Welcome

Merced Miles Club is the premier counter-clockwise running club of Lake Merced in San Francisco! The route is fixed and does not change.

Membership is informal. If you run around Lake Merced counter-clockwise you may consider yourself a member of the club.

The club does not organize scheduled runs or events but running the loop with fellow members is always welcomed.

People participate in different ways. Some run the loop occasionally, while others return to it over longer periods of time. There is no expected pace and no timeline for completion of the 100 Laps Challenge.

The Loop

Lake Merced is approximately 4.5 miles around. A single lap consists of one counterclockwise loop around the scenic lake (no bridge shortcut).

Each completed 4.5 mile loop counts as one lap.

The 100 Laps Challenge

The 100 Laps Challenge is an optional long-term challenge associated with the club.

Completing 100 counter-clockwise laps around Lake Merced is roughly equivalent to running 460 miles over time.

The challenge may be completed at any pace and over any length of time.

Progress may be tracked using a 100 Laps Challenge Card.

The Card

The 100 Laps Challenge Card is a paper tracking card with space to record completed laps.

A printable version is available. A physical version may also be requested. The physical card is printed in high quality in color and laminated to hold up over extended use. It serves as a durable keepsake and a badge of honor for those who choose to use it.

Requesting a card is optional and does not affect participation. The physical card may be requested here.

How to use the card

Each time a lap is completed around Lake Merced in the counter-clockwise direction, use a push pin to punch a hole in the corresponding lap number on the card.

When you have punched all 100 holes, you have completed the challenge! Once you submit your card the number of holes will be checked and you will receive a prize for your accomplishment as well as recognition on the Challenge Finishers page.

See the Completion page for details on how to submit your card after completion.