F.A.Q.

ENTRY INCLUDES:

• Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or 28K Course
• Collectible finisher medal
• Official race shirt
• Official finisher certificate
• FREE race photos
• Chip timed results
• Awesome volunteer support
• On course aid-station support
• One finisher beer (21 & over)
• Finish line water & food
• Event insurance
• Prize for top finishers
• An awesome race experience!

Early check-in is on Friday, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, or race day check-in on Saturday starts at 6:00 AM at the race start/finish line area.

East Walker Ranch Open Space
16723 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

View Directions

All event parking is inside East Walker Ranch Open Space right by the race festival.

Early check-in parking on Friday is free.

Race day parking: $20 (Cash only)

IMPORTANT: There is absolutely NO PARKING on Placerita Canyon Road, cars will be ticketed and/or towed at your expense.

View Directions

Yes, carpooling with friends is the best! Parking space is limited, to help ensure there is enough parking, we encourage participants to carpool to the race. If you are doing the race with friends or family then hook up and ride in one car together. Nothing beats carpooling with good friends and family!

View Directions

The scheduled times are as follows:

• 7:30 AM - 28K
• 7:40 AM - Half Marathon
• 7:50 AM - 10K
• 8:00 AM - 5K
• 12:30 PM - Race Finish

*Note that final race day start times may vary. 

View Schedule

Yes. In order to receive your runner bib and goodie bag, you will need to turn in a signed waiver and show your ID. You may download and print the waiver ahead of time and bring it with you to help expedite your check-in. If you don't have a printer, there will be waivers available at the check-in.

 Download 2025 Waiver

The Santa Clarita Trail Race is a cupless event, we are trying to be as green as possible and create minimal waste. This means we will avoid using disposable cups at aid stations.

Please help us on race day, bring your own collapsible cup, water bottle, or hydration pack for the race. You can refill water on the course stations.  To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of mandatory and recommended gear for running the race.

View Recommended Gear

Below you will find a list of mandatory and recommended items for running the race. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of mandatory and recommended gear for running the race.

Mandatory Items

• A collapsible cup, runner's water bottle, or hydration pack for water, electrolytes, soda, or other fluids at the aid stations. We will not provide cups at the aid stations.
• Minimum 500 calories of emergency food such as gels or energy bars
• Cell phone
• Course map or electronic map downloaded to your phone

Recommended Items

• Trail running shoes
• Running hat, visor, sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal medicine/salt capsules
• Elastic bandage
• Whistle
• Garmin/GPS tracking
• Camera (optional)
• The mind of a champion!

Post Race Items

• Water
• Recovery drink, we highly recommend coconut water!
• Refueling food or snacks
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Cash

View Recommended Gear

The cut-off times are as follows:

• 5K cut-off is 2-hours
• 10K cut-off is 3-hours
• Half Marathon cut-off is 4-hours
• 28K cut-off is 5-hours

If you are a slow runner or tend to walk a lot we do not recommend doing the Half Marathon or 28K course as it is very challenging and will take longer than expected.  The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon cut-off times are soft as long as you finish before the 28K cut-off. With the first race starting at 7:30 AM, all distances should be done by 12:30 PM when the race ends.

Study your course map and elevation to best prepare for a spectacular trail race experience and meet the cut-off times.

View Course

Yes. The course will be marked with colored flags staked into the ground and/or flagging tape tied to branches, bushes, and grass. These colors match the course map colors. At intersections or key turning points, there will be extra flags and flags with red directional arrows leading into the turns. Pay attention to your course colors and you won't get lost. If you don't see any flags for about 300-500 feet, then you have most likely gone off course.

• 5K = ORANGE
• 10K = ORANGE > BLUE > ORANGE
• HALF MARATHON = ORANGE > BLUE > PURPLE > BLUE > PURPLE > BLUE > ORANGE
• 28K = ORANGE > BLUE > PURPLE > BLUE > PURPLE > BLUE > YELLOW > BLUE > ORANGE

In addition to flagging tape, there will be signs at stations and key locations to help make sure you turn in the right direction. Study the map and elevation profile colors for your distance and then follow those colors at the race!

View Course

Yes and No. We have used a combination of GPS tracking and Google Maps route tracking to create the courses for each distance. Usually, the GPS data is fairly accurate however there are challenges in properly tracking the distance when going up or down hills and into canyons where GPS tracking can be lost. Because of this, there are always discrepancies in the final distance.

Often with trail races, you have to work with what nature provides and sometimes that means that making a trail race course will sometimes be a little shorter or longer than the target distances. We want the course to cover as many unique trails as possible while being easy to understand and follow without getting lost. We feel this gives runners the best experience on the most variety of trails and sights while running the race.

Based on the GPS tracking data we have used to create the course, we are getting the following distances.

