Horseshoe Lake Trail Run

Event Overview

The Horseshoe Lake Trail Run is a trail running event offering several distances. The course runs through the Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge, and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves. Most of the route follows the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Distances

The event includes multiple distances:

• 5 mi
• Half Marathon
• 30K
• Marathon
• 50K
• A free Kid's Run for children 6 years and younger (a 50-yard dash)

Distances are measured with a surveyor's measuring wheel.

Course Details

The course is marked with color-coded ribbons approximately every 200 yards. Polka-dot flagging indicates turns. The terrain is a mix of single-track trail and dirt roads, with no asphalt sections. Detailed elevation gain and surface breakdown is provided for each distance. For example, the 5-mile course has 960 feet of elevation gain and is 66% single track.

Aid stations are located every 5 to 6.5 miles, offering fresh fruit, salty snacks, candy, water, and Skratch electrolyte drink. The event is cupless, so participants need to bring their own fluid container. Parking at the venue is free.

Participant Information

Check-in on race day begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. A shirt is guaranteed for those who register at least 10 business days before the event. All finishers receive a custom medal. The time limit for all events is 9 hours.

Headphones are only permitted on dirt road sections, not on single-track trails. Dogs are not allowed on the course or in the parking lot. The organizers note that poison oak may be present in the area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.