The Northface San Francisco Endurance Challenge 50K Championship is held in the Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. They hold numerous events including a 50M, 50K, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K (something for everyone). This is our 4th Northface event and they are all worth the trip. They are very well organized, near metro area and in great natural location. This 50K race has 7 major climbs totaling over 13,206 feet of elevation change on single track and fire roads.
7am Race Start Myself Ryan and then my girlfriend Kelly below.
The Starting Line Starting Video
The run to Muir beach winds along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The picture below is the muddy fire road that drops down to Muir. The weather was mostly cloudy with start temperatures in the upper 40's. We had drizzle and light rain half the time with light winds especially in the exposed areas.
Video along the ocean cliffs
The next three pictures are between Muir Beach and the Boodjack aid station at mile 14. This is the longest climb of the race yet I was able to run most of it due to the many switchback (see 2nd picture below).
Approaching Bootjack (Below)
The next 3 pictures are my favorite part of the race. It is on the Bootjack trail in the Muir woods. The trail is mostly technical single track on steep down hill with tree roots and rocks.
Muir Woods Running Video
This is the muddy trail heading back to Tennessee Valley. With the added rain and additional runners it was like running in a pig pen uphill.
Last Video
Final ocean view
Second to last hill (1.5 miles to Tennessee Valley)
View towards Mill Valley off the 101 as I climb the last hill of the race.
Kelly on her last half mile of the race. She beat her previous time from two years ago.
Yea, we had some laundry after the race.
This was a very fun race that I am sure we will do again. We able to enjoy the sights and challenges of the run and then enjoy the sight of Northern California. If you are a wine drinker you are real close to Sonoma. Yes, as a craft beer drinker I did visit the Gundlach Bundschu Winery but quickly went to the Lagunitas tap room. Also, we did the night tour of Alcatraz.
Second to last hill (1.5 miles to Tennessee Valley)
View towards Mill Valley off the 101 as I climb the last hill of the race.
Kelly on her last half mile of the race. She beat her previous time from two years ago.
Yea, we had some laundry after the race.
This was a very fun race that I am sure we will do again. We able to enjoy the sights and challenges of the run and then enjoy the sight of Northern California. If you are a wine drinker you are real close to Sonoma. Yes, as a craft beer drinker I did visit the Gundlach Bundschu Winery but quickly went to the Lagunitas tap room. Also, we did the night tour of Alcatraz.Kelly and I both felt good about our times on the race. She set a PR and I came in 53rd place with a time 6:10. I had no blister or banged up toes thanks to my La Sportiva Wildcats. Finally, congratulations to Shipmate, Paul Terranova from Austin, for his 2nd place finish.
