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Race guide · California, USA
How to train for the Dipsea Race
7.4 miles from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach over Mount Tamalpais: stairs from the gun, steep climbs and steep, technical descents. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Sun Jun 13, 2027 (second Sunday in June; date not yet confirmed)
| Distance | Start | |
|---|---|---|
| Dipsea | 7.4 mi | Staggered handicap start |
Starts in downtown Mill Valley on Throckmorton Avenue and finishes at Stinson Beach. Handicap groups start one minute apart. The field is limited to about 1,500 runners; entry details are under How To Enter on dipsea.org.
What makes it hard
Stairs straight away
After a sprint out of downtown Mill Valley, three flights of the Dipsea Stairs (about 680 steps) come in the first mile, then the climb continues to Windy Gap and later to Cardiac, the highest point.
Train for it: Stair repeats and short, steep climbs at a hard effort, so climbing on fast-started legs feels familiar.
Steep, technical descents
The Swoop is a steep historic downhill that's only open on race day, and Steep Ravine drops over roots, rocks and steps.
Train for it: Descend on the most technical trail you can find, often, and build quad and ankle strength.
A handicap start
Runners start in handicap groups one minute apart, so you pass and get passed on narrow trail the whole way.
Train for it: Practise running hard from the start and passing safely on singletrack; there's no settling in.
How long to train
It's a short race, so 8–12 weeks of specific work on top of a regular running base is plenty. Put the time into stairs, short steep climbs and fast technical descending.
Get a plan built around race day
Set Dipsea as your goal race and VertPro builds your training back from the start line, then adapts week to week. A Vert.run coach reviews your plan in the first 24 hours.
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How long is the Dipsea Race?
7.4 miles, from downtown Mill Valley to Stinson Beach over Mount Tamalpais, according to the organiser. Three flights of the Dipsea Stairs come early, and the course climbs to Cardiac, its highest point.
When is the Dipsea 2027?
The Dipsea is run on the second Sunday in June, which would make it Sunday, June 13, 2027. The organiser hadn't published the 2027 date when we checked, so confirm it on dipsea.org.
Race facts checked October 22, 2026 against dipsea.org. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.