Mount Madonna Challenge
Gilroy, United States • 8 Aug 2026
Mt. Madonna Challenge
Mt. Madonna Challenge is a trail running event at the Sprig Day Use Area near Blackhawk Canyon Road in Gilroy, California. The event date is August 8, 2026, and registration opens on February 14, 2026. Parking is free but limited; organizers suggest carpooling.
Courses run among redwood trees and ascend mountains that provide views of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. Organizers describe the courses as steep and list substantial elevation gain for each distance.
- 5K: 843 feet elevation gain.
- 10K: 1,532 feet elevation gain.
- Half marathon: 2,828 feet elevation gain.
The event is organized by a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN#: 84-4356452). Race fees support the Mt. Madonna Scholarships, which send local high school cross country and track athletes to a national trail running camp attended by 25 runners from across the nation. Past scholarship trips visited Mt. Shasta (2022), Donner Pass in Truckee (2023), and Redwood National Forest (2024).
Volunteers support setup, parking, check-in, aid stations, course marshaling, post-race food, and clean-up. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.