California
California Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in California for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 380 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in California below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Experience the beauty of Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area with trail distances ranging from a 5K to a 50K ultra marathon through scenic pine forests and rolling single track.
Peak bagging in Desolation Wilderness with routes to 21 peaks, unmarked off trail navigation, talus and scrambling, creek crossings, and a 30 hour limit.
The 21st Annual Martha Walker Wild Duck is a 5 km cross country race at Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside, California. It is the opening race of the 2026 Dirt Dogs XC Series and includes a race flyer and course maps.
A trail 5K and 10K at Granite Beach for runners with or without dogs, featuring shaded single-track trails, mid-course aid stations, finisher medals and dog bandanas.
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.
A 5k trail run at Red Rock Wilderness near Silverado, CA featuring fire roads and single track, 300 feet of climbing, one aid station, a cupless policy, and no pets allowed.
Free untimed 3 mile community trail run in Del Mar on August 26, 2026, limited to 250 participants with a throwback shirt and medal for each finisher.
A night trail run on private ranch trails in Alpine, California, under reflective course markers. Multiple loop distances are offered, headlamps are required, camping is available and aid stations will be illuminated.
A two-day Spartan obstacle race at Mahon Ranch near Sacramento featuring Sprint 5 km, Super 10 km, kids races, team entries, volunteer options and spectator access.
Trail races at Huddart Park, King's Mountain and Bear Gulch offer measured distances from a 50 yard kids dash to a 50K, with fees listed per distance and registration opening November 11, 2025.
Tanri Lake Race in Miramonte offers relay, individual, and 10K looped events at about 6,000 feet with prize categories and a Western States raffle for individual entrants.
A one day community trail running festival in Los Angeles on August 29, 2026 with a 4 mile group run, expo, vendors, and a raffle.
Limited field trail races on Angel Island with a 10K single loop and a half marathon that completes two loops, with ferry included in registration.
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.
The 33rd annual Phil Widener Empire Open is a 3.4 miles PA/USATF cross country race at Spring Lake Regional Park featuring rugged trails and a $1500 prize purse.
September 2026
Trail races in Pine Valley, California on September 5, 2026 offering 50 kilometer and 15 kilometer options. Both races have fixed cutoffs, marked trails with frequent ribbons, staffed aid stations, and specific rules for pacers, crews, and drop bags.
A community run in Tahoe Vista with a 5K and a 1 mile fun run across grass fields, paved bike paths and park trails. Parking and a participant hat are included, and proceeds support a park nonprofit.
A memorial stair climb in San Diego on September 5, 2026 honoring the 403 emergency responders of 9/11 and raising funds for FirefighterAid.
A community-focused trail running event in Butte Meadows on September 5, 2026 with 5k, 12k, and 24k routes, aid stations, swag, and proceeds supporting local trail groups.