San Lorenzo River Trail Run
San Lorenzo River Trail Run weaves through ancient redwoods and river crossings.
Race Date
Jul 11, 2026
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Location
- Santa Cruz, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.3 Miles, 30K, 26.2 Miles, 50K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 657
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
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
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
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on AllTrails
4 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick5914 years running
~135 finishers a year
growing or steady
10% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:36:07
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
75%
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
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the San Lorenzo River Trail Run?
The San Lorenzo River Trail Run is held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the San Lorenzo River Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Santa Cruz, California.
What distances does the San Lorenzo River Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.3 Miles, 30K, 26.2 Miles, 50K.
Is the San Lorenzo River Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The San Lorenzo River Trail Run is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the San Lorenzo River Trail Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 657 runners who have completed the San Lorenzo River Trail Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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