The Marin Century has been held every year since 1963. We're a non profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Every year over 250 volunteers come together to make "it " happen - our big party on wheels! What to do with the money? We have donated over $500,000 back to our community. We strive to be inclusive, sustainable and supportive of local communities and small businesses.

In our 2022 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.

*except 2020 during the Covid19 lockdown

Highlights from our 2022 Marin Century Survey

• This was my first organized ride and I did it as a single rider. I had an amazing time and thought it was a great event. I can’t wait to do it with my partner next year. 35
• The ride, the rest stops, the food, and the after-ride lunch and party were over the top. You fixed the parking. The best Century ever. Don't change anything. 41
• The volunteers were magnificent! Marin Century events have hands down the best rest stops. 57
• No suggestions. This ride was very well run. The food selections were amazing and the volunteers were great. This was by far my favorite ride due to the route planning, rest stops, after-ride meal/festivities, and volunteers. 99
• This was our first time riding the Marin Century. We thought everything was great! Loved having packets mailed to us, parking was easy, the rest stops were well stocked, amazing scenery and the veggie burritos were great. All in all a fantastic experience! 133
• The race was FANTASTIC-I had such a great time!! The food and aid and volunteers and course were all 11/10 and I wouldn't change a thing. 137
• The ride is the best run event I've participated in in Northern California. The volunteer team at the rest stops, along the route, and at the finish are extremely supportive. 256
• Repeat what your team did this year! The volunteers were absolutely fantastic! Very positive and very responsive! One of the best events that I have attended if not the best! Great organization of the ride and surrounding activities. Great location for the start and finish! 332
• This is an exceptionally organized event. Great planning, thoughtful safety planning with all the police present, and food and rest stops were well placed. 358
• First off, thank you for mailing me all the ride content PRIOR to the sign-in, as I just parked, suited up, and went straight out to my ride. Route was excellent. Arrows all in the right places and people guiding us where things got busy. Food at the rest stop was superb as were the people helping. Especially liked the bike mechanics at the rest stops and on the course. After the ride food and drinks were excellent, plenty of places to sit and eat/relax too....plus a band! Liked the idea of the vendors too. Overall, I'd say this was the best run event I've been to in a long time. Thank you to the event team, job well done! 409

WE HAVE DONATED OVER $500,000 TO THE FOLLOWING GROUPS

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.  

For a small fee you can have your rider packet mailed to you the week before our event.

Get your packet early, avoid any waiting in line then on August 5 just park your car and head out to the route.

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!

If you already have your packet:  Give your stickers, wristband, map, and registration confirmation number to the new rider. If you do not have your packet, give your confirmation number to the new rider. They can exchange your packet with that number.

The new rider must check in at the Transfers station at the Registration Booth on Saturday morning.

The new rider should print and complete this FORM to provide emergency contact information, print and sign the WAIVER, bring everything to the registration desk and exchange your bike stickers and wristband for new ones.

For safety reasons, the "new" rider must get new bike stickers and wristband.

If you do not have your packet:  Give your confirmation number to the new rider. They can exchange your packet with that number.

The new rider must check in at the Transfers station at the Registration Booth on Saturday morning.

The new rider should print and complete this FORM to provide emergency contact information, print and sign the WAIVER, bring everything to the registration desk and exchange your bike stickers and wristband for new ones.

For safety reasons, the "new" rider must get new bike stickers and wristband.

To upgrade your route from a shorter one to a longer one please email centuryregistration@marincyclists.com before August 4 or 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 your have the map for the route you want to follow and know the route arrow colors.

Our Diamond Jubilee Marin Century Kits and accessories can be ordered for delivery prior to the event when you register.

We've partnered with Giordana who made our original Marin Cyclists Jersey way back in 1963.

We still see them on the road today so you know you can count on quality goods.

Jersey $79, ,Bibs $90, Shorts $80, Socks $15

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.

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 concierge options during registration). 

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?

We decided to combine the two Mt. Tam routes this year, resulting in one 100-mile route. 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 “Concierge 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.