
2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K)
The Lake Chabot Trail Challenge offers a scenic, hilly loop with ridge-line views of the lake and distant mountains.
Race Date
Jun 7, 2026
Location
Castro Valley, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Location
- Castro Valley, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,431
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Lake Chabot Trail Challenge, now in its 42nd year, is a beloved event for serious trail runners in the Bay Area. This race, first run in 1984, typically sees around 119 finishers, with about a quarter returning year after year, drawing participants from approximately five states.
The half marathon course is a scenic, hilly loop primarily on dirt fire roads. Runners will experience ridge-line views overlooking Lake Chabot, rolling grassy slopes, and fragrant eucalyptus groves. On clear days, the majestic Mt. Diablo and the San Francisco Bay are visible, adding to the stunning backdrop. Aid stations with first aid and radio support are available, though carrying personal hydration is recommended.
The event includes a 5K option, which is an out-and-back on paved surfaces with gentle rolling hills. Both races start early, with the half marathon kicking off at 8 am and the 5K at 8:30 am. Participants are advised to arrive early to manage parking, packet pickup, and restroom facilities before the 3.5-hour time limit for the half marathon.
Race-provided description
“Beginning July 1, 2024, the “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478, makes it illegal for businesses to advertise or list a price for a good or service that does not include all required fees or charges other than certain government taxes and shipping costs.” RACE INFO: We are so excited to celebrate the 42nd annual Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon and 5K. This race is well regarded amongst serious trail runners in the outlying areas. The race begins at 8am for the Half Marathon and 8:30am for the 5K. Please arrive early so that you may find parking, pick up your bibs, use restrooms facilities, and be properly prepared to race before the start. Race takes place rain or shine and there are no refunds. RACE COURSE: The half marathon course is a scenic, hilly loop, mainly on dirt fire roads. The ridge-line views look down upon scenic Lake Chabot, surrounding grassy slopes, and eucalyptus groves. Mt. Diablo and San Francisco Bay are visible along the route. There are water stations with first aid and radio support; we recommend bringing your own hydration as well. The half marathon has a time limit of 3.5 hours. The 5k (3.1 miles) course is an out and back that has gentle rolling hills and consists mostly of paved surfaces. This route includes one water station with first aid and radio support. RACE FEE: Pre-registered runners will be guaranteed a t-shirt if registered by Sunday, May 10th, 2026. The price for the 5K is $40 and Half Marathon $65. You must register by Saturday, June 6th. We will accept race day registration; however, the price for the 5K is $45 and Half Marathon $70. If you register on race day, we can only accept cash, check or Venmo. There is a nominal fee (~$5) for Chabot parking lot. Free parking on Lake Chabot Rd and nearby streets. RACE PACKET & BIB PICK-UP: We will have race packet and bib pick-up on Sunday, June 7th starting at 7am at the Willow picnic site which is also the finish line area. We will not be mailing out any race packets or bibs. Both races are chip-timed. T-SHIRT: Entry fee includes short sleeve, high quality t-shirts for registrations by May 10th so sign-up early. There are no guarantee of t-shirts for runners registered after that date and on race day. We ask for those who did not get a shirt to check in after the race. Please ensure that you select the appropriate t-shirt size. We will not be doing any size exchanges from your original request. AWARDS: Finisher's medals to those who complete their race. Age division medals given to the top 3 in each of 12 age divisions in the half marathon and 9 age divisions in the 5K. Photos: Race photos are being provided by Darrell Lavin of Darrell Lavin Photography. You will receive an email post-race for instructions on how to access and purchase official race photos. QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Lunt at teamlunt07@gmail.com. DIRECTIONS: The entrance closest to the event's parking lot is: 17404 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546. On Google Maps, this will appear as "Entry of Lake Chabot Parking Space." The registration area and start lines are just a few minutes walk from the lot ( just follow the signs).
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Cotton T-Shirt
Start Location
17404 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA, 94546
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7210 years running
~119 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 5 states
winner 1:23:25
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
68°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,431 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,431
Median time
2:20:43
Latest turnout
119
States
18
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K)?
The 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K) is held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K) take place?
It takes place in Castro Valley, California.
What distances does the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K) offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K) course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K) is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K)?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,431 runners who have completed the 2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K).
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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