

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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Quality Score
1 year running
~143 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
5 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 8 states
winner 1:30:13
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
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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