Articles

Belgian Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe's Record-Breaking Pacific Crest Trail Run Showcased in New YouTube Documentary

Explore Karel Sabbe's record-breaking Pacific Crest Trail run in a riveting documentary. Jour..

Trail Running: How it Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Trail running is an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve physical and mental he..

Trail Running vs. Road Running: Which One Is Right For You?

When it comes to running, there are two primary options to choose from: trail running and road..

Mount Madonna Challenge

Name: Mount Madonna Challenge
Start: 2026-08-08
End: 2026-08-08
Location: Gilroy

Gilroy, United States • 8 Aug 2026

Mt. Madonna Challenge

The Mt. Madonna Challenge is a trail running event held in the Mt. Madonna area, where participants run among redwood trees and on mountain trails with views toward Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito County. The event offers multiple trail distances with substantial elevation gain.

Distances include:

5K: 843 feet elevation gain, steep trail.
10K: 1,532 feet elevation gain, steep trail.
Half Marathon: 2,828 feet elevation gain, very steep trail.

The race base is at the Sprig Day Use Area near Blackhawk Canyon Road in Gilroy, CA 95020. Parking is free but very limited, and carpooling is encouraged.

The event is organized by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with EIN 84-4356452. Race fees support the Mt. Madonna Scholarships, which have sent a couple of dozen local student-athletes to the Max King Trail Running Camp since 2022. Past scholarship camp experiences listed include Mt. Shasta in 2022, Donner Pass in Truckee in 2023, Redwood National Forest in 2024, and Sisters, Oregon in 2025.

Volunteers assist with tasks such as setup, parking, check-in, aid stations, course marshaling, post-race food, and clean-up. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States California Gilroy

Race information

Website

Half Marathon

10 km

10k

5 km

Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Trail runs nearby

Sat - Sun May 30-31

Monterey Spartan Event Weekend

Salinas

Mud Run / Obstacle Run

5 km

10 km

An obstacle race weekend at Toro Park near Salinas on May 30-31, 2026, featuring a 5 km Sprint with 20 obstacles, a 10 km Super with 25 obstacles, kids races and trail events across wooded, hilly coastal terrain.

Sunday May 31

Toro Park Trail Run

The Toro Park Trail Run offers 10K, half marathon, and marathon distances on the rocky trails and dirt roads of California's Toro Park. The summer event features rolling golden hills and oak trees. It is held as part of a Spartan festival w..

Saturday Jun 6

Mt Umunhum Ultras

...

A trail event at Almaden-Quicksilver County Park on June 7, 2025 offering distances from 5K to 50K, steep climbs, marked courses, aid stations, and toilet facilities. The 52 mile race is not held in 2025 and is planned to return in 2026.

Saturday Jun 13

Henry W. Coe Hunting Hollow 10K

San Martin

5 km

10 km

Annual 5K and 10K fun run and walk each June at Hunting Hollow in Henry W. Coe State Park. The relatively flat dirt course runs through a wildflower-lined valley with oak trees and occasional wildlife, with proceeds supporting park projects..