Golden Gate Headlands Marathon
Mill Valley, United States • 4 Apr 2026
Event Overview
The Golden Gate Headlands Marathon is a trail running event held in the Marin Headlands, near Mill Valley, California. The race features three primary distances:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The course consists of a combination of single-track hiking trails and fire roads. Participants start and finish at the Historic Gunnery Range in Rodeo Valley, located across from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. The route provides views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean.
Race Details
The event has a total course cut-off time of six hours. Marathoners complete the half marathon loop twice, checking in at the finish line before starting the second lap. The course is marked with orange ribbons. Due to narrow trails and steep drop-offs, the use of headphones or other audio devices is prohibited for safety reasons.
Logistics and Amenities
Aid stations are located at specific intervals depending on the distance:
- 10K: No aid stations on the course.
- Half Marathon: One aid station at mile 6.
- Marathon: Aid stations at miles 6, 13, and 19.
All participants receive a T-shirt. Finisher medals are awarded to those completing the Marathon and Half Marathon. Personalized ribbons are provided to the top three male and female finishers in each age group across all distances. Parking is available at Smith Road towards Rodeo Beach, with attendants directing traffic on the day of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.