Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon

The Saddleback Marathon takes place in the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest, starting from Black Star Canyon Road in Silverado, California. Established in 1988, this trail event features a course that has been rerouted to Black Star Canyon due to the continued closure of Blue Jay campgrounds. The event offers four distinct distances to accommodate different preferences:

• Marathon: Features 4,244 feet of elevation gain and reaches Skyline Drive in Corona.
• 25k: Includes 2,517 feet of elevation gain, turning around at the Doppler on N. Main Divide.
• Half Marathon: Involves 1,773 feet of elevation gain and passes a historic Indian village.
• 10k: A mostly flat route with 706 feet of elevation gain and a few switchbacks.

The marathon distance begins by following a creek into the canyon along a relatively flat truck trail for approximately 2.5 miles. Runners then climb switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve to reach the N. Main Divide. Course support is provided through six approximate aid station locations. The marathon and 25k distances are subject to time cut-offs at specific points, such as Skyline Bottom and the Doppler Ball.

Participants check in on the morning of the event at the designated location. The event maintains a strict no-refund policy; however, if the race is cancelled due to external circumstances such as fire or government shutdowns, entries are typically applied to the following year's event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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