Trail Running Calendar California 2026-2027

Experience the beauty of Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area with trail distances ranging from a 5K to a 50K ultra marathon through scenic pine forests and rolling single track.

Desolate Peaks is a self navigated peak bagging event in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe. Participants choose 11, 17, or 21 peak circuits that require off trail navigation, scrambling, and route finding.

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.

Nighttime trail run at a private San Diego ranch on 08/28/26 with marked loops of 5k, 10k, 15k and 30k. Headlamps or flashlights required; reflective aid stations, on-site camping, tech tee and awards are included.

NorCal Spartan Event Weekend at Mahon Ranch in Elk Grove features Sprint, Super and Kids obstacle races on rolling trails and river crossings, with spectator options and team registration available.

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 offers relay, 10K, and a 10-hour individual event on a looped course at about 6,000 feet, with prizes, a Tanri hat, and a Saturday dinner included with registration.

Dirt Circus Los Angeles is a one day community run and festival on August 29, 2026 at A Snail's Pace Running Shop in Chino Hills. The event features a social group run on nearby trails, an expo with brand booths, and a raffle.

A hilly loop race around Angel Island with Half Marathon and 10K options, limited to 400 participants and including the required ferry to the island.

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.

A community 3 mile fun run in Norwalk on September 5, 2026, organized by Cerritos High School alumni to support the school and honor local Dairy Valley history. In-person and virtual options are available.