Saddleback Marathon
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Event
The Saddleback Marathon takes place Saturday, Nov 7, 2026, in Silverado, CA, operating out of Black Star Canyon in the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest. The event offers four distances: marathon, 25k, half marathon, and 10K. The race was rerouted to Black Star Canyon after Blue Jay campgrounds remained closed due to the "Airport" fire; the event has a history of reroutes and occasional cancellations since it began in 1988. Registration closes Thu, Nov 5.
Course and aid stations
- Marathon - elevation gain 4,244'.
- 25k - follows marathon route to the Doppler, then returns.
- Half Marathon - elevation gain 1,773'.
- 10K - elevation gain 706'.
All races begin on Black Star Canyon Road and follow the creek into the canyon on a truck trail. Marathon runners climb switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve, continue to the Doppler on N. Main Divide, travel back on Black Star and then Skyline Drive into Corona before returning the same way. The 25k turns at the Doppler and returns to the start. The half continues about 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village before returning. The 10K follows the same start, climbs a few switchbacks, then returns.
Aid stations are positioned at approximate mile points: 3.1, 6.6, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 13.1 miles; marathon runners pass these stations again after the turnaround. Refund policy: no refunds; entries may be applied to the following year if the race is cancelled for reasons beyond the director's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
