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The Marin Century has been held every year since 1963, so we have the history and institutional knowlege to put on a great event. We're a non profit organization run entirely by volunteers many of whom return year after year to pass along their experience

To date, we have donated over $535,000 back to our community. We strive to be inclusive, sustainable and supportive of local communities and small businesses.

Year after year in our post ride survey, 98.6% of our past riders responded that they “Would recommend the Marin Century to a friend”

Recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the Top 25 Rides in the world. (May 2019)

Voted Best Cycling Event in Marin by Pacific Sun readers year after year.

Highlights from our 2023 Marin Century Survey

"Keep up the awesome work! Thank you!"

"Loved it, no critiques or suggestions. Y’all did a smashing job all day long"

"The volunteers were AMAZING, I'm sorry I have nothing to suggest, what a HUGE effort and well executed."

“I can't think of anything to improve upon. Everyone agrees your rest stops are the best, fully stocked, such variety. I like the variety at the end as well, I had a little bit of everything!"

"The team was wonderful; every single person was warm, friendly, and helpful. I don't have a single suggestion except that I wish more people were like the volunteers out in the world, every day! "

"It was perfect. Just perfect. No suggestions."

" Everyone was so accommodating and everything was great and way better than I expected keep doing what you’re doing!"

"Great route. Perfect number of rest stops; gave our group choice to replenish heavy or top off. Great support visible on route.”

“Super well organized with super supportive volunteers.”

"Awesome job! The food was fantastic! I especially loved the waffles and bacon. The volunteers were amazing and everything was so well planned. I’ll be back for another enjoyable ride!"

"I can’t think of any improvements needed — SO GREAT"

"Beautiful, challenging route. Enjoyed the rest stops and the food at end of ride. Plan on riding again next year. "

Beneficiaries include:

Local and Regional Bicycle Advocacy Groups

• Marin County Bicycle Coalition
• Bike East Bay
• California Bicycle Coalition
• San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
• Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
• Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition

Local and Regional Groups for Underserved Youth

• Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program
• Cycles of Change
• Trips for Kids Marin
• Waterside Workshops

High School Cycling Teams

• Archie Williams High School Mountain Bike Team
• Novato High Sports Boosters
• Redwood Racing
• San Marin High School
• San Rafael High School Mountain Bike Team
• Tamalpais HS Mountain Bike Team
• Terra Linda HS Mountain Bike Team

IT IS A DAUNTING TASK TO BE FULLY SUSTAINABLE BUT WE TRY OUR BEST

• Waste is sorted into recyclable, compostable and landfill containers. by volunteers from Opening the World and picked up by Recolgy after the event where further sorting takes place.
• We use biodegradable and compostable products wherever possible and limit the use single use non recyclable containers.
• We encourage everyone to carpool, take public transportation or bike to the the event.  Free secure bike parking is provided.
• We support local businesses, Many of our food items are produced here in Marin County and all of our fresh produce is grown in California. 
• Left over food is donated to Extra Food or delivered directly to the unhoused in the area.  

Your choice of three well marked courses.

SAG Support team on all courses

MARS radio support team,

Mechanical support from local bike shops

Course ambassadors on the classic routes

Maps, cue sheets and RWGPS file

Quality commemorative water bottle

Optional Concierge delivery of your rider packet. For just $10 have your packet mailed to you before the event and get right out on the course.

A total of 8 fully stocked reststops with cold beverages, fresh local fruit, sweet and salty snacks, energy bars and drinks.

Locally made goodies - foccacia bread, PIE!. donuts and more!

Morning Coffee bar provided by Pink Owl Coffee.

Post ride BBQ feast that includes vegetarian and vegan options

Delicious small batch gelato from Fiorello's - hand scooped on site.(dairy free options too!)

Your first cold beer from Pond Farm Brewing is on us too!

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. You will then reach the first rest stop of the day located at the Laguna School on Chileno Valley Road at mile 10, where you can regroup with your friends and get mechanical support for any early issues with your bike. Afterwards, you’ll continue on Chileno Valley Road before crossing into Sonoma Country for a few miles and reaching your second rest stop at the Emma Herbert Memorial Park in Bloomfield at mile 28. After this rest stop, 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. Make sure and get refueled because the hardest climb of the day is coming in a few miles. 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.

REGISTER HERE

Click on the Map to go to RWGPS

If you want a few more miles and more glorious climbing, try the Classic Century at 100 miles. 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. You’ll again be on the same course at the Compact Classic riders, heading south on Shoreline Highway before turning left and climbing the Marshall Wall, where you’ll be climbing nearly 800 feet during this 3-mile climb. You’ll pass the fourth rest stop and continue with the Compact Classic riders until mile 67, before heading south towards Nicasio to start the southern loop. After you crest the hill after Nicasio at mile 78, you'll be mostly going downhill for the next 10 miles as you first reach your last rest stop at Lagunitas Elementary School, then 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. Your total climbing for this route will be about 7,150 feet.

