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.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
Teams of two split the full marathon distance on the same course, each covering a half marathon in scenic, hilly terrain. The relay is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, starting and finishing at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, CA.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
The Trail Marathon traverses rolling hills and open trails, ascending Raptor Ridge before looping back on fast singletrack and fire roads. This event is hosted by Elevation Culture and is scheduled for 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead in Escondido, CA.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
This extended Heavy Half Marathon features a challenging trail course with a mix of ascents and descents and a summit at Raptor Ridge. Held on 10 January 2026, it is produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
The 10-Mile Summit Chase climbs to the top of Raptor Ridge and back with prizes for the fastest summits—perfect for competitive trail racers. It is hosted by Elevation Culture and will be run on Saturday, 10 January 2026, in Escondido, CA.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
The 5-Mile trail run offers wide, scenic trails with minimal elevation, suitable for beginners and casual runners. This race is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on 10 January 2026 at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido.
Race Date:
10 January, 2026
The Stroller Trail 5K is a family-friendly event on a smooth, dirt trail with space for strollers and walkers. It is held on Saturday, 10 January 2026, and produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
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 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 meters, 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 personalized 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 personalized 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 Trail Marathon Relay?
How long is the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
Where does the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
Teams of two split the full marathon distance on the same course, each covering a half marathon in scenic, hilly terrain. The relay is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, starting and finishing at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, CA.
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay is 42km long.
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay elevation gain is 577 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Trail Marathon Relay?
Teams of two split the full marathon distance on the same course, each covering a half marathon in scenic, hilly terrain. The relay is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on Saturday, 10 January 2026, starting and finishing at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, CA.
How long is the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay is 42km long.
Where does the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay take place?
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
The San Diego Trail Marathon Relay elevation gain is 577 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Marathon Relay?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Trail Marathon Relay?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Trail Marathon?
How long is the San Diego Trail Marathon?
Where does the San Diego Trail Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Marathon?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Trail Marathon?
The Trail Marathon traverses rolling hills and open trails, ascending Raptor Ridge before looping back on fast singletrack and fire roads. This event is hosted by Elevation Culture and is scheduled for 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead in Escondido, CA.
The San Diego Trail Marathon is 42km long.
The San Diego Trail Marathon takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
The San Diego Trail Marathon elevation gain is 577 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Trail Marathon?
The Trail Marathon traverses rolling hills and open trails, ascending Raptor Ridge before looping back on fast singletrack and fire roads. This event is hosted by Elevation Culture and is scheduled for 10 January 2026, at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead in Escondido, CA.
How long is the San Diego Trail Marathon?
The San Diego Trail Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the San Diego Trail Marathon take place?
The San Diego Trail Marathon takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Marathon?
The San Diego Trail Marathon elevation gain is 577 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Trail Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
How long is the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
Where does the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
This extended Heavy Half Marathon features a challenging trail course with a mix of ascents and descents and a summit at Raptor Ridge. Held on 10 January 2026, it is produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon is 21km long.
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon elevation gain is 392 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
This extended Heavy Half Marathon features a challenging trail course with a mix of ascents and descents and a summit at Raptor Ridge. Held on 10 January 2026, it is produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
How long is the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon take place?
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
The San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon elevation gain is 392 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Trail Heavy Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Summit Chase 10 Miles?
How long is the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
Where does the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
The 10-Mile Summit Chase climbs to the top of Raptor Ridge and back with prizes for the fastest summits—perfect for competitive trail racers. It is hosted by Elevation Culture and will be run on Saturday, 10 January 2026, in Escondido, CA.
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles is 16km long.
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles elevation gain is 258 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Summit Chase 10 Miles?
The 10-Mile Summit Chase climbs to the top of Raptor Ridge and back with prizes for the fastest summits—perfect for competitive trail racers. It is hosted by Elevation Culture and will be run on Saturday, 10 January 2026, in Escondido, CA.
How long is the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles is 16km long.
Where does the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles take place?
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
The San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles elevation gain is 258 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Summit Chase 10 Miles?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Summit Chase 10 Miles?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Valley 5 Miles?
How long is the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
Where does the San Diego Valley 5 Miles take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
The 5-Mile trail run offers wide, scenic trails with minimal elevation, suitable for beginners and casual runners. This race is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on 10 January 2026 at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido.
The San Diego Valley 5 Miles is 8km long.
The San Diego Valley 5 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the San Diego Valley 5 Miles elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Valley 5 Miles?
The 5-Mile trail run offers wide, scenic trails with minimal elevation, suitable for beginners and casual runners. This race is organized by Elevation Culture and takes place on 10 January 2026 at the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido.
How long is the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
The San Diego Valley 5 Miles is 8km long.
Where does the San Diego Valley 5 Miles take place?
The San Diego Valley 5 Miles takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
Runna classifies the San Diego Valley 5 Miles elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Valley 5 Miles?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Valley 5 Miles?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Stroller Trail 5km?
How long is the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
Where does the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
How can I prepare for the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
The Stroller Trail 5K is a family-friendly event on a smooth, dirt trail with space for strollers and walkers. It is held on Saturday, 10 January 2026, and produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
The San Diego Stroller Trail 5km is 5km long.
The San Diego Stroller Trail 5km takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Stroller Trail 5km?
The Stroller Trail 5K is a family-friendly event on a smooth, dirt trail with space for strollers and walkers. It is held on Saturday, 10 January 2026, and produced by Elevation Culture at San Pasqual Valley Trailhead, Escondido, California.
How long is the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
The San Diego Stroller Trail 5km is 5km long.
Where does the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km take place?
The San Diego Stroller Trail 5km takes place in Escondido, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
Runna classifies the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the San Diego Stroller Trail 5km?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Stroller Trail 5km?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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.
