Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn't mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands … MORE
Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn’t mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands give you a perspective on the city of San Francisco, the Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and lots of varied scenery, including a horse stable. Some people traveled for this. So word is out. Even the least interesting parts were interesting relative to most places.
The route was muddy. That’s fine by me. It wasn’t the most muddy I’ve run. But it was soggy many places. These folks do a nighttime race in the same area. That also is highly recommended.
There are multiple routes though. This one had, I think, 2300 feet vertical gain as advertised. The other direction is harder, if you ask me. Some organizers claim a half marathon but it’s short (my watch measured 12.4), so these folks have it right. They are, by the way, pretty good. No complaints. They had hot food (one serving) and booze (no limit) at the finish line.
I beat my friend Ali by 45 minutes. That is the most important part. As an organizer said last time I was gloating, what are friends for if you can’t enjoy beating them? But as my wife said, don’t make the guy feel bad.
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Destination Race
Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn't mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands … MORE
Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn’t mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands give you a perspective on the city of San Francisco, the Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and lots of varied scenery, including a horse stable. Some people traveled for this. So word is out. Even the least interesting parts were interesting relative to most places.
The route was muddy. That’s fine by me. It wasn’t the most muddy I’ve run. But it was soggy many places. These folks do a nighttime race in the same area. That also is highly recommended.
There are multiple routes though. This one had, I think, 2300 feet vertical gain as advertised. The other direction is harder, if you ask me. Some organizers claim a half marathon but it’s short (my watch measured 12.4), so these folks have it right. They are, by the way, pretty good. No complaints. They had hot food (one serving) and booze (no limit) at the finish line.
I beat my friend Ali by 45 minutes. That is the most important part. As an organizer said last time I was gloating, what are friends for if you can’t enjoy beating them? But as my wife said, don’t make the guy feel bad.
Wow!
I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 8 years, but this is the first time I've ever run in the Marin Headlands - I have always heard it was … MORE
I’ve lived in the Bay Area for almost 8 years, but this is the first time I’ve ever run in the Marin Headlands – I have always heard it was beautiful but somehow I’d never made it over there! I’m so glad I decided to sign up for this race and go run in this beautiful part of the Bay, because WOW, it’s really pretty! The hills are no joke – I don’t even know how people can actually RUN up them the whole time, the elevation is that intense – but the views are worth it when you get to the top.
The race coordinators do a great job of putting on the race. We parked kind of far away from the start because we thought the parking was all filled up, only to find when we walked to the start that there were still a lot of empty spots – lesson learned! It was chilly while waiting for the race to start, but once we started moving the weather was perfect for running. There’s about 2200 total feet of elevation change, but the scenery is so pretty that it makes it easy to forget about how much climbing you just did.
There’s a chef cooking breakfast for the race finishers (and guests), but I didn’t get to hang around for that part – it smelled amazing though! I’ve heard it’s an epic breakfast, so hopefully next year I won’t have to rush off after finishing. Yes, I plan to run this again next year! It’s challenging, but definitely worth doing at least once!
A well-done race in a beautiful place!
Beautiful weather (never guaranteed at this time of year) stayed with us all day. The course was challenging -- lots of long uphill climbs, descents, and then climbs again -- … MORE
Beautiful weather (never guaranteed at this time of year) stayed with us all day. The course was challenging — lots of long uphill climbs, descents, and then climbs again — but the trails and fire roads aren’t very technical for the most part. Friendly volunteers and a very well-marked course, topped off by a cool wooden finisher’s medal and post-race barbecue and beer, made it a great day. I’d happily do this race again!