113th Annual Dipsea Race

I opted to run without a watch today. What I originally thought was brave and risky turned into a reality check after I shared my plan with my dad and Dan, who started racing well before the time of GPS trackers and heart rate monitors. They weren’t wrong. Most importantly, I wanted to explore the relationship between my mind, body, and heart without distractions.

Heeding Dan Pagano’s advice of ABP (Always Be Passing), not getting caught up in the stairs leaving Mill Valley, and sticking to the Dipsea trail outside of the Suicide and Swoop shortcuts, the race went as well as it could’ve gone. I made sure to lean into the descents and didn’t let myself slow down too much during the climbs.

What I love about the Dipsea is the history and heritage it’s fostered over its 113 years of existence. Did you know it’s the oldest trail race in the United States (1905) and the second oldest foot race behind the Boston Marathon (1897)? Pretty neat if you ask me.

The Dipsea flips racing standards and stereotypes on its head, favoring youth and seniority with its handicap timing. It’s also a race where shortcuts are, in fact, allowed. More recently, in 2010, an 8-year-old girl became the youngest runner ever to win the Dipsea, narrowly beating out the three-time Dipsea champion Melody-Ann Schultz (68). I even spoke to a striking gentleman by the name of Steve Anderson who’s done the Dipsea 47 consecutive times, and he’s at the very least in his 80s with a bum knee. He only stopped going down Suicide two years ago.

At the end of the race, I was honored when people came up to me afterwards to share that I made their run a little more enjoyable, whether through the motivational claps, infectious positivity (mainly to deflect the discomfort I was feeling), or picking one of the smoothest lines in Steep Ravine for anyone to follow along. Every individual that was part of Dipsea Day deserves a serious pat on the back. I have no doubt a lot of individuals will be sleeping easy tonight.

HUGE THANK YOU TO THE DIPSEA ORGANIZATION: Chris for directing the event, the instrumental volunteers, and of course a special thanks to Matt Gaide for making sure the Dipsea keeps the lights on and letting me catch up to you at the end.

Lastly, congratulations to all my day one’s for having stellar races Mega Miles Spenser T Katherina Laan Dan Green!!!

See you all next year!

One love,

G💚G