The Individual Marathon is a very challenging trail run held on the beautiful American Birkebeiner Trail, the Trail used in the Winter for the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Marathon. The final leg of the course is run on the Kortelopet Trail. These trails are mowed, relatively smooth, but hilly and challenging. Fall is a beautiful time on the trail!

• Mile markers will be placed on the trail every mile indicating the number of miles remaining to the finish line. Signs will also be placed on the trail marking 1/2 mile and 1/4 mile to the finish line.
• Marathon runners may encounter Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 5K runners, and Birkie Trek Nordic walkers on the trail, especially near the end of the race.

The Marathon Starts at Hatchery Park, off Highway 77, outside of Hayward.

Start Time - 8:00 a.m.

Distance - 3.6 miles/5.8K

Moderate to Difficult - Several short and one longer climb to the top of "Bitch Hill", then rolling to flat.

Distance - 3.9 miles/6.3K

Easy to Moderate - Generally a moderately rolling run with one short, but steep uphill.

Distance - 5.6 miles/9K

Moderate difficulty - Many rollers with a short but steep uphill near the end. This is the second longest leg of the course.

Distance - 2.7 miles/4.3K

Easiest - The shorter length and moderate hills and flats make for the easiest leg of the run.

Distance - 5.9 miles/9.5K

Most Difficult - The longest leg with a major climb to the highest point on the course near the top of Fire Tower Hill. This section will be tough!

There will be an intermediate water stop at the Fire Tower aid station, 3 miles (4.8K) into this leg.

Distance - 4.5 miles/7.3K

Moderate to Easy - Flat and rolling hills allowing some recovery prior to the final push to the finish line!

Overall male/female winners and the top two runners in each age/gender class will receive awards.

Age Classes for the Individual Marathon are:
16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and Over