Hosted by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 2026 edition is a classic Santa Cruz-Mountains trail day that sends runners along technical, wooded single-track with steep climbs, fast descents and ridge-top views. Race day typically opens with early registration and a race briefing; the main distances start mid-morning (race listings show an ~8:30 AM start for adult distances) and there is a published time limit for the longer course. With roughly 95% single-track underfoot, expect technical footing (roots, rocks, narrow trails) and substantial elevation change—this event suits experienced trail runners and those training for hill work.
Races
Half Marathon
8 miles
4 miles
The Half Marathon is organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs and will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California, featuring about 95% single-track, extremely technical trail through mixed evergreen forest and significant elevation changes.
Also hosted by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 8-Mile distance on February 28, 2026 runs from Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, California, challenging runners with steep climbs and very technical, mountainous terrain.
Organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 4-Mile race is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, California, offering a technical mostly single-track trail through lush forest above Saratoga.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon is organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs and will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California, featuring about 95% single-track, extremely technical trail through mixed evergreen forest and significant elevation changes.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon elevation gain is 1380 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly 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 Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon is organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs and will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California, featuring about 95% single-track, extremely technical trail through mixed evergreen forest and significant elevation changes.
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon take place?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon elevation gain is 1380 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
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 Sanborn Trail Challenge Half Marathon?
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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
Also hosted by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 8-Mile distance on February 28, 2026 runs from Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, California, challenging runners with steep climbs and very technical, mountainous terrain.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile is 13km long.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile elevation gain is 803 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly 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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
Also hosted by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 8-Mile distance on February 28, 2026 runs from Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, California, challenging runners with steep climbs and very technical, mountainous terrain.
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile is 13km long.
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile take place?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile elevation gain is 803 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 8 Mile?
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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
Organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 4-Mile race is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, California, offering a technical mostly single-track trail through lush forest above Saratoga.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile is 6km long.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile elevation gain is 401 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly 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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
Organized by Troy’s California Trail Runs, the 4-Mile race is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, California, offering a technical mostly single-track trail through lush forest above Saratoga.
How long is the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile is 6km long.
Where does the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile take place?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile takes place in Saratoga, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
The Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile elevation gain is 401 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
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 Sanborn Trail Challenge 4 Mile?
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!
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Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
Kid friendly
Park
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sanborn Trail Challenge or Troy’s California Trail Runs. 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 Sanborn Trail Challenge website.
