Monterey Ultra
Monterey, United States • 7 Feb 2026
Event overview
The Monterey Ultra 50 Miler takes place February 7, 2026, at Fort Ord National Monument and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey, CA. The course distance is 50.7 miles with 7,080 ft of elevation gain and is organized as a 35-mile loop plus a 15-mile loop. The event has a capacity of 150 runners and a 14.5 hour time limit for the 50 mile distance. A separate 50/50 Challenge links this race with the Marin Ultra Challenge 50 Miler for combined leaderboard recognition and a commemorative item for finishers.
Course and logistics
The course runs mostly on moderately technical dirt trails and non-technical fire roads and includes sections of deep sand, rocky and rooty climbs, and wide fire road and single-track. Courses are marked with colored surveyor ribbon about every 200 meters; blue ribbons indicate wrong-way trails. Drop bags are available at Skyline (Mile 17.1 and Mile 39.1) and Laguna Seca (Mile 35.9); pacers may join at Laguna Seca. Aid stations provide gels, chews, snacks, drinks, Skratch Hydration (80-100 calories per 20 fl oz), and basic first aid; the event is cupless so runners must carry their own bottle or reusable cup (HydraPak cups available for purchase). Parking is free within Laguna Seca Recreation Area adjacent to the start/finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.