2012 Dipsea Runners
Information and Rules
Race Bib Pickup
You may pick up your race bib number on:
You must bring your mailed entry notification card or photo ID with you to obtain your bib number and ChronoTrack B-Tag. NO EXCEPTIONS.
By picking up your bib number you acknowledge that you have read this Runners Information page in its entirety and agree to follow the procedure and rules as outlined on this page.
Trouble Desk at the Start
A Trouble desk will be open on race day from 7:00 am to 8:30 am at the Square in downtown Mill Valley. The staff will handle last minute problems. No Race Day Entries! If you have managed to lose or have forgotten to bring your bib number with attached ChronoTrack B-Tags to the start and need a replacement, please be prepared to pay $5 for the replacement at the time it's issued to you.
Race Bib Numbers
Your official race number has important information; therefore, it is critical for it to be displayed on the front of your shirt during the entire race.
Mill Valley Start Area
A map of the Start Area in downtown Mill Valley is included in this information package. It will help you find the services that you need. Be sure to bring water or other fluids to the start so that you can hydrate before the race. There is only one water fountain in the downtown area. The race does not provide water at the start. Please note: Corte Madera Avenue will be closed to all runners. All parking regulations are in effect on Race Day in the City of Mill Valley. Please see Start Map.
Timing System
Capital Road Race Management will be timing the race using ChronoTrack B-Tag technology. The ChronoTrack B-Tag is the primary method of scoring all runners. Each registered runner will be issued a bib number with 2 attached corresponding ChronoTrack B-Tags. DO NOT REMOVE THESE TAGS; they must remain on the bib number until you have crossed the finish line in Stinson Beach. Go to www.ChronoTrack.com and click on B-Tag Instructions. You must follow the instructions otherwise your chips may not be timed. Remember, NO TIME=NO RESULTS. Once you have crossed the finish mat keep moving forward towards the exit. Do not go back near the mat and antenna it will affect the accuracy of your time.
Sweats
Vans will be available to take runners' clothing from the start to the finish in Stinson Beach. The first van leaves Mill Valley at 8:00 am and the last van leaves at 8:30 am. If you miss the last van there is no other opportunity for you to get your sweats bag to Stinson Beach. Plastic bags and markers will be available to mark your bags. Be sure to clearly mark your bib number and name on your bag. Look for the "Sweats" banner near the ranger hut at the finish for your bags. Sweats must be picked up by 12:00 noon. Items not claimed by noon will be at the retail booth at the finish until 1:00pm. Items not claimed within 30 days after the race will be donated to charity.
Shuttle Buses
The Dipsea Race provides free, limited bus service to runners from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley. Buses will begin bringing runners from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley at 10:15 am and will run as the buses fill up until 1:00 pm. Bus schedules will be posted at the staging area in Mill Valley and at the "Dipsea Central" tent in Stinson Beach. Please note that the departure times are estimates based on normal traffic conditions.
Pacers
The Dipsea Race has an official pacer rule. Pacers are absolutely forbidden in the Invitational Section. Pacers will be allowed in the Runners/Open Section, but only if: (1) the pacer is officially registered in the race, and (2) the pacer does not start before his or her assigned starting group. Thus, the pacer and runner must leave the starting line in Mill Valley in the later of the two assigned starting groups. As a matter of good sportsmanship, pacers should only be used to prevent a first-time child runner from getting lost or guide a visually impaired runner.
Water Stations
There are 2 water stations along the trail. Water and Gatorade are located at the top of Cardiac Hill (4.3 mile mark) and a smaller station with water only is located at the top of Insult Hill (6.2 mile mark). There is also a water fountain located in Muir Woods on the right side of the steps leading to the footbridge over the creek. We urge you to hydrate well before the race and take advantage of the water stations. Runners may also consider carrying a water bottle. Please do not discard empty containers on the race course. There will be water at the finish courtesy of our sponsor Crystal Geyser Water.