• 5K: 5.1K / 3.2M
• 10K: 10.1K / 6.3M
• Half Marathon: 13.1M / 21K
• 28K: 17.4M / 28K

Your GPS tracking data may show shorter or longer distances on race day. We have seen some variances in our tracking when running the same course sections.

View Course

Yes. You can download the GPX and KML tracks from the Course page in the GPS Tracks section for each course distance. The course tracks are also available to view on Google Maps and Hello Drifter.

View Course

Yes. As this is a challenging endurance trail race and young runners must be in good shape, especially if considering to run the Half Marathon or 28K. The minimum age requirements are:

• 12-years old to run the 5K
• 14-years old to run the 10K
• 16-years old to run the Half Marathon or 28K

Younger runners can run the race with approval from the Race Director. Young runners who wish to run the race should be accompanied by an adult and must request approval from the Race Director. Please contact the Race Director and provide information about their recent races or training that you feel will qualify them to run in the race.

Yes. You can accomplish anything you want as long as you set your mind to do it and train for it. The race is planned for participants of all abilities—including walkers and hikers. If you are new to trail running or this is your first trail race we suggest doing the 5K or 10K distance and training as much as possible to prepare for an awesome race.

Trail running in general can be more challenging as it consists of narrow dirt pathways, uneven surfaces, and hills to climb up and down, all of which require additional attention and focus while running. This race has a good challenging climb at the start plus there are additional hills and narrow single-track trails that provide good challenge throughout the course. It is those risks and challenges that are part of the adventure that make trail running so much fun! Please review the course maps, and elevation profile to better prepare for an awesome race!

View Course

No. Since the event parking is right next to the race festival there will not be any gear drop options at this race.

Yes. There will be several stations with water, electrolytes, energy chews or gels, salt tablets, and a variety of sweet and salty snacks, with a few key stations providing fresh fruit or foods. All stations will have a basic first aid kit if needed.

At the finish line, there will be water and a variety of snacks and food. Beer will also be available in the beer garden for those over 21 years old.

Please help us on race day, bring your own collapsible cup, water bottle, or hydration pack for the race. Each aid station will include fresh water to refill your supply. Study the course maps to know where station locations are for your distance.

Proper hydration is essential when running any distance, but especially in long-distance races. One of the greatest dangers for runners is completing the race in a dehydrated state. We encourage runners to plan on being well-hydrated before and throughout the event.

View Course

Ready to take it to the next level? Challenge yourself by wearing a weighted ruck (backpack or special vest with weights) throughout the entire race and earn a coveted Ruck Division patch after finishing.

Simply add on Ruck Division when registering for your entry. If already registered, you can submit an add-on request to your entry via our Contact page.

Recommended weight is 30lb for men and 20lb for women.

Yes. There will be portable toilets by the start/finish line area. However, as this is a trail race we are not able to guarantee bathrooms to be available on the course. If you have to go while running the race simply jump off the course and go into the bushes. A few stations may have portable toilets set up, all stations will have toilet paper available if needed, but we recommend that you carry a few tissues just in case.

Yes. Due to the technical challenges of course sections with steep hills that impact all distances, trekking poles can be used at the race. If you plan to use poles, runners must use them responsibly, and safely. Be aware of runners around you, when passing or being passed to ensure poles are not in contact with runners or in the way.

View Recommended Gear

For your safety and the safety of all participants, we do not recommend wearing headphones while running a race. However, if you do, we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so you can hear other runners and instructions from event personnel.

As this race takes place on narrow single-track trails you need to be aware of other runners coming up behind you as well as being able to hear potential wildlife animals or even rattlesnakes. The important thing is paying attention to everyone’s safety and maintaining good trail race etiquette with other runners.

If you love to wear headphones while running then we can recommend using headphones that allow outside sound to pass through or bone-conducting headphones that do not cover your ears, these allow you to fully hear your surroundings while also listening to your favorite music or audio.

Early November usually offers some of the best weather to run in Santa Clarita. The average high temperature is 74º with the average low at 52º. Plan for a cool morning start with pleasant temperatures throughout the race.

We recommend checking the weather forecast a week before the race so you can dress appropriately.

No. The event insurance policy does not allow dogs. We love dogs, but there are those who may not be comfortable around them and there are also dogs that are uncomfortable around hundreds of other people.  We have no doubt that your dog is well-behaved, but we simply have no way to be sure about all the other dogs and thus we have a “no dogs on course” policy. Service dogs and exceptions can be made upon request.

No. This is a trail course. Unauthorized wheelchairs, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs, and strollers are not permitted on the race course due to safety concerns.

Wheelchairs are allowed at the race festival for spectators. Please be aware that the festival and parking areas are rough dirt roads or field areas.

