Monterey Ultra
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Event
The Monterey Ultra is a trail ultramarathon held February 7, 2026, at Fort Ord National Monument and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, CA. The event features a 50.7-mile route (listed as 50 miles) with about 7,080 feet of elevation gain. The 50M field is limited to 150 runners. There is a 14.5 hour course time limit. The race is part of a 50/50 Challenge that pairs this 50M with the Marin Ultra Challenge 50M.
Course and logistics
The course is composed of a 35-mile loop plus a 15-mile loop and includes a mix of wide fire roads, single-track, deep sand, rocky and rooty sections. Trails are marked with colored ribbon about every 200 meters; blue ribbons indicate wrong-way trails. Runners should plan to start with a headlamp since sunrise is near 7:00 AM, and those likely to be out after dusk should keep a headlamp in a drop bag. Drop bags are provided at Skyline (mile 17.1 and mile 39.1) and Laguna Seca (mile 35.9); drop bags must be placed at the designated area before race morning. Crew access is limited: only Laguna Seca and Toro Creek aid stations are readily accessible by vehicle. Pacers may join at Laguna Seca (mile 35.9). Parking is available within the Laguna Seca Recreation Area adjacent to the start/finish area.
Aid, rules and support
The event is cupless; runners must carry their own bottle or reusable cup. Aid stations offer gels, chews, Stroopwafels, sandwiches, fruit, salty snacks, soda, water and Skratch Hydration (80–100 calories per 20 fl oz). Timing and live aid-station tracking are provided by partners; a small fee applies for tracking.
Awards and policies
Overall awards are by gun time; age-group awards use chip time. All finishers receive a custom medal; 50M finishers also receive a custom hat. Entry fees are non-refundable; race credit may be issued for cancellations received at least four weeks before the event and is valid for one year. Shirt size guarantee requires registration by January 24, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
