2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run
San Lorenzo River Trail Run weaves through ancient redwoods and river crossings.
Expected Race Date
~Jul 2027
Date not yet announced — this is when the race usually runs.
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- around July 2027 (expected)
- Location
- Santa Cruz, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The San Lorenzo River Trail Run drops you into a world of 300-foot coastal redwoods, stream canyons, and chaparral ridges in Santa Cruz. Now in its 14th year, this intimate trail event draws around 135 finishers from roughly 10 states, with about 10% returning annually. The half marathon, 30K, marathon, and 50K courses cross the San Lorenzo River multiple times, offering a varied terrain of forest, meadows, and oak groves.
Expect a low-key, community-driven atmosphere where the focus is on the wild beauty of the California coast. While the elevation data is unreliable, the course is rolling and entirely on trails, making it a hidden gem for trail runners seeking a scenic challenge. The post-race includes a T-shirt, and the small field ensures a personal experience.
Race-provided description
Run through 300 foot tall, 1500 year-old Coastal Redwoods, lush stream canyons, open meadows, pine and oak forests, and high dry chaparral-covered ridges. The Half Marathon, 30K, Marathon, and 50K events cross the San Lorenzo River (shown above) multiple times! (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor's measuring wheel.)
Logistics
Race Day
around July 2027 (expected)
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
Harvey West Park (Friendship Picnic Area), Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Lake River
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Solid Pick5914 years running
~135 finishers a year
growing or steady
10% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:36:07
typical high 75°F
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run?
The 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run hasn't announced its next date yet, but it typically takes place around July 2027 (expected).
Where does the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Santa Cruz, California.
What distances does the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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