HalfRuns
Champion Mine Trail Race

Champion Mine Trail Race

The Champion Mine Trail Race offers a challenging Northern California half-marathon with varied terrain and historic charm.

Race Date

Oct 11, 2026

Location

Nevada City, CA

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location
Nevada City, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
143

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell SupportedGreat Swag

Course

Scenic RouteWell Marked

The Experience

The Champion Mine Trail Race, now in its second year, invites runners to explore the scenic trails around Nevada City, California. This half-marathon is a destination event, winding through towering pines and offering breathtaking views along the Tribute Trail and Deer Creek.

The course presents a dynamic mix of pavement, gravel, and single-track trails, promising a rewarding challenge for any trail enthusiast. Runners will navigate historic landmarks, cross a swinging bridge, and tackle a series of climbs, with multiple aid stations supporting the journey. The adventure begins on Nevada City's historic Broad Street, adding a touch of local charm to the start.

With an average of ~143 finishers, this race draws participants from around 8 states, offering a competitive yet intimate trail running experience. The event is organized by the Sierra TrailBlazers Running Club and Bear Yuba Land Trust, highlighting a commitment to community and trail stewardship.

Race-provided description

Challenge Yourself and Enjoy the Great Outdoors Join the Sierra TrailBlazers Running Club and Bear Yuba Land Trust for the 2nd annual Champion Mine Trail Race! Money raised through the races, besides supporting a great race, will be used to support more trails in Nevada County and the Mines to Pines trail work. NEW - Race map coming soon, route has been corrected with easier to follow directions. Stay tuned! Get ready to travel to a must-see destination race in Northern California. Explore some of Nevada City’s most exciting trails with this challenging half-marathon (13.1 miles) event. The course winds through towering pines, crosses a historic swinging bridge, and challenges runners with a series of rewarding climbs. With multiple aid stations, historical landmarks, and a newly constructed trail section offering varied terrain, this course rivals some of the best trail races in Northern California. Runners will enjoy breathtaking views along the Tribute Trail and Deer Creek, combined with a beautiful variety of landscapes throughout the race. Best of all, the adventure begins right on Nevada City’s historic Broad Street — a truly unforgettable starting line! The Champion Mine Trail Run offers a dynamic mix of pavement, gravel, and single-track trails, making it a must-do event for any trail enthusiast. There will also be a 5K and new this year, a 10K! A 5K too short for you and a 1/2 marathon just sounds painful, then please consider the 10K. You won't be disappointed.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

325 Spring Street, Nevada City, CA, 95959

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Rural

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage2/20

1 year running

Size11/15

~143 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details8/15

5 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw5/10

runners from 8 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:30:13

Weather2/10

typical high 72°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

48°

Afternoon (High)

72°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

50%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 143 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

143

Median time

2:28:23

Latest turnout

143

States

8

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:30p50 median ≈ 2:254:05
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Champion Mine Trail Race?

The Champion Mine Trail Race is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Champion Mine Trail Race take place?

It takes place in Nevada City, California.

What distances does the Champion Mine Trail Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.

Is the Champion Mine Trail Race course flat and good for a PR?

The Champion Mine Trail Race is a hilly, loop course course.

How many people run the Champion Mine Trail Race?

HalfRuns has finish records for 143 runners who have completed the Champion Mine Trail Race.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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