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Welcome to the 2024 Dipsea Race

Important Information You Need to Know

2024 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 6:30 to 8:45am at the Square in downtown Mill Valley. The staff will handle last minute problems. No Race Day Entries! If you have lost or forgotten to bring your bib number with the attached ChronoTrack B-Tag, a photo ID and Vaccination Record or photo copy thereof will be required to obtain a replacement number. Remember, the Race starts at 8:00am.

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.

Important:

Mill Valley Start Area
A map of the Start Area in downtown Mill Valley is available at the Trouble Desk. 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. We encourage runners waiting in the corral to start their race to wear mask/face cover.

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 1 attached corresponding ChronoTrack B-Tag. DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG FROM THE BIB; it must remain on the bib number until you have crossed the finish line. Do not bend or fold chip and do not cover it up with your water belt or clothing. Remember, NO TIME NO RESULTS. Once you have crossed the finish mat please proceed to the Survivor T-shirt and Medal area and then exit to the Crystal Geyser water area. Do not go back near the mat and antenna as it may affect the accuracy of your time.

Sweats
Buses will be available to take runners’ clothing from the start to the finish in Stinson Beach. The first bus leaves Mill Valley at 7:00 am and the last bus leaves at 8:00 am. If you miss the last bus there is no other opportunity for you to get your sweats 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. As an additional security check, you will need to show your bib number to sweats check volunteers when checking your bag as well as when you claim your bag in Stinson Beach. Look for the “Sweats” banner near the depot in Mill Valley and the pick-up of sweats is located near the ranger portable at the finish in Stinson Beach. Volunteers in Stinson Beach will retrieve your bag for you. Please do not enter the Sweats Corral. Sweats must be picked up by 11:30am. In the event you did not pick up your sweats bag please contact us at theannualdipsea@gmail.com or call 415-331-3550. Items not claimed on race day will be donated to charity after 30 days.

Shuttle Buses
The Race provides free, limited bus service to runners from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley downtown. Buses will begin loading runners in Stinson Beach starting at 9:45am and will depart to Mill Valley as soon as a bus is full. The last bus will leave at 12:30 pm. If you have questions regarding the buses you may check with “Dipsea Central” located near the finish area. Buses are for runners only.

Pacers
The Dipsea Race has an official pacer rule. Pacers are absolutely forbidden in the Invitational Section. Trail Companions will be allowed in the Runners/Open Section, but only if: (1) the trail companion is officially registered in the race, and (2) the trail companion does not start before his or her assigned starting group. Thus, the trail companion 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, trail companions may 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 course. Water is located at the top of Cardiac Hill (4.3 mile mark) and a smaller station is located at the top of Insult Hill (6.2 mile mark). Please note: Only water is available. There is also a small Crystal Geyser water station on Walsh Drive, about 1 mile from the start. It is managed by the neighbors living on Walsh Drive. A water fountain located in Muir Woods on the right side of the steps leading to the footbridge over the creek is also available to you. 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 at 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. This behavior is totally inappropriate and unacceptable. Anyone violating this rule will be face immediate disqualification from the race and possible further sanction. Toilets are located on Throckmorton Avenue, across from the Cinearts @ Sequoia Theater, and downtown in the square. Additional toilets are available in Old Mill Park. Toilet locations will be clearly identified with directional signs. Toilet locations will be clearly identified with directional signs.

Due to water shortage in Stinson Beach public restrooms and showers will not be available to runners. However, the race is providing ample number of portable toilets which are located near the finish area. If you plan to clean up and wash poison oak off be sure to put a bottle of water in your sweats bag. Please do not use Crystal Geyser water which is allocated for thirsty runners.

At the Finish
You must wear your bib number and it must be visible to the volunteers stationed along the street and Finish line. Once you have crossed the finish line do not go back over the mat again. The B-Tag is a disposable chip; finish line staff will not need to remove it.

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 at the immediate finish area. All finishers must proceed toward the exit corral where you pick up your survivor medal and technical t-shirt and then proceed to the Crystal Geyser water tables.

All registered entrants who finish by 11:30am are timed and receive a Dipsea Race Survivor’s medal and short-sleeved Dipsea Survivor T-shirt. You will be issued the T-shirt size that you requested. If you need to change your shirt to a different size you may do so after all participants have finished the race. We will honor your request if we have your newly-requested size available. Check with Dipsea Central.