Toilets
Race officials understand the need for adequate toilet facilities for the race. As a result, we have monitored the times required for runners to stand in line before the race, and have added toilets to allow for reasonable wait times. That said, we cannot allow runners to relieve themselves behind trees, bushes, cars and buildings in the city of Mill Valley. This is a serious matter for Dipsea Race Management, City officials, business owners and residents. Dipsea runners doing this are an extremely poor reflection on the entire race and such behavior is totally unacceptable. Therefore, anyone observed doing so will face serious consequences including immediate disqualification from the race. You will not be allowed to start. Toilets are located on Throckmorton Avenue, across from the Cinearts @ Sequoia Theater, and downtown in the square. This year, there are additional toilets in Old Mill Park. Toilet locations will be clearly identified with directional signs. Help keep Mill Valley clean and sanitary and be considerate of the Mill Valley community its residents and merchants.
In Stinson Beach Park, public restrooms are located near the finish and additional restrooms and outdoor showers are located on the beach area opposite the Parkside Café.
At the Finish
Your bib number must be visible to the finish line personnel as you approach the finish line. Once you have crossed the finish line do not go back over the mat again. The B-Tags on your bib number are disposable chips; finish line staff will not need to remove them from your bib.
It is extremely important that finishers leave the area so that the Medical, First Aid and Timing Staffs can perform their jobs unimpeded. Do not wait for friends or fellow runners in the immediate finish area. All finishers must proceed toward the exit corral where you pick up your survivor medal and survivor technical t-shirt and then proceed to the Crystal Geyser water tables.
All registered entrants who finish by 12:00 noon are timed and receive a Dipsea Race Survivor's medal and short-sleeved technical Survivor T-shirt. You will be issued the T-shirt size that you requested on your application. If you need to change your shirt to a different size you may do so only after all participants have finished the race. We will honor your request if we have your newly-requested size available. Check with the Dipsea Central volunteers.
Medical/First Aid Facilities
A Dipsea Race Medical Station and American Red Cross Station are located at the Finish line. The Medical Station is staffed by a physician, nurses and emergency medical technicians as well as other support staff. This team will take care of runners who encounter difficulties at the finish area. Only runners in need of medical attention are permitted in the Dipsea Medical Station.
Dipsea Central
Volunteers at the Dipsea Central Station are there to assist you in the event you have questions and or require information. It is the "Trouble Desk" at the Finish. Lost and Found is also located here. If you are looking for your runner, friend or family member you may utilize the white board located by the Dipsea Central tent to post a message.
Awards
Awards will be presented at 12:00 Noon at the finish area.
Results
If your time is important to you, wear a watch. Final placement may differ from initial finishing place. On race day only the top 35 places are verified; all other results are unofficial. Unofficial results will be posted at the finish area after the awards ceremony and on our web site, www.Dipsea.org as well as in the Marin Independent Journal on Monday, June 11, 2012. Final results will be available on www.Dipsea.org within one week after the race.
Spectators
Traffic controls will be in effect, which will make it impossible to see both the start and the finish of the race. Public safety officials must keep fire and emergency vehicle lanes open on Panoramic Highway and in Stinson Beach. Spectators wishing to see the finish should leave Mill Valley no later than 8:00 am. Parking in Stinson Beach Park is free but the lots fill early. If you park in the dirt lot beyond the Finish Line you will not be permitted to leave until after 12:00 noon. Runners who are being picked up in Stinson Beach should arrange to meet their ride outside of the park. The lots will be full and closed. Parking is restricted/limited in the town of Stinson Beach and all parking rules will be enforced.
Trail Etiquette and Safety
The Dipsea course is a very rugged, narrow, mountainous, steep and twisting trail and not designed for timid runners. Slower runners are encouraged to stay on the consensus course, marked with white and blue ribbons, where the trail is not as steep and the footing is better. If you need to walk during the race please be sure to stay as far to the right or left of the trail. Watch out for Poison Oak. No headphones are permitted on the race course. If you see a runner in distress please notify the closest course monitor or radio operators stationed along the course and apprise them of the runner's number and location. In the event a trail rescue is underway be sure to allow emergency medical crews to pass. Be courteous to our volunteers. They give up their Sunday and work long hours to make this race a first class event.
Dipsea Merchandise
This year a Dipsea retail booth will be located at the bib number pick-up location, the Larkspur Hotel, on Saturday, June 9th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A retail booth is also located at the finish area on race day in Stinson Beach. Dipsea T-shirts (adults & youths sizes), infant clothing, sweatshirts, vests, jackets and much more will be for sale. MasterCard, Visa, ATM cards (with Visa logo), cash and checks will be accepted.
