Returning on January 10, 2026, San Diego 50 & Trail Runs is a standout trail racing event set in the rolling hills and valleys of San Dieguito River Park and Black Mountain Open Space, just east of San Diego. Runners can choose from a variety of challenges: the headline 50-mile ultra (14-hour cutoff, pacers allowed in final 7 miles), trail marathon, relay marathon, heavy half marathon (~14 miles), Summit Chase 10-miler, Valley 5-miler, and two family-friendly events—the Stroller Trail 5K and Elevated Youth 1-mile run. Each course features a mix of single-track, fire road, and ridge trail terrain with sweeping views of Lake Hodges and surrounding ridgelines. Organized by Elevation Culture, the event offers a sustainable, cupless race experience, with stocked aid stations, chip timing, and a finish festival including music, food trucks, local vendors, and recovery tents. All participants receive race shirts and handcrafted wooden medals, with unique perks like reusable cups for ultra finishers. It’s a celebration of trail running for all levels—from first-time 5-milers to seasoned 50-mile veterans.
Races
50 miles
Marathon
Marathon
Half Marathon
10 miles
5 miles
5 km
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
The 50-Mile Ultra is a runnable out-and-back course on the San Dieguito River Park Trail, offering fast dirt paths and scenic views with modest elevation change. It is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California, USA.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the San Diego 50 Miles?
How long is the San Diego 50 Miles?
Where does the San Diego 50 Miles take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego 50 Miles?
How can I prepare for the San Diego 50 Miles?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego 50 Miles?
The 50-Mile Ultra is a runnable out-and-back course on the San Dieguito River Park Trail, offering fast dirt paths and scenic views with modest elevation change. It is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California, USA.
The San Diego 50 Miles is 80km long.
The San Diego 50 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
The San Diego 50 Miles elevation gain is 1220 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the San Diego 50 Miles?
The 50-Mile Ultra is a runnable out-and-back course on the San Dieguito River Park Trail, offering fast dirt paths and scenic views with modest elevation change. It is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California, USA.
How long is the San Diego 50 Miles?
The San Diego 50 Miles is 80km long.
Where does the San Diego 50 Miles take place?
The San Diego 50 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego 50 Miles?
The San Diego 50 Miles elevation gain is 1220 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the San Diego 50 Miles?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego 50 Miles?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Relay
Kid friendly
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by San Diego 50 & Trail Runs 2026 or Elevation Culture, LLC. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the San Diego 50 & Trail Runs 2026 website.
