HalfRuns
Santa Cruz Trail Run

Santa Cruz Trail Run

Santa Cruz Trail Run offers a redwood-infused race through Henry Cowell State Park.

Race Date

Aug 22, 2026

Location

Felton, CA

Solid Pick53

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
479

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishWell SupportedGreat Post Race

Course

ShadedWell Marked

The Experience

The Santa Cruz Trail Run immerses participants in the majestic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Runners navigate a course featuring coiling single-track, expansive roads, and paths, with the added sensory experience of ocean breezes from the nearby coast.

The 21.1 km distance, along with 10K and 18.2-mile options, presents a challenging yet beautiful route. Expect river crossings and high ridges, with aid stations strategically placed every 5-6 miles to support runners through the strenuous sections. The race, first run in 2022, typically sees around 125 finishers, drawing participants from about 8 states.

This event is family-friendly, with ample opportunities for spectators to cheer and enjoy the park. Post-race, participants are treated to food fit for royalty, capping off a day surrounded by giant redwoods and coastal air. With a 6-hour time limit and a capacity of 330 runners across all distances, it offers an intimate trail running experience.

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 Pick53
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size10/15

~116 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty16/20

16% returning runners

Course & details8/15

5 timing sources · 4 photos

National draw5/10

runners from 8 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:59:52

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 479 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

479

Median time

2:55:45

Latest turnout

125

States

9

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:45p50 median ≈ 2:507:00

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
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 is held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM.

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 479 runners who have completed the Santa Cruz Trail Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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