HalfRuns
2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run

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

Solid Pick57

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
Finishers on record
657

Highlights

Good For

Hidden Gem

Atmosphere

Low KeyLocal Community

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.)

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Solid Pick57
Methodology
Heritage20/20

14 years running

Size11/15

~135 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty10/20

10% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 10 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:36:07

Weather0/10

typical high 75°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

56°

Afternoon (High)

75°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 657 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

657

Median time

3:00:57

Latest turnout

147

States

19

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:35p50 median ≈ 3:006:20

Turnout by year

2022–2025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

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.

How many people run the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run?

HalfRuns has finish records for 657 runners who have completed the 2027 San Lorenzo River Trail Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

The weekly roundup

More races like San Lorenzo River Trail Run, every Thursday.

Standout upcoming half marathons and fresh results in one short email. Free, and one click to leave.

Get it in your inbox

No spam. We never share your email.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Santa Cruz? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races

Nearby States