REGISTER HERE

Click on the map to go to RWGPS

If there is not enough climbing for you in the Classic Century. Maybe you prefer ocean views to cows. The Mt. Tam Century might be for you. On this course, you’ll see it all – farmland, redwoods, Mt. Tam (of course), beaches and small coastal towns. You’ll have extended climbs on isolated roads and views from atop Mt. Tam that will draw your attention away from the task at hand (keep your eyes on the road though). Be careful on the Mt. Tam roads as it’s often foggy in the morning, resulting in wet descents on slippery roads. 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 will also be 100 miles and will exceed 9,000 feet of climbing!

REGISTER HERE



Click on the Map to go to RWGPS

Refunds

Refunds are not provided, nor do we defer registrations to next year under any circumstances. You may give or sell your ticket to another rider by following the instructions below. It is the ticket holders sole responsibility to find a buyer. We do not maintain any lists of potential buyers.

Transfers

Want to transfer your registration to another rider? It's free!

Just send an email to centuryregistration@marincyclists.com and we'll take care of it.

To upgrade your route from a shorter one to a longer one please come to the registration desk on Saturday morning.

To downgrade from a longer to a shorter route there is no need to do anything other than make sure you have the map for the route you want to follow and know the route arrow colors.

IF YOU HAVE YOUR BIB, BIKE PLATE AND WRISTBAND THERE IS NO NEED TO STOP AT REGISTRATION. JUST HOP ON AND RIDE!

Suggested Start Times Windows

IF YOU START BEFORE THESE TIMES YOU RISK GETTING TO THE REST STOPS BEFORE THEY OPEN.

Cut off times:

Mt. Tam Century 6:30 - 7:30 am

Classic Century 7 - 8 am

Compact Classic 8 - 9 am

Mt Tam Century - you must start by 7:30 and be through the Olema rest stop by 2:15 pm or you will be diverted back to the start and miss the Hwy 1 Marshal section.

Classic Century- you must leave the Marshal Rest Stop by 2:45 pm in order to make it through Lagunitas Rest Stop by 4:00 pm o

Location

Stafford Lake Park

3549 Novato Blvd.

Novato, CA 94947

Parking and Directions

Free parking is available on site.

From Highway 101 take exit 463 San Marin Dr. West 2.9 miles to Novato Blvd. Turn right and drive 2.6 miles to the park. 

Follow the directions of our parking attendants.

Parking is limited. Please carpool if possible.

Get Google Maps Directions Here

Our event is not a race. You must ride safely at all times. If you are seen riding unsafely, you will be pulled from the course and now allowed to finish the ride.

You must also follow the rules outlined below.

• Wear a helmet at all times while riding.
• Do not use earbuds while riding'
• Be responsible for the safety and condition of your bicycle and cycling equipment.
• Obey all California vehicle code laws, including making full stops at stop signs and signals. Local authorities may cite violators.
• Be courteous to local drivers and respectful of traffic.
• Use the rest stop services provided by Marin Cyclists. They are well spaced on all courses. 
• Ride single file and stay right.
• Announce “on your left” when passing other riders.
• Be very careful when riding near pace lines.
• Safely stay as far right as possible or, if needed, pull off the road to let faster riders pass.
• Affix your rider number to your helmet and bicycle, and wear their wrist band to enter the rest stops and post-ride party.
• Please do not arrange for a private SAG vehicle, or you will be pulled from the course and not allowed to finish the ride.

Carry the following:

• Driver's license or other form of identification
• Medical release (you must sign this form when registering online or at the registration booth on the morning of the ride)
• Spare tube
• Patch kit
• Pump
• Tire levers
• Tools
• Water bottles
• Cell phone
• Personal clothing
• Any medications you may need including inhalers, epi pens etc.

My Packet did not come in the mail what where do get it?

Please come to the Registration Booth at Stafford Lake on August 3. We are open at 6:00 am

Where's my T shirt that I ordered?

T Shirts are available for pick up from the Marin Cyclists booth in the EXPO when you return from your ride.

What time does the ride start? 

Suggested Start Times Windows

Mt. Tam Century 6:30 - 7:30 am

Classic Century 7 - 8 am

Compact Classic 8 - 9 am

How is the course marked? 

Routes will be marked with (road) route arrows and signs. However,the most reliable directions can be found on the reverse side of the map. The course colors are as follows:

Compact Classic=Yellow arrows, 

Classic Century = Green arrow, 

Mt. Tam Century = Orange arrows

Do I need to check in at the start?

Riders must check in to pick up their packets(valid ID required) unless you received your bib & wristband in the mail (choose "Registration Packet Mail Service" when registering). 

How difficult are the courses?

We offer a ride to challenge everyone. You must be fit and trained to complete any of the rides. Please review the maps and elevations profiles on RWGPS

Note: Routes are subject to change.

How is the condition of the roads?

