Backbone Trail Ultra
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Backbone Trail Ultra
The Backbone Trail Ultra is a long distance trail race in the Santa Monica Mountains, California. The main event covers a 68 mile route that follows the Backbone Trail ridge line and finishes with a descent on the Ray Miller Trail. The course accumulates about 13,600 feet of elevation gain and includes coastal and ridge top scenery with Pacific Ocean views. The route begins at Will Rogers State Park.
The event offers both solo and relay entries. Solo entrants are required to have completed at least one previous 50 mile trail run as proof of experience. Relay teams do not have that prerequisite. Participation is capped at 200 runners.
Organizers note they are working with National Parks, State Parks, MRCA, and other local agencies to secure permits for the planned January 16, 2027 event. Registration is scheduled to open on October 1, 2026. The event has experienced prior disruption when the Woolsey Wildfire damaged sections of the Backbone Trail and led to a past cancellation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
