
Heart of Cool Trail Run
The Heart of Cool Trail Run offers a scenic half marathon through Sierra Foothills trails.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Cool, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Cool, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,381
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Heart of Cool Trail Run invites participants to explore the beautiful trails of Cool, California, weaving through the Sierra Foothills. This event shares its course with legendary races like the Western States 100 Mile and Way Too Cool 50k, promising a taste of challenging and scenic terrain.
With a median field size of around 67 finishers and a repeat-runner loyalty of approximately 28%, the race has cultivated a dedicated following. Runners typically hail from about 4 states, drawn to the unique environment. The course is a loop, designed to be relatively flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for a range of abilities.
Proceeds from the Heart of Cool Trail Run benefit Georgetown Divide Ready by 21, Inc., supporting youth development programs and offering scholarships for children with heart disease to attend Camp Taylor. Participants can expect a family-friendly atmosphere, with a post-race pancake breakfast and childcare options available, making it a community-focused event.
Race-provided description
Are you looking for a fun run for a great cause? If so, HoC 5k, 10k and half marathon is just what you are looking for! Proceeds from this race support programs funded through Georgetown Divide Ready by 21, Inc. (GDRB21). It is a nonprofit organization that brings together committed partners who understand youth development and are moving forward to support the youth in our community. We work with many partners throughout the Georgetown Divide and El Dorado county. In addition, a percentage of the funds will also be used to scholarship a child to attend Camp Taylor, a camp specifically designed for youth with heart disease. Register by September 30 to receive a HoC shirt with registration. All half marathon participants receive something new for 2026 (TBD). Check out our Instagram or Facebook page for a photo of the design, once it is launched. This is a family friendly event and we highly encourage you to bring the whole family! We offer a family discount package for immediate family members for the 5k and 10k distance! If you want to participate in the event without your child, take advantage of our $8 per child - child care for children ages 3 and up! We will have a post race pancake breakfast. The Heart of Cool Trail Run traverses some of the best trails Cool, CA and the Sierra Foothills have to offer. Run on the same trails as many of the famous local (and world renowned) events such as Western States 100 Mile, Way too Cool 50k, Rio Del Lago 100 Mile, and many more! To reduce waste and the possibility of littering our trails, this will be a cup free event. Be sure to bring a cup or water bottle that can be refilled at aid stations. Packet and bib pick up will be on Race Day. Registration will be available online until the start of each event! We can always use volunteers for this event. If you are able to lend a hand during the race, or the day before, please click on the Volunteer tab.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-shirt
Start Location
860 Cave Valley Rd., Cool, CA, 95614
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Rural
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick546 years running
~67 finishers a year
shrinking
28% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 4 states
winner 1:44:15
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
58%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,381 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,381
Median time
2:59:24
Latest turnout
61
States
6
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Heart of Cool Trail Run?
The Heart of Cool Trail Run is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Heart of Cool Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Cool, California.
What distances does the Heart of Cool Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the Heart of Cool Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Heart of Cool Trail Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Heart of Cool Trail Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,381 runners who have completed the Heart of Cool Trail Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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