Trail summit showdown in Marin County’s iconic hills
Overview
The Big Alta is where breathtaking California trails collide with pure trail community energy. On the legendary terrain of Marin County, runners take on single-loop adventures that test grit and reward with sweeping San Francisco Bay views. From ridge to ridge and summit to summit, you’ll feel the pulse of the trail community, the high of shared accomplishment, and the vibe of Freetrail and Daybreak Racing’s signature style.
Whether you take on the epic 50K or the exhilarating 28K, you’ll find yourself immersed in a course that celebrates both challenge and joy. With Loma Alta and Big Rock Ridge standing tall, this event is more than a race—it’s a festival of movement, connection, and wild beauty.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Registration
Registration is closed
UTMB Qualifier
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
28
K
50
K
100
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
6,500 ft, 3,200 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
6,500 ft, 3,200 ft
Max altitude:
1,592ft
Start time:
Mar 20, 2026
Cutoff time:
9HR, 6HR
Course Description
Both courses are single-loop adventures that climb and descend the legendary ridgelines of Marin County. Expect technical singletrack, rolling climbs, and wide-open vistas that stretch across the entire Bay Area. The route pays homage to two of the highest points in the county—Loma Alta and Big Rock Ridge—making every step both demanding and awe-inspiring. The terrain blends runnable sections with rocky climbs, challenging you physically while fueling your spirit with sweeping coastal and mountain panoramas.
Logistics
The race is staged at Marinwood Community Center and Park, San Rafael, California, about 22 miles north of San Francisco. The nearest airports are San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK).
Driving Directions
Parking
All participant parking is along Miller Creek Road near Marinwood Community Center. Parking in the Marinwood Park lot is prohibited.
Lodging
Numerous hotels are available within a 5-10 minute drive in San Rafael and Novato.
Aid Stations
Aid stations are fully stocked with hydration, electrolytes, snacks, and hot food options at select stops. Volunteers bring the energy, and drop bags are available at designated locations. Live tracking is available to keep the community connected as runners progress across the course
Race Requirements
Runners must be prepared for challenging terrain and varied weather conditions. No prior race distance is required, but participants should have trail experience.
Trail Work
Mandatory volunteer trail work is not required however giving back to the trails you love is always encouraged.
Mandatory Gear
If inclement weather conditions occur, the following gear is required:
Running pack
Rain jacket
Smartphone with course info and contact ability
Emergency blanket
Whistle
ID
400 calories of nutrition
1 liter of fluids
Hat or bandana
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Pacers are not permitted for this race. Crews and visitors are welcome at designated staging and aid station areas and must follow parking and safety guidelines.
Volunteers
Charity & Beneficiary
This event is a collaboration between Daybreak Racing and Freetrail, who support the trail running community and promote environmental stewardship.
Land Acknowledgement
We honor and recognize that we gather for this event on the traditional lands of the native Coast Miwok people, who have occupied and stewarded these lands for countless generations.
About
Daybreak Racing
Daybreak Racing is a Pacific Northwest–based trail running company dedicated to producing beautiful, original, and challenging trail races in spectacular natural settings. Their events emphasize safety, participant support, and an inclusive, festive atmosphere, blending professional-level race production with a welcoming, community-driven vibe. Every event features well-marked courses, thoughtfully staged venues with amenities, professional medical support (not volunteer‑only), high‑quality aid stations, and custom finisher awards and swag. They also integrate eco-responsibility into operations, including recycling and composting programs, and make donations to local beneficiaries for each race.
The team behind Daybreak Racing is led by Jeremy Long, a native of the Oregon Coast and race director whose background in public health and passion for trails shapes the company’s values. He’s supported by Aaron Long and Mack Robertson, who bring a blend of coaching, event coordination, and outdoor community engagement to ensure every race is thoughtfully executed and rooted in local stewardship.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 20 17" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g d="M 9.952 2.85 C 9.606 2.377 9.136 1.903 8.542 1.43 C 7.362 0.477 6.162 0 4.942 0 C 3.816 0 2.729 0.41 1.682 1.23 C -1.111 3.53 -0.571 6.913 3.302 11.38 C 5.242 13.607 7.459 15.607 9.952 17.38 C 12.452 15.607 14.672 13.607 16.612 11.38 C 20.486 6.913 21.022 3.53 18.222 1.23 C 17.176 0.41 16.092 0 14.972 0 C 13.752 0 12.549 0.477 11.362 1.43 C 10.996 1.723 10.649 2.047 10.322 2.4 L 9.952 2.85 M 2.442 2.17 C 3.269 1.523 4.102 1.2 4.942 1.2 C 5.882 1.2 6.836 1.59 7.802 2.37 C 8.289 2.763 8.682 3.16 8.982 3.56 L 9.952 4.87 L 10.922 3.56 L 12.102 2.37 C 13.069 1.59 14.026 1.2 14.972 1.2 C 15.799 1.2 16.632 1.523 17.472 2.17 C 18.366 2.903 18.792 3.783 18.752 4.81 C 18.692 6.47 17.576 8.51 15.402 10.93 C 13.836 12.67 12.019 14.323 9.952 15.89 C 7.886 14.323 6.069 12.67 4.502 10.93 C 2.329 8.51 1.212 6.47 1.152 4.81 C 1.126 3.777 1.556 2.897 2.442 2.17" fill="transparent" height="17.379999952316282px" id="AxX6s3ET9" width="19.984374960920544px"><path d="M 9.952 2.85 C 9.606 2.377 9.136 1.903 8.542 1.43 C 7.362 0.477 6.162 0 4.942 0 C 3.816 0 2.729 0.41 1.682 1.23 C -1.111 3.53 -0.571 6.913 3.302 11.38 C 5.242 13.607 7.459 15.607 9.952 17.38 C 12.452 15.607 14.672 13.607 16.612 11.38 C 20.486 6.913 21.022 3.53 18.222 1.23 C 17.176 0.41 16.092 0 14.972 0 C 13.752 0 12.549 0.477 11.362 1.43 C 10.996 1.723 10.649 2.047 10.322 2.4 L 9.952 2.85 M 2.442 2.17 C 3.269 1.523 4.102 1.2 4.942 1.2 C 5.882 1.2 6.836 1.59 7.802 2.37 C 8.289 2.763 8.682 3.16 8.982 3.56 L 9.952 4.87 L 10.922 3.56 L 12.102 2.37 C 13.069 1.59 14.026 1.2 14.972 1.2 C 15.799 1.2 16.632 1.523 17.472 2.17 C 18.366 2.903 18.792 3.783 18.752 4.81 C 18.692 6.47 17.576 8.51 15.402 10.93 C 13.836 12.67 12.019 14.323 9.952 15.89 C 7.886 14.323 6.069 12.67 4.502 10.93 C 2.329 8.51 1.212 6.47 1.152 4.81 C 1.126 3.777 1.556 2.897 2.442 2.17" fill="rgb(255, 0, 0)" height="17.379999952316282px" id="ql_EbdlRv" transform="translate(0 0)" width="19.984374960920544px"/></g></svg>)
