Dipsea Race

05/29/2026

One of the many unique aspects of the Dipsea is you have (multiple) people who are running it for the 40th+ time …. and others who are running it for the first time.

So for all of you veterans out there - what advice do you have to share with our first timers?

05/27/2026

Friendly reminder regarding Barry Spitz’s talk this evening at College of Marin. See details below. This is a must attend event for all of you Dipsea enthusiasts!

05/19/2026

With the Dipsea around the corner, we’re posting
accounts of different runners across generations. We would like to hear yours too. If you have something you’d like to share, email us at: https://www.dipsea.org/contact.php

Chasing the Dipsea was written by Bob Bunnell

He trained like a champion. He ran some of the fastest times in Dipsea history. Is it winning the race or the chase that is the real prize?.

In Chasing the Dipsea, Bob Bunnell recounts a lifelong obsession with Marin’s most legendary race—where victory can hinge on a single rule change, a missed shortcut, or a rival with just the right handicap. —this is the story of three races that should have been triumphs, but weren’t.

It’s a tale of grit and the unpredictable magic that makes the Dipsea one of the most iconic races in the country.

Click on the link for more.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I0tqIePP-pkgu6Yj7tqs3qRooobAsEVl/view?usp=drivesdk

05/13/2026

Long time Dipsea race announcer and historian, Barry Spitz, will be giving a very interesting talk on May 27th at College of Marin.

Barry’s discussion will focus on the pioneering women of the race. This promises to be a fascinating conversation. And it’s free to the community; see details below.

If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/marins-iconic-dipsea-race-and-its-pioneering-women

“Marin’s Iconic Dipsea Race, and Its Pioneering Women”
Wednesday, May 27 | 6:30 to 8:00 PM
College of Marin, Kentfield Campus
Center for Student Success, Room 200 (across from Pink Owl Coffee)

Event Description
Join renowned Dipsea historian Barry Spitz for an engaging journey through the history of the legendary Dipsea Race. From its early years on Marin’s rugged trails to the traditions that define it today, this talk explores the colorful characters and enduring spirit of the Dipsea, with a special focus on the pioneering women whose participation helped transform the race.

Schedule
6:30 to 7:00 PM Reception
7:00 to 8:00 PM Welcome by College of Marin President Jonathan Eldridge, followed by presentation by historian Barry Spitz

Presented by the Marin History Museum, College of Marin, and the Marin County Commission on Women.

The event is free and open to all.

Parking Information
Parking is $4.00 Monday through Saturday.
Parking machines are available in each lot, or permits may be purchased online at:
https://marin.thepermitstore.com/purchase.php

Please park in marked stalls only. The parking closest to the Center for Student Success is Lot 6, accessible from College Avenue.

Barry Spitz Bio
Barry Spitz has been the Dipsea Race finish line and awards ceremony announcer since 1982. He is the author of the book, Dipsea, The Greatest Race.

Spitz has also written: Tamalpais Trails, Mill Valley, The Early Years, San Anselmo, A Pictorial History, Open Spaces, Lands of the Marin County Open Space District, Marin, A History, and To Save A Mountain, The 100-Year Battle for Mount Tamalpais.

He has lived in San Anselmo since 1975. With his wife Pam, Spitz has two daughters, Sally and Lily.

Spitz has long been an avid runner; he completed three Quadruple Dipsea Races and the Empire State Building Runup. He has been leading hikes throughout Marin for decades.

05/03/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1elO4Q-kyqcnOTpdwCUFRCRVLtdHwF9iX/view?usp=drivesdk

The Dipsea – Carl Jensen and the Novato Connection by Mark Byers

The Dipsea Race is more than a historic running event; it is a story of endurance, tradition, and remarkable individuals. From its challenging course and distinctive rules to the legacy of runners who have shaped its history, this article, written by Mark Byers highlights the determination, drama, and some of the personal stories that define the race.

Click to read the full article to learn more about notable figures, including Carl Jensen, and the enduring legacy of this iconic event. This article was originally published on page four of the Novato Historical society Fall 2025 edition.

04/21/2026

The entrant list for the 2026 Dipsea race is officially available. Good luck runners and see you at Stinson!

04/12/2026

Dipsea race season is fast upon us and with that, our friends at San Francisco Running Company will once again be conducting monthly clean up sessions.

Mark your calendar, break out your brooms and come out and help! All are welcomed.

The dates are:

April 22nd
May 20
June 10

All meet ups are at the bottom of the first stairs at 5:45 pm.

Hope to see you there!

03/26/2026

A friendly reminder that race applications need to be received by us (must be in the mail) before next Wednesday, April 1st.

Good luck, all!

03/14/2026

Handicaps are now available for the 2026 Dipsea race. The only change for this year is that women age 23-24 will lose one minute and move from group N to group P.

So that people of all ages can compete in this race on a more or less equitable basis some runners are allowed to begin the race before others. The following table indicates how many Headstart minutes each entrant will receive based on gender and age. Headstart minutes are based on years of historic...

03/13/2026

All sorts of fun stories already today about folks getting their applications ready for the mail. Shout out again to our friends at San Francisco Running Company for opening their doors very early today for a “print party”!

03/11/2026

A slightly early reminder that Dipsea registration begins this Friday, March 13th at 12:00 am.

For more detailed information, we’ve included a link to our “How To Enter” page on the Dipsea website

You should be able to find answers to all of your questions on the website but you can also leave questions here and we will do our best to answer them in a timely manner.

Good luck to all!

Dipsea Beer: Last year the Dipsea Race offered a custom Dipsea Beer named On Your Left. We will again offer a Dipsea beer for pre-purchase and pick-up on race weekend at the Mill Valley market. Click Here to place your pre-order for your Dipsea Beer.