Toyota San Rafael Sunset Criterium to Bring More Cowbell to Marin

San Rafael, CA — With cowbells in hand, an estimated 10,000 people are expected to fill downtown San Rafael on Saturday, July 30 for the family-friendly Toyota San Rafael Sunset Criterium.

Held at 4th and C streets beginning at 1:30 p.m., official cowbell sponsors Straus Family Creamery and Whole Foods Markets will ensure there's enough cowbell for the event that has been described as part carnival, part madhouse and part Thunderdome.

With that aspect taken care of, organizers of the 18th annual shindig are making sure the finishing touches are in place for hundreds of amateur cyclists, pro-cyclists and 1-mile runners to put on a show amidst the deafening sounds of spectators and cowbells.

Racers and runners will again be competing for the glamorous and coveted, heavyweight boxing-inspired, Belt of Royalty.

Wheels start to roll with amateur races beginning at 1:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the fan-favorite Kids' Ride will circle the course, followed by Pro Women at 6:30 p.m.. Then around 7:45 p.m., just as the Pro Men cyclists are warming up their wheels, the crowds will get to witness who is the fastest on foot with a 1-mile run on the criterium course. The night wraps up with the Pro Men hitting the course at sunset — 8:15 p.m. — and finishing under the lights.

Mike’s Bikes, which stepped up last year to keep the event rolling, is once again the producer of the Toyota San Rafael Sunset Criterium. Race proceeds will benefit the Mike’s Bike Foundation and its Africa Project, through which donated bicycles are collected in its shops for distribution throughout Africa, according to Eric Lucan, chief marketing officer of Mike's Bikes.

Sponsorship has increased significantly this year, with the title sponsor, Toyota, planning to turn the VIP area into the Toyota Fan Zone.

Stateroom Brewery, a local downtown merchant, will host a beer garden at 4th and C, serving up craft beers near the start/finish line.

The presenting sponsor, Whole Foods Market, will have a strong presence at the event, providing finisher bags to participants and giveaways to spectators.

Other key sponsors include Baker Street Advisors, San Rafael Downtown Funds, Newmark Cornish & Carey, Seagate Properties, Montecito Plaza, Touchstone Climbing and Wine.com.

For more information or to register, visit Sanrafaelsunset.com and "get ready to make some noise on July 30."

(Photos by Wil Matthews/Used with permission)