
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Start Time
8:45 AM
Start Location
101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018
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
Course Map
View Course Map
Download gpx file
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick534 years running
~116 finishers a year
growing or steady
16% returning runners
5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 8 states
winner 1:59:52
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2022–2025
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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