Trail Run At Sly Park - Summer

Event Overview

This trail running event is held in the Sly Park Recreation Area near Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines, California. It takes place under a special use permit with the El Dorado National Forest. The event features multiple distances on trails that go through pine trees and around the lake.

Distances & Course

Seven race distances are offered:

• 5K
• 10K
• 8 Mile
• Half Marathon
• 17 Mile
• Trail Marathon
• 50K

All races start at the Scales Parking Lot (also called the Equestrian Parking Area). The 5K is an out-and-back course that starts and finishes at this lot. All other distances start at the Scales Parking Lot but finish at the Waterfall Trailhead. After finishing, runners for distances over 10K must walk back approximately 0.3 to 0.5 miles to the Scales lot to reach their vehicles.

The course consists mostly of single-track trails with gently rolling hills. Some sections are flat and wide, with small portions on pavement. The race begins with a quarter-mile downhill on a gravel road, followed by a steep quarter-mile climb on single track. After this, the trails are relatively flat as they follow the shoreline of Jenkinson Lake in a counterclockwise direction. There are technical sections with rocks and roots. Different distances involve various loops around the lake, using both hiking and horse trails.

Logistics & Parking

The event has a cap of 100 runners per day. Registration opens on race day at 6:50 AM at the Scales Parking Lot, with a trail briefing at 7:45 AM. An overall time limit of 9 hours is enforced, with specific cutoffs for each distance.

Parking is at the Scales Parking Lot. A $5 day-use parking fee applies, payable in cash. No race parking is allowed at the Waterfall Trailhead / Bumpy Meadows or the Sly Park Event Center. Limited free parking is available on the side of the road near the Waterfall Trailhead. Carpooling is recommended as parking is limited.

Aid Stations & Facilities

Two aid stations are on the course: one at the Waterfall Trailhead finish area and another at Hazel Creek. Distances over 10K will visit at least one, if not both, stations multiple times. Drop bag service is available from the start to the aid stations. A water stop is available for 17 Mile, Marathon, and 50K runners on the upper horse trail.

Portable toilets are available at the start (Scales Parking Lot) and at the Waterfall Trailhead finish. Additional restrooms are located along the course near the lake.

Registration & Awards

Online registration is available. Race day registration opens at 6:50 AM. Fees vary by distance. A 15% discount is offered to active military and first responders. Registration fees are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future event if requested at least 24 hours prior. All finishers receive a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.