No. We will do our best to host the Santa Clarita Trail Race whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing, or anything in between. However, if there is severe weather then the race may be postponed and rescheduled, or cut short. The weather only adds to the adventure to make for an awesome race experience!

Yet, there are still potential risks that are beyond our control that could cause a race to be canceled or rescheduled for the safety of all participants and volunteers. We hope that will never happen, however, we do have an event cancellation policy.

As this is a trail race there is always the risk of coming across wildlife including snakes, tarantulas, coyotes, deer, and even a rare mountain lion.

What to do if you see a snake?

If you see a snake while running, do not panic! Back away slowly and carefully looking for a way around. Also be sure to shout out "snake" and point out the location so other runners are aware and can carefully get around it. Snakes will generally leave you alone if they are not provoked. Simply left alone, snakes will continue on with their life, they do not actively seek out confrontations with any of their natural enemies, humans included. The number one reason people are bitten by venomous snakes throughout this country is because of the attempt to catch, kill, or tease them when we find them.

The race will be chip-timed for best accuracy using a MyLaps timing system with BibTag chips that are attached to the back of your race bib.  Results will be put up at the finish line for runners to see throughout the day. Final results will be posted on this website within 24-hours after the race.

To ensure your chip is tracked and timed correctly:

• Always keep your bib visible on the front; do not remove or cover it with a jacket or other clothing
• Do not bend or twist the BibTag
• Do not attach beside or under a zip: metal has a negative impact on the BibTag chip
• Do not wear on your back or side, or around your arm
• Do not cover the BibTag with your hand or arm when crossing the finish line:
  runners often do this when checking their watch when crossing the line
• Always remember that the mat must 'see' the number when you cross the finish
  line
• Do not separate the BibTag from the bib material

Yes. Distance change requests are available, the cut-off for all changes is 1-week before the race date. Submit a change request from the contact page and choose Subject: Change My Distance (Upgrade or Downgrade).

Request Change

If you are traveling from out of town there are several hotels within about 15 minutes of driving to the start line. Below are nearby lodging options, also check Google search or on Airbnb for additional options.  Jump to the Lodging Map below for more options.

Hyatt Regency Valencia
24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 799-1234
Use code: 193686 for the event group discount when booking.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clarita
27513 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 284-2101

Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags
27710 The Old Rd, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 254-8800

La Quinta Inn & Suites Santa Clarita
25201 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
(661) 286-1111

Unfortunately, due to the advanced planning and logistics, entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. As per the terms agreed upon registering, once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. Sorry, no exceptions.

However, the following options are available:

1. Change your entry to Virtual and receive your medal & swag in the mail.
2. Defer your entry to the following year ($40 processing fee).
3. Transfer your entry to another runner ($30 processing fee).
4. Forego your entry and receive a 50% credit towards any of our other races in California within the next year.

Requests MUST be submitted before the race date. Requests on or after the race date will not be honored. Entries that have been deferred once can not be deferred a second time.

You may not give or sell your number to anyone else without submitting an official transfer request as IDs are verified during check-in. If the ID does not match the name, they will not receive the bib and swag.

Please submit your request on the contact page.

No, it is not. While the parks and lands where races take place are typically open to the public, and running at the same time as an event is totally fine. Those entering into the start/finish area or intentionally jumping into the race just after the start, using the marked course, racing against other runners, etc. are essentially freeloading off of the race and the other runners, regardless of whether they take aid station supplies, medals or other race supplies.

Permits, insurance, and race materials for the event are obtained with set numbers of participants planned and accounted for. Costs for events are also planned, taking into account those numbers and sharing the race costs among all entrants.

When people “hijack” or "bandit" a race they jeopardize the race’s ability to come back, create the potential for problems for other runners trying to determine their place in the race, and for support personnel to identify participants and (if necessary) provide emergency support. Like shoplifting, being a race bandit does not cost the person taking anything, but the cost ultimately goes to the people who follow the rules and pay to run the race.

When you plan to run your virtual distance be sure to track your time with a Garmin or app such as Run Keeper. Then track your time and distance, once done, take a screengrab or photo showing your final time/distance and submit it to us so we can include it on the virtual runner results.

Submit Virtual Time

The virtual runner registration option is for runners who are physically unable to make it to a race on the scheduled race date, but still wish to train for and achieve a running goal as part of the race. This includes persons who live far from the race and those with schedules that simply will not allow them to be present on the scheduled date.

Virtual runners receive race materials via mail and then can report back on their run and share their accomplishments with other runners in the community. This can be done alone or with a group of runners.

Running remotely will never be as good as running in person at the actual event, but for those with no other options, it offers a way to stay connected to their running community to help them commit to and celebrate their running achievements.