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displays approximate race location · San Diego CA 92101

My Best Runs Comments

It's not for everyone - 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.

To improve the safety of all participants, headphones and trekking poles will not be allowed on the course.

Do you really need course marking when the entire event takes place on one single trail? Probably not. You will be on the Dipsea trail 100% of the time.

Nevertheless, to assist you, the course will be marked with signage and some ribbons. Regardless of course marking or confusions, all participants are 100% responsible for keeping themselves on the correct course. While there is little chance of anyone becoming seriously lost, there is always the possibility of becoming confused as to which way you should be going -- particularly in the wooded areas where it is easier to get disoriented.

This is a 26.25 mi Run in Longford, Ireland. The Run has a total ascent of 146.77 ft and has a maximum elevation of 208.56 ft.

Running a 50 mile Ultra is a special experience and the North Country Trail Run will not disappoint. This course is full of beauty and full of challenges, which make it one of the best races around. You start the race on flat single trails and start to feel good but don’t worry, you’ll get over it. Around mile 4 you will encounter your first big climb, just remember it’s okay to hike this one, it’s too early in the race to waste too much energy. The course will then give you a few miles of rolling trails giving way to the relatively flat part of the course, but don’t worry, the hills will return. After each aid station starting with mile 14, you will see a decent climb, this will prepare you for the back half of the course.

The hills will come fast and furious, but keep in mind the beauty or your surroundings and the company of your fellow runners. Aid Stations are fully stocked with many goodies, be prepared when approaching the station and try to get in and out without wasting too much time… and don’t forget to thank the volunteers! As you approach the end of the loop take a quick peek at the top of hill where you can see for more than 30 miles and enjoy your descent to the start/finish area. When coming through the start/finish area, take in all the well-wishers and try to capture some of their energy for the second half.

After you finish the short loop leading you back to the start/finish area, get to the Aid Station and your drop bag and get focused on what lies ahead. Once you head out, don’t look back, just keep your focus ahead of you. As you approach the first big climb hopefully you saved some energy in the first loop, since this climb and the rest of them will seem twice as long this second time around.

The course hasn’t changed but the miles will start to wear you down, Continual Forward Motion will get you to the next aid station and eventually to the finish line! Have fun every minute of your race, encourage your fellow runners and enjoy your finish!