Trail Running Calendar California 2026-2027

Trail Run at Sly Park in Pollock Pines offers trail distances from 5K to 50K around Jenkinson Lake with on-site registration, marked courses, aid stations, and finisher medals.

A largely off-trail peak-bagging event in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, offering 11-, 17- and 21-peak options on an unmarked route that requires navigation and mountaineering skills.

The 21st Annual Martha Walker Wild Duck is a 5 km cross country race at Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside, California. It is the opening race of the 2026 Dirt Dogs XC Series and includes a race flyer and course maps.

A trail event at Granite Beach on August 23, 2026 offering 5K and 10K courses for runners and their dogs, with finisher medals and dog bandanas; aid stations provide drinks and gels and dogs have their own water.

A two loop 4.15 mile cross country race on the fire roads of the UC Santa Cruz campus, starting and finishing at the meadow above the fire station and included in the Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix series.

A 5k trail run at Red Rock Wilderness near Silverado, CA featuring fire roads and single track, 300 feet of climbing, one aid station, a cupless policy, and no pets allowed.

A free, untimed 3 mile trail run for the local trail community with a grab bag of vintage ERS swag, limited to 250 participants and held near the San Dieguito Lagoon on August 26, 2026.

A night trail run on private ranch trails in Alpine, California, under reflective course markers. Multiple loop distances are offered, headlamps are required, camping is available and aid stations will be illuminated.

A two-day Spartan obstacle race at Mahon Ranch near Sacramento featuring Sprint 5 km, Super 10 km, kids races, team entries, volunteer options and spectator access.

Trail races at Huddart Park, King's Mountain and Bear Gulch offer measured distances from a 50 yard kids dash to a 50K, with fees listed per distance and registration opening November 11, 2025.

TANRI Lake Race 2026 at YMCA Sequoia Lake features a 10-hour individual lap race, a 3-person relay on 5-mile loops, and a 10K single loop, with prizes, a hat and dinner included and a raffle for individual runners who complete eight laps.

Dirt Circus Los Angeles is a one day community running festival on August 29, 2026 that pairs a four mile group trail run with an expo of brands, race directors, vendors, food, and a raffle.

Trail race around Angel Island with a 10K single loop and a half marathon that repeats the loop, limited to 400 participants and includes a ferry.

A steep 4.75 mile up and down run, hike, or walk on San Anselmo's Bald Hill that finishes downtown with live music and a t shirt. The third annual event benefits local nonprofits and includes town endorsement.

The inaugural Apple City 5k at Pinto Lake County Park in Watsonville on 30 August 2026 offers a 5k on gentle, scenic trails and a kids 1k around the soccer fields. Half the event funds support the Pajaro Valley Education Foundation.

A PA/USATF cross country race of 3.4 miles at Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa on August 30, 2026. The 33rd annual Empire Open features rugged dirt trails, three races including a masters division, and a $1,500 prize purse for USATF..

Trail races in Pine Valley, California on September 5, 2026 offering 50 kilometer and 15 kilometer options. Both races have fixed cutoffs, marked trails with frequent ribbons, staffed aid stations, and specific rules for pacers, crews, and..

A community run in Tahoe Vista with a 5K and a 1 mile fun run across grass fields, paved bike paths and park trails. Parking and a participant hat are included, and proceeds support a park nonprofit.

A memorial stair-climb in San Diego to honor the 403 emergency responders lost on September 11, 2001, raising funds for FirefighterAid with a 2026 goal of $120,000.

Experience the inaugural Colby Mountain Trailfest in Butte Meadows featuring scenic 5k 12k and 24k courses. Support local trail maintenance and search and rescue efforts while exploring the newest trail systems in Northern California.