Stinson Beach’s ladders, repeated trail loop and extra turnaround
The marathon is not simply two identical half-marathon finishes. The organizer specifies an additional out-and-back, so study the full-distance map and its signed turnaround. Keep track of your own progress and ask a marshal if uncertain rather than following the next runner, who may be entered in a shorter category.
Ladders, rock steps and tight passages can create queues even when you feel able to run faster. Plan effort around the terrain and pass only where there is room. Preparation should include uneven trails and controlled climbing and descending; a road-marathon pace estimate alone is a poor guide to this course.
Bibs are scheduled to be mailed before the event. Runners who do not receive one can use the 07:00–07:45 collection window at the Stinson Beach start and finish area. Check the mailing address on your registration and allow time for parking and the 07:50 announcements even if your bib has already arrived.
The published aid list has gaps of several miles, and the organizer recommends carrying water. Use the final station chart to choose familiar supplies for the time you expect between stops, accounting for slower technical sections and possible queues. Do not plan a late acceleration simply to compensate for those delays against the six-and-a-half-hour limit. Supporters should meet you at permitted locations rather than entering narrow trail sections to accompany you. Save the final participant instructions, check any route changes and weather requirements, and keep your ears available for runners requesting a pass. Confirm the exact full-marathon entry rather than the similarly named half marathon or seven-mile option.
Confirmed race date
Stinson Beach/Muir Woods Marathon: May 8, 2027. Verified on October 14, 2026 against the official event information.
Last-known race profile
These details identify the race page; they do not establish the next edition's operations. The previous race date does not establish the next edition. Use the confirmed date above and recheck the final participant instructions before committing to a race-day schedule.