A Long Race, But the Views Are Worth It

The North Face Endurance Challenge Championships in San Francisco, California, is quickly becoming one of the most most competitive races in the country. With a $10,000 first place prize for the 50 mile event, a who’s-who of ultrarunners chase each other along the rolling Marin Headlands course.

Photo: With a 5 a.m. start 50 mile racers spent two hours running by headlamp but were treated to a spectacular sunrise along the Pacific Coast north of San Francisco in the Marin Headlands.

A minion leads out the free kids race held Saturday afternoon.

Nike’s Zach Miller was animated and energetic all day, leading the 50 Mile race early and holding on for the win in a time of 6:12:37, around 8 minutes ahead of second place finisher Dylan Bowman.

50 Mile female winner Megan Kimmel takes a second to catch her breath at the finish line.

North Face athlete Hal Koerner takes a second to look at the view of Muir Beach. The course conditions this year were some of the best in recent memory.

November Project founder Brogan Graham running the Marathon Relay.

Racers getting a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the final descent to the finish line.

Second place finisher Dylan Bowman congratulating Zach Miller on his win.