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My Best Runs Comments

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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.

The route is seriously flat & rapid – if you want to set a personal best for a half marathon, then this is the event for you. Starting conveniently at 11am just outside Edinburgh, you will run along the magnificent East Lothian Golf Coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse; Scotland’s oldest racecourse.

Whether you’ve never run before, or you’re preparing for your 100th event, you can’t afford to miss out on what is going to be the ‘must-do’ running event this year. It’s fresh and it’s exciting – give it a go and set your nextchallenge today!

THE COURSE:

Picture this; a perfect place, a perfect pace, a perfect race, and women in charge. Knowing a marathon is about speed, and that this is going to be a fast run, I still encourage taking time to look around and savor the scenic serenity... It’s a spiritual journey for me; that’s why I wanted to share it.

Okay, on your marks. As you leave the Lead Country Club and spill out onto Hanna Road, Cyclone Hill winds up (yes, up, sorry) long enough for you to get your heart rate up and your toes back down…then peaks to a glorious long down-hill that’s tempting to race; be aware.

Drift into comfortable rolling hills sentineled by moss draped spruce, some marsh grass areas, and story-book cabins tucked into the hills. At 4 miles a “Thomas Kincaid” manse hosts a garden grotto of Mary, reminder of another powerful woman. Meander past the Hanna Campground, check out the deer grazing in the sudden meadows, and watch for fish leaping in the seldom ponds along the road. You may even see an early fisherman casting in the predawn quiet.

Arriving at the intersection of Hanna Road and Hwy 85 in 5.5 spectacular miles; look both ways, cross over by Wickiup Village, and run .1 on Hwy 85 to Cheyenne Crossing, site of the Cheyenne to Deadwood stage route. A smooth transition left onto Hwy 14A begins another 5.5 miles of tree lined roadway to Savoy, oasis of food, drink and lodging (surprise to the seclusion seduced runner!), and the 11 mile mark.

A quick left turn up Little Spearfish Canyon presents another opportunity to experience a variation on the theme of trees and cliffs and beauty (did I mention tranquility?). Seven tenths of a mile toward Roughlock Falls is the turn-around (the falls are worth a trip back), check the limestone cliffs six stories above and picture “Wind in His Hair” on his pinto pony proclaiming his allegiance to Dunbar. On a still day you can almost hear the stentorian echo…”I—am—his—friend!!” reverberate among the massive rugged giants.

Exiting Roughlock Road, appreciate the rustic beauty of Spearfish Canyon Lodge and Latchstring Inn (plan to come back for dinner), then hit automatic pilot. It’s all down hill on the quintessential Scenic Byway. ’Cruisin’ the Canyon’ is what you came for… curves ahead!

Towering canyon walls of Deadwood shale, Englewood limestone, and Paha Sapa Limestone form a protected journey beside sparkling Spearfish Creek for the next 12 miles. Slow down so you can enjoy “The Dice” (two huge boulders that rolled across the highway one night and came to rest in Spearfish Creek), check out historic Maurice Hydro-plant, walk the water-stop at filmy Bridal Veil Falls, and wonder at the flora diversity of Botany Bay. Enjoy the stoic beauty of a canyon twelve times more ancient than Grand Canyon.

Twenty-five miles, time to brake for Winterville. Curve around through the City Campground and into Spearfish City Park, then cross the bridge over your stalwart escort, Spearfish Creek, and celebrate a satisfying sprint to the finish line.

Strut through the park and show off your medal, you’re a STAR!