In Case of an Emergency
The Dipsea Race will have 3 ambulances equipped with Advanced Life Support equipment standing by at strategic locations. There are also 3 Red Cross Stations and a fully staffed Medical Station available to assist and treat runners in distress. Search and Rescue personnel will be present along the trail. Most medical transports and rescues are due to dehydration, heat prostration and fatigue. Proper conditioning and training will minimize the chances of a medical incident. Be well hydrated and fueled when you step on the starting mat. Bring a bottle of water with you to the start. Following are some points your family or friends who may be waiting at the finish or at home should know.
Course Restrictions
All runners must start from inside the corral area. Be sure to start with your handicap group and correct Section. Open runners who start in the Invitational section will be disqualified. Race officials will mark your chest number while you are waiting for the starter's whistle. Runners whose numbers are not marked will be ineligible for awards and may be disqualified.
For runners' safety, a time cutoff at Cardiac Hill (water station) will be enforced at 11:00 am. Runners who reach this point after 11:00 am will not be permitted to continue the race.
Runners who arrive at the top of Insult Hill (second water station) after 10:45 am will not be permitted to enter the road. Runners will be directed to the left and continue on the trail over the Moors. This is to minimize traffic congestion and delays on Panoramic Highway and in Stinson Beach.
With the exceptions listed below, the DIPSEA COURSE is open. A consensus best route based upon the shortest distance and safest footing will be marked with signs and blue and white streamers. However, runners may choose historical routes from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, with certain restrictions. Racers should familiarize themselves with the course.
"Dipsea Race Officials" authorized to disqualify runners will be wearing special lime-green t-shirts. The color and marking will be obvious. Runners violating the following restrictions will be disqualified. Be sure to obey instructions from these Dipsea Race Officials.
THE RESTRICTIONS ARE:
1. DIPSEA TRAIL/BAYVIEW: After leaving Walsh Drive, approximately .9 mile into the race, all runners must stay on the Dipsea Trail to Bayview. Runners must cross Panoramic Highway at the Bayview intersection.
2. HAUKE HOLLOW AREA: Approximately 1.2 miles into the race and just after crossing Panoramic Highway at Windy Gap, runners must follow the marked consensus route to the paved road leading to Suicide Hill. The steep shortcut at the top of Windy Gap is OFF LIMITS.
3. MAILBOXES ABOVE MUIR WOODS: When runners leave the paved road at the mailboxes, just above Suicide Hill, the old construction right-of-away along the south side (left side) of the trail is OFF LIMITS.
4. SUICIDE HILL: There are two routes down Suicide Hill. Beginning at the clearly marked "Y" junction approximately 200 yards from the paved road, the trail splits. The marked consensus route is to the right. The unmarked, steeper and more difficult historic racer's route is to the left. Runners taking the historic racers route must enter the trail via the opening at the fence at the "Y" junction. Once past the "Y" junction on either trail, runners must stay on the designated trail all the way through MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT.
5. MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT: Runners enter Muir Woods shortly after the "Y" junction and remain in Muir Woods National Monument as they cross Frank Valley Road and Muir Woods parking lot. Runners continue in Muir Woods, crossing the creek and running up the trail for approximately 1.4 miles. While in MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT runners must stay on the consensus trail. Dipsea Race Officials and Park Rangers are both authorized to disqualify runners who do not stay on the official trail...
6. In 2006 Mt. Tamalpais State Park rerouted portions of the Dipsea trail starting past the Cardiac Hill (water station) to the Swoop. This was necessary because of erosion control. Runners must stay on the trail. No shortcuts are permitted from Cardiac Hill to the Swoop.
7. THE TRENCH: Located at the bottom of the Swoop is OFF LIMITS. Runners must stay on the trail through Steep Ravine. No shortcuts are allowed in Steep Ravine.
8. THE MOORS/MOOSE HILL: Approximately 6.6 miles into the race, at the bottom, the last steep hill down the bluff, also known as Moose Hill is OFF LIMITS. Runners must stay on the consensus route down to the Stile.
9. Runners must cross Highway 1 from the Stile and must follow the marked course from the Stile to the finish line. Please stay on the left side of the road.
10. Runners may not run on or beside Panoramic Highway between the Mountain Home Inn and the water tank at the top of Insult Hill.