Trail Running in California
California has 37 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. That is the 4th-highest event count for trail running of any state. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in July, August, and October, quietest in January through March. No single city dominates the calendar. Anaheim leads with 2 races, followed by Orange (2), San Diego (2), and Oakland (2). The remaining 78% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in California
Jul (5) · Aug (5) · Oct (5) · Sep (4) · Nov (4) · Apr (3) · Jun (3) · Jan (2) · Feb (2) · Mar (2) · Dec (2)
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Trail Running
Santa Barbara Running Association Semana Nautica 5K & 2K Trail Run
July 4, 2026
Santa Barbara, CA
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.