Saddleback Marathon

Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon is a trail running event in Silverado, California, held in the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest. The event offers the following distances:

• Marathon
• 25k
• Half Marathon
• 10K

The race base is Black Star Canyon for 2026 after Blue Jay campgrounds remained closed following the Airport Fire. The event has been run since 1988 and has been rerouted or cancelled in several years due to wildfires and the 2020 pandemic.

The full marathon begins on Black Star Canyon Road. Runners follow the creek into the canyon on a truck trail for about 2.5 miles, then climb switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve and continue up to the Doppler on North Main Divide. The route returns via Black Star and Skyline Drive into Corona before returning to the finish. Elevation gain for the marathon is 4,244'.

The new 25k follows the marathon route up to the Doppler, then turns back to the start. The half marathon follows the canyon and switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve, extends about 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village before returning, with 1,773' elevation gain. The 10K begins on the same approach and includes a short climb before a turnaround, with 706' elevation gain.

Aid stations are placed at approximate mile points and include the 10K turnaround and the half and 25k turnarounds. Marathoners reach the Skyline bottom turnaround and then pass aid stations again on the return. The event enforces cutoffs at the Skyline bottom for the marathon and at the Doppler for the 25k. The race has a no refund policy; entries may be applied to the following year if the event is cancelled for reasons such as fire or government action. Registration closes November 5, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.