Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Run a flat, fast half marathon along the Sacramento Rail Trail near Shasta Dam.
Race Date
Apr 24, 2027
Location
Shasta Lake, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 24, 2027
- Location
- Shasta Lake, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 520
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Nail the Rail Half Marathon offers a unique running experience along the Sacramento Rail Trail, a converted railway line stretching over 11 miles from the base of Shasta Dam. This course is celebrated for its exceptionally flat and fast profile, making it an ideal setting for runners aiming for personal bests.
Participants will enjoy scenic views of the Sacramento River and Keswick Lake in the cool morning air. The race, which also includes 10K and 5K options, typically sees around 201 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 4 states. With a repeat-runner loyalty of about 15%, it's a race that builds a dedicated following.
The event is USATF certified and promises a well-organized day, with a limited field size capped at 500. Runners can expect finisher awards for the half marathon, age group awards, and overall awards, capped by a 3-hour, 15-minute time limit.
Race-provided description
Join us for a stroll along the Sacramento Rail Trail. A converted Southern Pacific Railroad track that starts at the base of Shasta Dam and runs for over 11 miles. Enjoy a the view along the Sacramento River/Keswick Lake in the cool of the morning. Trail is very flat and fast. Field is limited to 500. Races include a half marathon, 10K and 5K. Finisher awards to Half marathoners. Awards 3 deep in age groups, plus overall awards. Start/Finish will be from the Chappie OHV area at the base of Shasta Dam. Once you cross Shasta Dam you will follow the road down to the OHV area. Race day registration and packet pickup opens at 7am at OHV area. Packet pickup and registration on Friday the 23rd from 11am to 3pm at Redding Fleet Feet Store at 1376 Hilltop Dr. Start times: Half Marathon - 8am 5K & 10K - 8:15am Cutoff time of 3hrs 15 minutes for half-marathon.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 24, 2027
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt short sleeve
Start Location
16349 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA, 96019
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
CA23010TEB · 2023 Nail the Rail Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout624 years running
~201 finishers a year
growing or steady
15% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 4 states
winner 1:14:34
typical high 73°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
73°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
54%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 520 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
520
Median time
2:07:36
Latest turnout
201
States
10
Turnout by year
2023–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K?
The Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is held on Saturday, April 24, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K take place?
It takes place in Shasta Lake, California.
What distances does the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K.
Is the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 520 runners who have completed the Nail the Rail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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