Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon is a trail running event in Silverado, California, held in the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest and routed out of Black Star Canyon. The event offers multiple distances and runs on single- and double-track trails, truck roads, and switchbacks through the Mariposa Reserve and along Black Star Canyon Road.

Distances:

• Marathon
• 25k
• Half Marathon
• 10K

The full marathon begins on Black Star Canyon Road, follows a creek into the canyon on a relatively flat truck trail for about 2.5 miles, then climbs several switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve and up to the Doppler on N. Main Divide before returning via Skyline Drive into Corona. The marathon elevation gain is 4,244 feet. The new 25k follows the marathon route to the Doppler, then turns back to the start. The half marathon follows the same initial route and continues 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village before returning, with 1,773 feet of elevation gain. The 10k shares the same start and includes a few switchbacks; elevation gain is 706 feet.

Aid stations are placed at approximate mile points including the 10k turnaround, near Mariposa, the Black Star Cyn Rd/N. Main Divide junction, near the Doppler, and the Skyline bottom. The race has cutoffs at designated course points. Blue Jay campgrounds remain closed; the race is routed out of Black Star Canyon. No refunds are offered; entries may be applied to the following year if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond the director's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.