Medical/First Aid Facilities
A Dipsea Race Medical Station and a First Aid 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 need medical attention. 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
The awards ceremony at the Finish Line will commence at 11:30. The awards given are:

Awards:

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 on our website, www.Dipsea.org shortly after the race. The Marin Independent Journal will publish complete preliminary results on Monday, June 10, 2024. 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. We encourage and appreciate people parking in the southern dirt parking lot but once the race starts, cars in this lot cannot exit until 11:30 when the lane reopens. Please park in the southern dirt parking lot if you can but: If you park in the dirt lot south of the Finish Line you will not be permitted to leave until after 11:30 am. It is preferable that runners who are being picked up in Stinson Beach should arrange to meet their ride outside of the park. Parking in Stinson Beach Park is extremely limited as well as in the village of Stinson Beach. Please do not take a car and park it in Stinson Beach overnight. All parking rules are enforced in Stinson Beach.

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 & blue ribbons, 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 as possible 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 nearest 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 is a first class event.

Dipsea Merchandise
Due to permit restrictions there is no merchandise sold at the Finish line in Stinson Beach. However, Dipsea merchandise will be sold at the race bib pickup at the Mill Valley Park and Recreation Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley on Saturday, June 8th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. 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. Gift Cards are not accepted.

In Case of an Emergency
The Dipsea Race will have 2 ambulances equipped with Advanced Life Support equipment standing by at strategic locations. There are also 3 First Aid Stations and a fully staffed Medical Station available to assist and treat runners in distress. 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.

Race Rules and 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.

For runners’ safety, a time cutoff at Cardiac Hill (water station) will be enforced at 10:30am. Runners who reach this point after 10:30am will not be permitted to continue the race.

Runners who arrive at the top of Insult Hill (second water station) after the 11:15am time cutoff must cross the finish line by 11:30am to be included in the official race results. With the exceptions listed below, the DIPSEA COURSE is considered open course. 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 existing historical routes from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, with certain restrictions. Absolutely no off-course running is permitted within Muir Woods boundaries and Federal Park Land. Racers should familiarize themselves with the course.

Volunteer course monitors authorized to disqualify runners will be wearing special lime-green t-shirts. The color and marking will be obvious. Runners shall obey all posted restrictions, warnings and directives of the race monitors.

Disregard for Dipsea course rules and/or inappropriate behavior could result in disqualification from current race and future races. The Committee has sole, final, and absolute discretion in determining inappropriate behavior and the extent of the sanctions.

THE RESTRICTIONS ARE:

1. DIPSEA STAIRS: Approximately ¼ mile from the start, the famous Dipsea Stairs will greet you. Effective this year runners must follow all three flights of the steps. Absolutely, NO Deviation or Shortcuts from the Stairs.

2. 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 Bayview intersection.

3. 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. From Hauke Hollow to the mailboxes at the top of Suicide, the road will be divided to allow one lane for runners and one lane for cars. Runners must stay in the runners lane and not cross into the lane for cars at any time.

4. MUIR WOODS ROAD: At the bottom HAUKE HOLLOW you will be required to cross the road and stay to the left side of the coned divided road the entire way until you reach Suicide Hill. The section of the road will be changed to a one-way configuration and has traffic control in effect. Please observe this rule, do not cross into the right lane of the road at any time.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 on the trail for approximately 1.4 miles. While in MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT runners must stay on the consensus trail.

8. All runners must stay on the consensus Dipsea trail starting past the Cardiac Hill (water station) to the Swoop. This is necessary because of erosion control.

9. Runners taking the Swoop must stay on the trail until it intersects with the Dipsea trail in Steep Ravine. Only experienced and sure-footed runners should consider taking the Swoop. THE TRENCH: Located at the bottom of the Swoop is OFF LIMITS.

10. When reaching the top of Insult Hill, all runners will be directed to take the official Dipsea trail running over the Moors. The Historic Route off Panoramic Highway is closed this year.

11. 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.

12. Runners taking a Historic Route must stay on the designated historic route course. Absolutely no off-course deviation from the historic route and or consensus route is permitted.

13. Runners must cross Highway 1 from the Stile and must follow the marked course from the Stile to the finish line. Please cross the road in the designated marked crossing and run on the left side of the road.

14. Access onto the service road in front of GGNRA maintenance yard and residences is not permitted with the exception of Dipsea runners heading for the Finish Line. Runners who have finished the race or spectators are not permitted on the service road.

Note:
As a condition of Dipsea Race Special Use Permit, GGNRA requires:
1. Only the permittee (Dipsea Race) and confirmed race sponsors who are authorized to place banners in a designated area at the finish line. Display of Banners (including Club, Corporate, Products, etc.) or any signs is not permitted on Federal Parks Property, nor is distribution of printed matter, promotional material or products permitted.

Questions may be directed to: theannualdipsea@gmail.com or (415) 331-3550




Start Area Map

Finish Area Map