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This page covers the 2026 edition, which has already taken place. See the next Santa Cruz Trail Run (expected August 2027) →
Santa Cruz Trail Run

Santa Cruz Trail Run

Santa Cruz Trail Run weaves redwoods, ridges, and coastal breezes into a scenic half.

Race Date

Aug 22, 2026

Location

Felton, CA

Solid Pick54

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location
Felton, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 18.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,794

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishWell SupportedGreat Post Race

Course

Scenic RouteShadedWell Marked

The Experience

Giant redwoods tower over the Santa Cruz Trail Run, a half-marathon that plunges runners into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The course coils through single-track, opens onto expansive roads, crosses sand, and even fords riverbeds before climbing to high ridges. Ocean breezes from the nearby coast provide relief on this strenuous but rewarding route. Aid stations every 5-6 miles keep runners fueled for the next beautiful section.

With a median field of around 112 finishers and runners from roughly eight states, the event maintains an intimate, community feel. About 15% of participants return in later years, drawn by the majestic setting and the challenge. The 6-hour time limit welcomes first-timers, while post-race food fit for a trail-running king or queen awaits at the finish. Families gather in the park to cheer, making this a hidden gem for those seeking a coastal redwoods adventure.

Race-provided description

Giant redwoods dominate the landscape in our Santa Cruz Trail Run. Aside from coiling single-track that opens up to expansive roads and paths–and even sand–participants will enjoy the ocean breezes pouring in from the Santa Cruz coast. This race delivers everything from river crossings to high ridges with aid stations every 5-6 miles for refueling before tackling the next beautiful, albeit strenuous, section. This is a perfect race for family and friends to attend. They can cheer, enjoy Henry Cowell park, and consume post-race food fit for a trail running king or queen! Park Information: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Start Times: 30K – 8:30 AM Half – 8:45 AM 10K – 9:00 AM Check-In & Bib Pickup: Race Morning: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Time Limit: There is a 6 hour time limit for the race. All runners must be off the course by 2:30 PM. Capacity: The Santa Cruz Trail Run has a capacity of 330 runners, across all distances. Parking:  Parking at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is $10.00. There is limited parking along Highway 9 outside of the park. To save some money, we recommend you carpool from Felton (minutes away from the park) or Santa Cruz. Directions: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018 Click for Directions Timing:  All races are professionally chip timed, utilizing MyLaps and Race Director, ensuring your time is captured as accurately as possible. Disposable chips are attached to back of each bib number. Post Race:  We offer a broad selection of sweet and salty snacks, as well as fresh fruit and a diverse line up of pre-packaged food options (chips, cakes, jerkey, etc.). Dog Policy:  Sorry, no dogs are allowed within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Coastal

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

18.2 Miles6.2 Miles

Quality Score

Solid Pick54
Methodology
Heritage20/20

17 years running

Size12/15

~200 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty10/20

10% returning runners

Course & details8/15

7 timing sources · 4 photos

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:49:43

Weather0/10

typical high 76°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

57°

Afternoon (High)

76°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

76%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,794 finishers actually crossed the line across 17 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

1,794

Median time

3:03:21

Latest turnout

105

States

28

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:35p50 median ≈ 2:457:00

Turnout by year

2016–2026

'16'17'19'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Santa Cruz Trail Run?

The Santa Cruz Trail Run was held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM. The next edition is expected August 2027.

Where does the Santa Cruz Trail Run take place?

It takes place in Felton, California.

What distances does the Santa Cruz Trail Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 18.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles.

Is the Santa Cruz Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?

The Santa Cruz Trail Run is a hilly, loop course course.

How many people run the Santa Cruz Trail Run?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,794 runners who have completed the Santa Cruz Trail Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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