HalfRuns
2026 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge (Half Marathon & 5K)

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

Standout72

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

Destination WorthyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedWell Supported

Course

Scenic RouteShaded

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

Directions

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

3.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout72
Methodology
Heritage20/20

10 years running

Size10/15

~119 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

24% returning runners

Course & details5/15

3 timing sources

National draw4/10

runners from 5 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:23:25

Weather5/10

typical high 68°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:204:15

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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