Saddleback Marathon

Event overview

The Saddleback Marathon is scheduled for November 7, 2026 in Silverado, California, with the start area listed at Black Star Canyon Road. The event offers three race distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K. The event has a history of reroutes and rescheduling due to wildfires and other disruptions; the organizer notes the next scheduled race date as November 7, 2026 and indicates that the course details below pertain to a prior rerouted version of the race.

Course and race details

All distances begin on Black Star Canyon Road and follow the creek into the canyon on a truck trail for about 2.5 miles before reaching the Falls turnoff. The full marathon climbs several switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve, continues up toward North Main Divide, then descends Skyline Drive into Corona before returning the same way. Elevation gain: Marathon 4,244'. The half marathon follows the same start and switchbacks, continues another 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village, then returns. Elevation gain: Half Marathon 1,773'. The 10K follows the same opening section, climbs a few switchbacks on Black Star Canyon Road, then turns back. Elevation gain: 10K 706'.

Aid stations are located at approximate mile points: 3.1, 6.6, 8.5, 13.1, 17.7, 19.7, and 23.0. There is a cutoff at Aid Station 4 (Skyline Bottom) at 12:00 noon. The race does not allow refunds; 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.