Carmel Valley Trail Race
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Carmel Valley Trail Race overview
The Carmel Valley Trail Race is held at Solana Ranch Park in Carmel Valley and uses trails through Gonzales Canyon Open Space. The event takes place in October; the 2026 edition is scheduled for October 10, 2026. The course layout places a flat start and finish at the park with most elevation in the middle of the routes.
Race options include:
- 5K course on local trails
- 10K out and back course
- 10 Mile out and back course
- 15K offered in past schedules
Trail surfaces include single track, dirt service roads and sandy sections. A short, steep section known locally as "Puke Hill" is part of the courses; it is about one tenth of a mile with roughly 300 feet of climb and appears at different points depending on the distance. Total elevation gain varies by race, reported between about 144 feet and 885 feet.
Course specifics vary by distance. Some courses list one or two aid stations while others list none. Time limits vary by course, for example a 2 hour limit is listed for the 10K and a 3 hour limit for some longer distances. Parking at the park is limited; nearby neighborhood streets are used and may be a five to ten minute walk to the venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
