Headwaters Trail Runs

Headwaters Trail Runs

Headwaters Trail Runs are trail running events in the Klamath Mountains west of Mount Shasta City, California. The races are named for the headwaters of the Sacramento River and are offered at the following distances:

• 52k: mountainous loop on single-track trails and dirt forest roads, about 8,000 feet elevation gain
• 34k: mountainous loop on single-track trails and dirt forest roads, about 4,000 feet elevation gain
• 10k: Lake Siskiyou Trail around Lake Siskiyou, about 400 feet elevation gain, mostly dirt

The 52k and 34k courses run entirely on single-track trails and dirt forest roads and include miles on the historic Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail. The 10k follows the forested shore of Lake Siskiyou and includes a short paved section across Box Canyon Dam. The event takes place beneath the backdrop of Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy.

Aid stations are fully stocked and the event is cupless, so runners must carry a means to drink. Participants receive an organic post race meal prepared by a local chef, a commemorative race t shirt, and a unique finisher medal. A portion of proceeds is donated annually to the Mt. Shasta High School cross country team. The event is produced by a nonprofit organization and operates under special use authorization with local land managers.

The organizers acknowledge that the races occur on traditional homelands of multiple Indigenous peoples. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.