It was established in 1997 to protect and promote the race and the values it represents. After a century of existence, the race has become an essential part of the community and cross-country running; the Foundation was created to preserve the race for future generations.

The Dipsea Race Foundation has three main goals:

1. To preserve the race and the trail for current and future generations,
2. To support the entities and organizations that control the property over which the trail winds, and
3. To encourage boys and girls from all backgrounds to appreciate and protect the Dipsea and other trails on Mt. Tam.

To meet those goals, the Dipsea Race Foundation currently:

1. Helps to pay for trail maintenance and improvement,
2. Contributes to organizations that facilitate running of the race, such as the Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Department, the Stinson Beach Community Center, and the Mt. Tamalpais State Park, and
3. Confers college scholarships to graduating young men and women who have been active in the race as runners or volunteers.

The Dipsea Race Foundation 2007 tax return can be seen here.

A mile by mile overview of the consensus course is here.

Dipsea Steps Rebuild COMPLETE

click for pictures

A demolition crew attacked the top flight of the Dipsea stairs on June 25th, expecting the job to require almost a full week. But the steps were in such bad shape…crumbling old railroad ties, cracked railings and rusted iron stakes…that the old stairway was gone in less than a day.

"It’s a good thing we started this rebuilding job now,” observed volunteer project manager, Eric Ellisen. “I don’t think these steps would have survived another rainy season.” 

The Dipsea Race Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation that is dedicated to preserving the trail and the race, assumed responsibility for rebuilding the entire top flight, in co-operation with the city of Mill Valley. The old steps were replaced by an all-concrete structure that met current safety standards but still preserved the style and spirit of the race. The new section consists of 147 steps, 6 rock-surfaced landings, and is almost a foot wider.

Total cost of the project approached $160,000, including the design, construction expenses, and casting of bronze medallions which were installed in the riser of each step. The medallions carry an inscription or name selected by sponsors who contributed $1,000 or more to the non-profit Dipsea Race Foundation. Thanks to the support of the generous sponsors, all of the steps have been sold.