Saddleback Marathon
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About the race
The Saddleback Marathon is a trail running event on November 7, 2026 in Silverado, CA, organized within the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest. The race uses Black Star Canyon as the primary start location after Blue Jay campgrounds remained closed following the "Airport" Fire.
Distances
- Marathon
- 25k
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The marathon begins on Black Star Canyon Road and follows the creek into the canyon on a truck trail for about 2.5 miles. At the Falls turnoff runners climb several switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve, continue up to the Doppler on N. Main Divide, travel back on Black Star, then continue on to Skyline Drive into Corona before returning the same way. Elevation gain for the marathon is 4,244 feet.
The new 25k follows the marathon route to the Doppler on N. Main Divide and then returns to the start, with total gain of 2,517 feet.
The half marathon follows the same initial route into the Mariposa Reserve, continues another 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village, and returns to the finish, with 1,773 feet of gain.
The 10k follows the common start, includes a few switchbacks up Black Star Canyon Road before turning back, and has 706 feet of gain.
Aid stations are provided at approximate mile points along the course. There are cutoffs at Skyline Bottom (13 miles) for the marathon and at the Doppler Ball (8 miles) for the 25k. No refunds are offered; entries may be applied to the following year if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond the director's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
