The second oldest foot race in the United States behind the Boston Marathon, the Dipsea Race is an exciting and challenging 7.5 mile trail race for all ages from downtown Mill Valley to Stinson Beach via the south flank of Mt. Tamalpais contested the second Sunday in June every year.

    The backbone of this race, steeped in family tradition since the first one in 1905, has been the all-volunteer effort to sustain it, led by the race board of directors. It requires approximately 350 volunteers on race day who on race day who are willing to get up early and stay late to encourage, assist and aid a field of 1,500 runners ranging in kids as young as six years old to adults as old as 80 or more. Runners are given head starts based on age and gender.

    Volunteers are assigned to positions along the race route from the starting point at the old railroad depot in Mill Valley to the finish line on the shore of the Pacific Ocean at Stinson Beach. Volunteers may find themselves among the three flights of stairs totaling 688 steps that rise out of Old Mill Park to Muir

Woods to Cardiac Hill, the highest point (about 1,400 feet above sea level) where volunteers set up stations to provide water for the runners. Or volunteers may be in Steep Ravine, at the bottom of the Dipsea Trail, along Route 1 in Stinson Beach or in the finish area.

    A Day at the Dipsea Race from the start, over the trail and finishing at Stinson Beach Park. So here’s what’s in it for you beyond the camaraderie and a whole new circle of friends?

• • Being involved in the oldest trail race in America!
  • A coveted Dipsea Shirt
  • A free lunch
  • Family picnic in the park