In 1998, Guy Palmer, Greg Naaco, Peter Frank, Tom Lyons and other Tamalpa Runners designed the Tamalpa Headlands 50k that originally started in Rodeo Beach, CA. Under the stewardship of former race directors, Diana and Tim Fitzpatrick, the race’s start and finish were then moved north to Santos Meadow in Muir Woods, and played hosted the 2013, 2015 and 2016 USATF 50k National Championships, which catapulted the legendary course onto the national stage. This year, the race will return for its 21st edition.
The Headlands 50k takes place in the Marin Headlands, which includes 2,100 acres of mountainous terrain and sits just a stone’s throw across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which connects San Francisco and Marin County. The area is part of the larger Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and provides the Greater Bay Area with endless opportunities for outdoor play, as it is surrounded by the Pacific coastline, San Francisco Bay and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
The GGNRA reports that roughly 13 million people visit the peninsula annually, which is rich in history, diverse flora and fauna and serves as the location for some of the sport’s most iconic events, including the Dipsea Race, Miwok 100k and more.
After a three-year hiatus, UltraRunning Magazine is proud to announce our first foray into race production with the Tamalpa Headlands 50k on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Featuring some of Marin County’s most famous trails including Coastal, Miwok, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis and Dipsea, runners will be treated to a spectacular setting for a world-class ultramarathon. With 6,500 feet of elevation gain, the race features fire roads, steep climbs, flowy singletrack and technical sections, however, breathtaking views of the Bay Area and Pacific Ocean will offer some reprieve for runners. For the front of the pack, we have a podium prize purse of $3,500, sponsored by rnnr, which will be split evenly between the women and men, as well as a $500 course record bonus. There will also be age group podium prizes, mid-pack and back-of-the-pack awards, along with a free kid’s race.
Local Mill Valley runner and the 2013 national champion Alex Varner said, “I’m super excited to see the Headlands 50k back on the race calendar for 2023. It was my first ultra ever and traverses some of the best trails the Headlands have to offer. I had such a fun experience there so it’s really a welcome development that this is back in action.”
Please join us on Saturday, August 19, 2023, to enjoy all the splendor that the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais have to offer in one of the country’s most stunning places to celebrate the sport of ultrarunning.
Visit headlands50k.com to register.