Saddleback Marathon
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The Saddleback Marathon : Black Star Canyon, Silverado, CA
The event offers four trail distances organized from Black Star Canyon in the Trabuco District: a full marathon, a new 25k, a half marathon, and a 10k. The race base and most courses run along Black Star Canyon Road and follow a creek into the canyon on a mostly flat truck trail before climbing switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve.
Course highlights and elevation:
- Marathon - starts on Black Star Canyon Road, climbs to the Doppler on N. Main Divide, continues to Skyline Drive into Corona, total elevation gain 4,244 ft.
- 25k - follows the marathon route to the Doppler then returns to the start.
- Half marathon - follows the canyon and switchbacks, continues 1.5 miles past a historic Indian village, elevation gain 1,773 ft.
- 10k - follows the canyon initially, includes a few switchbacks on Black Star Canyon Road, elevation gain 706 ft.
Aid stations are placed at approximate mile markers: 3.1, 6.6, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, and 13.1. The marathon and the 25k include course cutoffs at Skyline Bottom (13 miles) and Doppler Ball (8 miles), respectively. Blue Jay campgrounds remain closed; the route is again run out of Black Star Canyon due to prior fire impacts. The event does not allow refunds; entries may be applied to the following year's race if cancellation is due to circumstances beyond the director's control. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
