Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon - Silverado, CA

The Saddleback Marathon is a trail running event in Silverado, California, held on November 7, 2026. Distances offered include:

• Marathon
• 25k
• Half marathon
• 10K

The race is routed out of Black Star Canyon in the Trabuco District. The marathon starts on Black Star Canyon Road, follows a creek on a largely flat truck trail for about 2.5 miles, then climbs several switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve. Runners continue up to the Doppler on North Main Divide, travel back toward Black Star, continue on Skyline Drive into Corona, and return to the finish. Elevation gain for the marathon is 4,244'.

The new 25k follows the marathon route to the Doppler on North Main Divide and returns, with total gain of 2,517'. The half marathon follows the canyon and switchbacks, continues past a historic Indian village, and returns with 1,773' of gain. The 10K follows the same initial section with a few switchbacks before returning, with 706' of gain.

Aid stations are located at approximate mile markers 3.1, 6.6, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 13.1, with the marathon course using those stations on both out and back sections. Due to course difficulty there are cutoffs: marathon cutoff at Skyline bottom (13 miles) 12:00 Noon and 25k cutoff at the Doppler (8 miles) 10:30 am.

The event was rerouted to Black Star Canyon after the Airport Fire closed Blue Jay campgrounds. No refunds are offered; entries may be applied to the following year if the race is canceled for reasons beyond the director's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.