Generally good but you should always be alert. Road conditions Mt. Tam Fairfax/Bolinas Rd can be variable. Potholes, fissures, gravel are common. One way lane controls may be in effect. The descents in all areas can be wet from dew and some corners are off camber. Ride safe and stay in control.

Are there bail out options to shorten a course?

All routes have an option to bail out so riders can shorten their ride back to the finish. Please note that there may not be ride support if you take a shortcut.

Is there a clothing drop on the Mt. Tam and Classic routes

There are no clothing drops at the rest stops. The weather in early August is typically warm enough in the morning that only a vest with arm warmers, or a light jacket that can easily fit in your back pocket will be needed in the morning.

Why doesn’t the Mt. Tam ride go all the way to top?

Our recent experience has been that some riders were on the Mt. Tam climbs later in the day than anticipated, making it difficult to provide adequate support on the road and at rest stops. 

Where can I stay nearby?

Hotels closest to Stafford Lake Park include:

Days Inn by Wyndham Novato/San Francisco

Americas Best Value Inn Novato Marin Sonoma

Inn Marin and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Is there camping at Stafford Lake?

There is no camping allowed at Stafford Lake Park. The nearest RV parks are theNovato RV Park and the Silver Penny RV Park. The closest campgrounds are the Olema Campground the Back Ranch Campground in China Camp.

Where can I rent a bike?

It may be difficult to find rental or demo road bikes in the area. Local bike shops that may be able to help include Mike’s Bikes and Trek Bicycle (both in San Rafael) and Sports Basement in Novato.

Can my family come to meet me at the finish?

Yes, absolutely and you can purchase a meal ticket for them at the Marin Cyclists Booth in the Expo

Can we bring our dog?

Unfortunately, Stafford Lake Park does not allow dogs or other domestic animals, except for service animals per the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Can I pick up my packet on Friday?

We do not provide Friday packet pick up, if you would like to receive your packet in the mail please select “Registration Packet Mail Service “ when registering 

Why don’t you give refunds?

The costs to put on the Marin Century are considerable and our expenses start early in the year. However, you can transfer your registration to another rider at no charge.  

Can I defer to next year? Why not?

Similar to the reasons for not allowing refunds, we do not allow deferrals. Again, if you register and are unable to ride the event, you can transfer your registration for free. 

Will you have gluten free food at the rest stops?

Each rest stop will have a variety of food that will include some gluten free options. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions, you may want to bring along food of your own choosing to ensure you have enough to eat during the ride.

Volunteer sign ups will be available soon

The Marin Century has been held for 60 years and attracts cyclists from all over the country, featuring breathtaking routes that wind through the stunning landscapes of Marin County. From challenging climbs to scenic coastal roads, participants can choose from three route options . The event is not only a celebration of cycling but also an opportunity to promote healthy living and showcase the beauty of Marin County.

To ensure the smooth execution of the Marin Century, we are seeking dedicated volunteers to help with a range of tasks, including registration, , rest stops, medical support, and general event assistance. Volunteers will play a vital role in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for participants, offering support, guidance, and encouragement along the routes.

No prior experience is necessary to volunteer for the Marin Century. All that is required is enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a willingness to contribute to the success of this extraordinary event. Volunteers will receive training and support leading up to the event, ensuring they are well-prepared to fulfill their roles.  Lunch is provided for for shifts of 4 or more hours.

Get ready to pedal into unparalleled exposure and community engagement by sponsoring the Marin Century. Chosen by Outdoor Magazine as "One of the Top 25 Rides in the Country" in 2019, the Marin Century offers an exceptional opportunity for your company to connect with thousands of passionate cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Why Sponsor the Marin Century?

• Visibility: Showcase your brand to a diverse audience of cyclists, families, and fitness enthusiasts from across the region. With extensive marketing efforts and media coverage, your logo will be prominently displayed, ensuring widespread recognition.
• Community Engagement: Demonstrate your commitment to health, wellness, and community involvement by supporting an event that promotes active lifestyles and outdoor recreation. Engage directly with participants and spectators to foster lasting connections.
• Customized Opportunities: Tailor your sponsorship package to align with your marketing objectives and budget. From logo placement on event materials to branded merchandise and experiential activations, we offer flexible options to suit your needs.
• Positive Impact: Contribute to the success of a beloved local event while making a meaningful difference in the community. Your sponsorship helps support important initiatives, including cycling advocacy, youth programs, and environmental conservation efforts.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your brand and make a lasting impression on thousands of participants and spectators. Join us in celebrating the spirit of cycling and outdoor adventure at the Marin Century!

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jeff Sanchez. Together, let's pedal towards success and unforgettable experiences!

Want to reach over 2500 cycling enthusiasts on a budget? Our expo is great place to sell your products and services.



If you are interested in exhibiting please contact Jeff Sanchez.



Each 10 x10 space is $100.

You must provide your own canopy, tables, chairs. Canopies must be secured by weights. No stakes are allowed.

Access to electricity is limited and not guaranteed. There is public wifi and running water on site. Other restrictions may apply.