Mt. Madonna Challenge
The Mt. Madonna Challenge offers a scenic redwood forest trail run with panoramic county views.
Race Date
Aug 8, 2026
Location
Gilroy, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location
- Gilroy, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K trail run
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Course
The Experience
The Mt. Madonna Challenge invites runners into a world of towering redwood trees, where the trails wind through a serene forest landscape. As participants ascend, they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, offering a true sense of accomplishment.
This event is designed for trail enthusiasts, featuring a course that balances the tranquility of the woods with the exhilaration of reaching scenic overlooks. The typical race-day weather, averaging between 56–82°F, provides a comfortable environment for tackling the trails, whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying the natural beauty.
With multiple distances including 10K and 5K trail runs, the Mt. Madonna Challenge caters to a range of abilities, all while celebrating the unique environment of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Race-provided description
Participants run among soaring redwood trees. Trail runners peak mountains that showcase beautiful views of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sand Benito County.
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 9 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 82°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
82°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Mt. Madonna Challenge?
The Mt. Madonna Challenge is held on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Where does the Mt. Madonna Challenge take place?
It takes place in Gilroy, California.
What distances does the Mt. Madonna Challenge offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K trail run.
Is the Mt. Madonna Challenge course flat and good for a PR?
The Mt. Madonna Challenge is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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