Golden Gate Trail Run – Winter routes

The course will be marked with ribbon approximately every 200 yards and colour coded as follows:

5 mile – yellow
Half Marathon – pink loop
30 Km – pink + Orange + pink
Marathon – Pink loop (twice!)
50 Km – 30 Km + pink

The most important course marking is the polka-dot flagging. It indicates a turn at an intersection. There will be at least two polka-dots flagging before a turn in the course. The polka-dot flagging will be placed before and on the same side as the required turn. As you approach an intersection, look for any polka-dot flagging before the turn. Waiting until you’re in the intersection to determine the correct direction may be confusing and you may go the wrong way. After you complete the turn, there will be orange, yellow, and/or pink flagging indicating the correct route. We also hang blue ribbons at critical junctions indicating the wrong way. Blue is bad!

If you don’t see your respective flagging for 3-4 minutes, you are off course. If you get off course, you should retrace your path until you find where you left the course and then continue along the marked course.

Please be courteous on the trail. If you’re passing another runner or hiker, announce “on your left” as you approach.

Event Details

Raceday Logistics

Starting times for event:

50 Km – 8:00 a.m.

Parking is prohibited at Rodeo Beach. We encourage you to carpool with other runners. Vehicles with 2 or more participants will park at the Annex lot (near Marine Mammal Center) until it’s full. All others will be directed to park 1.5 miles from the start along Bunker Road. We will have a shuttle running between Bunker Road and Rodeo Beach before & during the event.

From US 101, take the Alexander Ave Exit from the South or the “Sausalito Exit” from the North and head North on Sausalito Lateral Rd. for .2 miles. Turn LEFT on Bunker Rd. (through Tunnel) and continue for 3.1 miles.

FAQs

Headphones are allowed on dirt road sections only. Please do not wear headphones on single-track trail, while crossing paved roads, when getting aid at aid stations, or while crossing the finish line.

Your bib number indicates the distance that you’re running. If you want to change your distance, please send us an e-mail or let us know by check-in, at the latest.

Many of the parks in California have poison oak. We recommend staying on the trail and washing with Tecnu after your trail run. Occasionally, bees or yellow jackets may be active and precautions should be taken if you’re allergic.

No dogs allowed on the course. Please don’t leave pets in your vehicle.

Aid Stations

Fully-stocked aid stations every 4 – 6 miles. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. It is highly recommended that runners carry at least 20 oz. of water between aid stations.

Awards

T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered runners. Award medals are given to the 1st female and male finishers overall and top three finishers in each age group. All finishers will receive a custom medal and 50 Km finishers will also receive a custom coaster.

Meet the organizer

Our events are located in amazingly beautiful parks and recreation areas in California. We are known for our well-marked courses, accurately measured distances, immediate race results, quality shirt designs, and low-key, friendly atmosphere. For courses that are designed to be easier, flatter, and faster, check out one of our Zoom or ZombieRunner events. We have organized over 400 events during the past 16 years. We love trail running and we promise you a rewarding experience.

Golden Gate Trail Run – Winter reviews (22)

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S D 1 review
Did the 50k in 2019
It was my first ultra and my first marathon since 2002. By far it was the most challenging thing I've ever done physically. Thank you for making Hell a place I want to return to improve upon next year.
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Matthew J 2 reviews
Did the 50k in 2018
All good! The partial chip timing approach has always been a little strange to me, but not a huge issue.
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Tobi B 1 review
Did the 30k in 2018
super amazing view on the orange loop. def recommend the 30k!
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Monica S 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2018
Get ready for hills! Reward - beautiful views!
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Sara E 1 review
Did the 50k in 2018
I feel like you guys skimped on snacks more than in the past.
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Marina S 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2018
I loved the beautiful course! So much fun doing the race with my friends, we mostly hiked and did some running downhills :)
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Charlene Q 1 review
Did the 30k in 2018
it was very nice from the start to the finish line. Weather conditions was very good and the check points were really good.
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Karlie D 1 review
Did the 30k in 2018
Great race! Be mentally prepared for lots of climbing!
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Amer B 1 review
Did the Marathon in 2018
The marathon and the 50k got to run the pink loop ( 13 miles ) twice, so if i could change anything i will make the double loop once a clockwise and the second time counter clockwise.
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Trina S 1 review
Did the 30k in 2018
Make sure to keep your phone out to capture the gorgeous views around practically every corner!