out here. I like these organizers (they go by Coastal and Zoom, and the naming depends on how difficult/easy to course is). Highly recommended.
Tough half marathon, sweeping views
If you've been to the Marin Headlands, you know you're in for the most stunning views. The half marathon route provides a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, then Tiburon … MORE
If you’ve been to the Marin Headlands, you know you’re in for the most stunning views. The half marathon route provides a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, then Tiburon and the Bay, then the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s simply breathtaking. You know what else is breathtaking? The relentless climbs. The first one is the steepest, and you’ll have to walk up some really steep stairs. But the hardest are the last couple of climbs, when you can smell the beach, and think you’ve almost made it back to the finish line, just to realize there’s yet another left turn up a hill. It’s all very much worth it. With the sun shining, dogs and surfers playing on the beach, you can enjoy the moment at the finish line, as you drink that well deserved, complimentary Headlands Brew IPA. Cheers!
Mountain Run
Oh man-- this is like no other compared to other races. It's not just a trail race, it really is a mountain run. The first half mile is straight up … MORE
Oh man– this is like no other compared to other races. It’s not just a trail race, it really is a mountain run. The first half mile is straight up hill (high) and just continues on slowly going up the next 2 miles. There are areas where it was narrow so you definitely needed to watch your step but the views were spectacular. Getting there was a bit difficult because there’s barely any signal so I got nervous at first when trying to find the place because it was early, dark and I had no reception. The start is right next to the beach at the parking lot.
I’d do this run again, not for speed, but purely because it’s different.