The Indigenous People's Day Angel Island Adventure starts with a chartered ferry from the Tiburon dock, so every runner begins the day by crossing the bay to Angel Island before racing. Check-in and bib pickup happen early, and athletes have to be checked in before the ferry leaves because that boat is required for anyone in the race. It is a trail event on public island paths, with a fully stocked aid station at the start and a cupless setup that asks runners to carry their own bottle, hydration pack, cup, or pouch.
The course is marked with ribbons about every 200 yards, with clusters of ribbons showing turns at intersections. If runners go a minute or two without seeing a ribbon, they are told to backtrack to the last marker, which gives the race a more hands-on trail feel than a road event with cones and barricades. The trails are shared with hikers, bicyclists, horse riders, and other runners, so passing calls matter. Headphones are not allowed, dogs are kept off the course, and spectators can ride the ferry over and return to Tiburon on hourly boats after the race.