Saddleback Marathon
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About the race
The Saddleback Marathon takes place on November 7, 2026 in Silverado, California, routed out of Black Star Canyon in the Trabuco District. The event includes a full marathon, a new 25k distance, a half marathon, and a 10K, each run on trail and forest roads. The full marathon begins on Black Star Canyon Road, follows the creek on a mostly flat truck trail for about 2.5 miles, then climbs switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve and continues up to the Doppler on N. Main Divide.
Runners return via Black Star and Skyline Drive into Corona before finishing the same way. Elevation gain for the marathon is 4,244 feet. The new 25k follows the marathon route to the Doppler on N. Main Divide and returns to the start, with total gain of 2,517 feet.
The half marathon follows the same initial canyon route, continues another 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village, then returns; gain is 1,773 feet. The 10K follows the common start, includes several short switchback climbs on Black Star Canyon Road, and has 706 feet of gain. Aid stations are placed roughly at 3.1, 6.6, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 13.1 miles; marathon runners pass some stations twice after the turnaround. Cutoffs are enforced at specified course points.
No refunds are offered; entries may be deferred to the following year if the race is canceled for covered external reasons. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
