The John Lawson Tamalpa Challenge

Event overview

The event is three cross-country races held at Miwok Meadows in China Camp State Park, San Rafael, CA. The races are run as a memorial to a Tamalpa Runner who died in 2000. Each race uses the same course as in 2024 and is roughly 4.20 miles long. The course is mostly rolling single-track trail with about a quarter mile on asphalt. The start is near the Miwok Meadows gate. The finish line and registration are in the Miwok Meadows picnic area.

Course, entries and logistics

Runners under 60 compete in separate women and men races, and runners over 59 compete together in a combined race. Runners are not required to run in their age group, but runners 60 and older can score for the 60+ teams only by running in the last race. Organizers can accommodate a few last-minute substitutions, mainly for early registrants who did not claim bibs. State Park rules limit the number of people in Miwok Meadows at one time to 200. Parking is limited; the event page asks participants to carpool and notes parking along San Pedro Road, which is close to the start but about 300 yards from registration. Warm-up and warm-down should be done off the race course once racing has started; suggested routes include the Shoreline Trail south from the gate or the paved road stretch toward the finish. Registration fees are listed in two tiers and prize money is offered for individual and team categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.