Registration opens for 2024 Marin Century
“America’s Classic Bike Ride”, the 61st Marin Century is back again this August 3rd, 2024 with over 2,000 riders expected
Recognised as one of the “Top 25 Rides in the World” by Outside Magazine, the 61st Marin Century takes place August 3rd, 2024.
Take on the west coast’s most scenic and toughest ride, the Marin Century. The setting of the Marin Century is like no other. The ride starts in the beautiful State Park setting of Stafford Lake in Novato. The backdrop continues to inspire as riders navigate to the summit or through the foothills of Mount Tamalpais and the nearby coast of Tomales Bay.
Last year, the 2023 Diamond Jubilee Marin Century was an overwhelming success, with nearly 2,000 riders and 300 volunteers. Everyone was in high spirits at the start / finish at Stafford Lake Park. For Marin Cyclists it was worth all the time in preparation and execution to see all the smiling faces of friends and supporters gathering at the start, eagerly anticipating the day ahead, and again at the finish in the afternoon, to see those friends find each other and exchange both their enthusiastic successes and the difficult challenges of their day. Many families and also came to the park to greet their loved ones. It was a great and joyful scene in the afternoon, with plentiful food and music, enjoyed even more, as the weather cooled in the afternoon.
Marin Cyclists know how to stage a first-class road cycling event.
You will get to experience the beautiful rolling hills and grasslands of West Marin, the meticulously prepared fresh munchies, the serene Stafford Lake State Park setting, and the enthusiastic support of 100’s of volunteers cheering you on.
Additionally, when you complete your challenge, you will be rewarded with a wide selection of fresh hot food and plenty of scrumptious and hardy treats. Then you can relax and rock out to entertaining music, a free beer, and tasty gelato.
Riders are fully supported with coffee and snacks at the start, fully loaded rest stops, on-course marshals, EMTs, mobile SAGs, and BBQ/Burritos/Ice Cream picnic with live music at the finish!
Since 2005, the ride has allowed Marin Cyclists to donate over $500,000 to local youth, cycling, and other non-profit organizations that serve their community.
The ride dates back to 1963 when a group of hardy Marin County bicyclists attempted the novel idea of organizing a 100-mile bike ride through the hills of Marin County. In its 61-year history, over 52,000 bike riders have enjoyed the scenery, camaraderie, food and challenge of the group rides.
Three distances for all Abilities
With two of the three rides filled with steep climbs, this event is not kind to first timers, but does accommodate novices on its shorter Compact Classic, 62 mile course. You’ll enjoy scenic views and jam-packed rest stops which course you choose.
The Compact Classic is a 62-mile course that goes though West Marin in a counter-clockwise direction, with an early test of your legs on Wilson Hill at mile seven. Afterwards, you’ll continue on Chileno Valley Road before crossing into Sonoma Country for a few miles, then soon after, you’ll head south, then west and enjoy mostly quiet West Marin roads through dairy farms before getting to your third rest stop in Tomales Community Park at mile 37. Shortly, you’ll attack the Marshall Wall from the west, with this climb being longer than from the other direction, but you’ll also get a couple of short sections of rest from the climbing. After climbing nearly 800 feet in three miles, you'll crest the Marshall Wall at mile 47 and reach your last rest stop at mile 50. Afterwards, you’ll then have mostly flat terrain (with a few gentle climbs) on your way back to the finish. Your total climbing for this route will be about 4,300 feet.
The Mt. Tam Century includes challenging climbs, beaches and small coastal towns. You’ll have extended climbs on isolated roads and stunning views from atop Mt. Tam. The Mt. Tam Century is for experienced cyclists accustomed to extended climbs and fast, technical descents. The first couple of rest stops will be spaced further apart from the other courses, so be ready and make sure that both you and your bike are up for the challenge.
The Mt. Tam Century is of course 100 miles but it will exceed 9,000 feet of climbing.
Please note: Actual Routes are subject to change prior to the event
The Classic Century follows the same course as the Compact Classic until mile 34, where you will veer away from the Compact Classic riders and enjoy a few extra miles of serene West Marin roads before reaching the Tomales Community Park rest stop at mile 45. Then, heading south on Shoreline Highway before turning sharp left and climbing the Marshall Wall, where you’ll be climbing nearly 800 feet during this 3-mile climb. After you crest the hill and later after Nicasio at mile 78, you'll be mostly going downhill for the next 10 miles, then you’ll pass through the redwoods in Samuel P. Taylor State Park. You'll have your last tough climb at mile 92, so save some energy for the last few miles.
The Classic Century is also 100 miles with a little less climbing at about 7,150 feet.
Register NOW to Secure a Place
For more information, please visit: https://marincentury.com or click the button below to register now.
Marin Century Photo Gallery
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