Race For Open Space

Event overview

Race for Open Space takes place on May 9, 2026 in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. The event is organized by Big Sur Land Trust as a fundraiser and awareness campaign to support land conservation and access to parks and open spaces in Monterey County. The event is centered around Palo Corona Regional Park; the longest course also visits Mitteldorf Preserve. Inside Trail Running is the technical partner for start/finish operations, trail marking, aid stations, and timing. Parking is free in the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula lot adjacent to the start/finish area. The event does not award race medals.

Courses and race details

Participants can choose from multiple trail distances:

• 1 mile Fun Run (Palo Corona to Southbank Trail)
• 5k Front Ranch Lollipop
• 12k Whisler Wilson Overlook out-and-back
• 25k Williams Canyon out-and-back
• 35k+ Lunch Bench Lollipop (includes Mitteldorf Preserve)

Course composition and markings: courses are largely on non-technical fire roads; the 25k and 35k+ include multiple creek crossings. Hiking or trekking poles are allowed. Trails are marked with colored surveyor ribbon about every 200 meters; blue ribbons indicate wrong-way trails. All races are chip timed using MyLaps and Race Director with disposable chips attached to the back of each bib.

Aid stations provide energy products, snacks, sodas, water, Skratch Labs Hydration, salt tablets, and basic first aid items (no anti-inflammatory medicine). Organizers note a recommendation to carry two 20 oz bottles. Dogs are allowed only in the 1-mile Fun Run and must be leashed and started at the back of the pack. Capacity across events totals 400. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.