Saddleback Marathon

Event

The Saddleback Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Silverado, CA, in the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest. Distances offered:

• Marathon
• 25k
• Half Marathon
• 10K

Blue Jay campgrounds remain closed following the "Airport" Fire out of Trabuco Canyon, and the race will operate out of Black Star Canyon for 2026. The 25k distance is new to this edition.

Course details

The full marathon starts on Black Star Canyon Road and follows the creek into the canyon on a relatively flat truck trail for about 2.5 miles. At the Falls turnoff runners climb switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve, continue up to the Doppler on N. Main Divide, return via Black Star Canyon and proceed to Skyline Drive into Corona before finishing the same way. The marathon total elevation gain is 4,244'.

The 25k follows the marathon route to the Doppler, then turns around and returns to the start. The half marathon follows the same initial route, continues about 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village, then returns; elevation gain is 1,773'. The 10k follows the same start, climbs a few switchbacks on Black Star Canyon Road, then turns around; elevation gain is 706'.

Logistics

Approximate aid station locations are listed at 3.1, 6.6, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 13.1 miles. The event enforces course cutoffs at the Skyline bottom (13 miles) and at Doppler Ball (8 miles). No refunds are allowed; entries may be applied to the following year's race if the event is cancelled for reasons such as fire or government action. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.