Santa Cruz
Trail Running Calendar near Santa Cruz 2026-2027
Explore the top trail runs near Santa Cruz for 2026-2027! We've gathered 33 exciting trail runs in the area. Check out our detailed list below to find your next local trail run.
August 2026
A two loop 4.15 mile cross country race on the fire roads of the UC Santa Cruz campus, starting and finishing at the meadow above the fire station and included in the Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix series.
The inaugural Apple City 5k at Pinto Lake County Park in Watsonville on 30 August 2026 offers a 5k on gentle, scenic trails and a kids 1k around the soccer fields. Half the event funds support the Pajaro Valley Education Foundation.
September 2026
A trail running event at Calero County Park offering distances from a kids run to a 50K across single-track and dirt roads, with named aid stations, drop bag support, bib color assignments, and time limits for longer races.
Trail marathon, half and 5 mile along Old Coast Road at Andrew Molera State Park with aid stations, participant shirts and a 300 runner limit.
Trail running in shaded redwood forest at Sanborn County Park on September 27 2026, with 10K, half marathon and 50K options; steep singletrack, shuttle parking, chip timing and specific mandatory gear for the 50K.
October 2026
Run by the Sea at Wilder Ranch State Park on October 4, 2026 offers a Half Marathon, 12K and 4K run/walk along mostly flat packed dirt trails with coastal bluff and Monterey Bay views. Organized by the Santa Cruz Track Club; proceeds benefit local gr..
November 2026
A map-based 2- or 4-hour team scramble through Santa Cruz redwoods and meadows with timed checkpoints and on-site timing chips.
December 2026
Trail running at Calero County Park near San Jose on Dec 5, 2026, offering distances from a kids run to a 50K with marked courses and aid stations.
Trail races through redwood groves in Sanborn Regional Park on December 12, 2026 with 5K, 10K and half marathon options, chip timing and finisher medals.