2026 Marin Century Rider Instructions

Everything you need to know before you roll out. Welcome to the 63rd Annual Marin Century — one of the top 25 rides in the world. Please read through these instructions so you're ready for a great day on the bike.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Location: Stafford Lake Park, 3549 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA
On-course emergency line: 415-493-8409

Parking & Arrival

Parking is available at Stafford Lake Park, but capacity is limited. Please aim to arrive by these times based on your route:

Double Metric & Mt Tam: 5:30 am
Century: after 6:00 am
Metric Century: after 7:00 am
Geronimo: after 8:00 am

An overflow lot is available 1 mile east on Novato Blvd, with bike path access to the start.

Registration & Transfers

Registration opens at 6:00 am for anyone who did not receive a mailed packet. You can transfer your registration to another rider at the transfer table with your original email receipt and your bib/bike plate. Upgrades to a longer route are available for an additional charge; downgrades to a shorter route require no visit to registration.

Route Information

Five routes are available, each with color-coded markings. Not sure which is right for you? Check out the routes or take our quiz.

Double Metric — Yellow
Mt Tam — Blue
Century — Green
Metric Century — Orange
Geronimo — Purple

Routes are marked with A-frame signs and street arrows. We strongly recommend GPS navigation via Ride with GPS: 2026 Marin Century on Ride with GPS.

Start Times

Double Metric mandatory start: 6:15 am
Mass starts are available in six waves for the other routes
Century and Metric Century each have two waves (faster riders on the hour, others 30 minutes later)
Optional individual starts are allowed within the designated time windows

Course Support

California Highway Patrol presence
SAG vehicle patrols
First aid at rest stops during peak hours
Cycling ambassadors on course
Mechanics at most rest stops
Emergency contact: 415-493-8409

Rest Stop Hours

Rest stops operate on a schedule optimized for mass-start participants riding at a moderate pace and staying about 10 minutes per stop.

Cutoff Times

Northeast loop of the Century: 3:00 pm (riders are redirected at mile 68.9 via Wilson Hill Road)
Double Metric: 3:00 pm (riders are redirected at mile 78.9 to the Mt Tam route)
Full course support ends: 7:00 pm

Bib Numbers & Identification

Pin your bib number to the back of your jersey
Secure your bike plate to the front of your frame (important for photo identification)
Wear your wristband on either wrist (the color matches your route marking)
Place the top tube sticker on your horizontal frame bar
Your bib number and wristband are required for SAG support, rest stops, food, beverages, and souvenir items

E-Bikes & Special Equipment

Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are welcome. There are no charging stations at rest stops or the start/finish, and SAG vehicles may have limited capacity for heavier e-bikes.

Safety Requirements

A US CPSC-approved helmet is mandatory
Obey the California Vehicle Code
Ride single file except when passing
Stay right; let faster riders pass on the left
Announce yourself when passing
A high-visibility taillight is strongly encouraged
No earbuds in both ears while riding
Carry identification, a cell phone, and emergency contact information
Keep your bicycle in safe working condition
Carry a pump/CO2, spare tubes, a patch kit, tools, and water

Photography

ERodphotos captures candid images catalogued by front bike plate number. Make sure your bike plate is visible so your photos can be identified.

Post-Ride Party

The day wraps up with an extensive feast featuring BBQ meat, pizza, burritos, gelato, desserts, and beverages, including one free beer from Pond Farm Brewing. Entertainment includes live music by Lauren Galbreath, DJs, and the Marinfidels. The party wraps up at 8:00 pm.

Vegetarian options (pizza and burritos) and gluten-free items (BBQ chicken and salads) are available.

Additional Services

Bike corral with volunteer verification of bib/wristband and plate numbers
Massage available (pre-purchased, or $30 for a 15-minute sports massage)
Merchandise booth with limited T-shirts, jerseys, caps, and socks for sale
Free water bottles and souvenir aluminum cups while supplies last
Lost and found at the Marin Cyclists booth
Clothing drop bags at the Tomales Park Rest Stop (retrieved at the finish)
Meals available for non-riders ($25 adults, $15 children)

Important Notes

Cancellations without purchase protection are not permitted
Riders unable to attend can transfer their registration or file an insurance claim at purchaseprotection.com
Do not leave your bicycle unattended
Please keep noise down in residential areas
The course remains open to vehicular traffic; follow all traffic laws
Use caution on downhill sections for potholes, moisture, and cracks

Questions or concerns? Feel free to reach out here. See you on August 1st!