Horseshoe Lake Trail Run
Horseshoe Lake Trail Run offers stunning Pacific Ocean views on a challenging Bay Area Ridge Trail course.
Race Date
Apr 17, 2027
Location
Los Gatos, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Location
- Los Gatos, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5.1 Miles, 30K, 26.2 Miles, 31.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 464
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Horseshoe Lake Trail Run winds through the scenic Skyline, Long Ridge, and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves, offering a true taste of the Bay Area's natural beauty. Runners will traverse sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, where the dramatic vistas of the Pacific Ocean meet the rolling Santa Cruz Mountains.
This event is not for the faint of heart, with its challenging terrain and significant elevation changes. The course demands resilience, rewarding participants with unparalleled coastal scenery. The competition typically sees around 61 finishers, with a small but dedicated group returning year after year, drawn by the unique landscape and the promise of a demanding yet rewarding run.
Completing the half-marathon is a significant achievement, celebrated with a commemorative t-shirt. The race, while modest in scale, provides a memorable experience for those seeking a rugged trail adventure with breathtaking ocean backdrops.
Race-provided description
The course is within the Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge, and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves. The majority of the course is along the Bay Area Ridge Trail with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountains. (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor's measuring wheel.)
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (Circle Parking Lot), Los Gatos, CA, 95033
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Coastal, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick465 years running
~61 finishers a year
shrinking
6% returning runners
3 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 4 states
winner 1:43:38
typical high 59°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
59°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.0"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
84%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 464 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
464
Median time
2:24:57
Latest turnout
36
States
17
Turnout by year
2022–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run?
The Horseshoe Lake Trail Run is held on Saturday, April 17, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Los Gatos, California.
What distances does the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5.1 Miles, 30K, 26.2 Miles, 31.1 Miles.
Is the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Horseshoe Lake Trail Run is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 464 runners who have completed the Horseshoe Lake Trail Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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