The John Lawson Tamalpa Challenge

Tamalpa Challenge - Cross Country

The Tamalpa Challenge is a cross-country race held at China Camp State Park, near San Rafael. It is part of the PA-USATF cross-country race series and is run with support from Friends of China Camp. The 2026 races are scheduled for October 11, 2026.

Entries may fill up and there is no race-day registration. Registration is available online via Race Roster (registration opens June 1) or by mail using a paper entry form. Fees are $30 if post-marked by October 1 and $40 thereafter. Race-day bib pick-up is located about a quarter mile up the fire road at Miwok Meadows picnic area.

The course is approximately 4.25 miles. Most of the route is rolling single track with some sections of fire road and about a quarter mile on flat road. The start line is on the fire road near North San Pedro Road and the finish is in the Miwok Meadows picnic area parking lot. The course now includes a short section into the edge of the campground and returns across a bridge into the campground parking lot due to the closure of an older trail through the marsh.

Parking at the park is limited; participants are advised to park off the pavement on North San Pedro Road and expect signage directing attendees to Miwok Meadows. Volunteer opportunities are organized through a separate sign-up process. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.