The 2026 Billy Goat Mountain Climb will take place on April 4, 2026, in Silverado, California, within the Cleveland National Forest. This trail and mixed-terrain event is set against the backdrop of a historic mining town that dates back to 1878. Participants can expect a challenging route with significant elevation gain, including a nearly 3,800-foot ascent for the full 17-mile Silverado Loop. The event features a variety of distances, from a 10K to a full marathon, with aid stations providing water, electrolytes, and light calories along the way. Weather in Silverado on April 4 is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F and partly cloudy conditions, though participants should be prepared for variable trail conditions.
What distances are available for this event?
→Silverado Loop (17 miles)
→1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles)
→10K (6.2 miles)
What is the schedule for the event?
→Silverado Loop: Check-in from 5:30-6:20 AM, race start at 6:30 AM
→1/2 Marathon and 10K: Check-in from 7:00-7:45 AM, race start at 8:00 AM
→Early starts are available with Race Director approval for slower runners only
What are the race cut-off times?
→Silverado Loop: Must reach Aid Station #3 (mile 10.5) by 10:30 AM
→1/2 Marathon: Must reach Aid Station #2 (mile 6.5) by 10:30 AM
→Runners who miss cutoff will receive ride assistance down the mountain from aid station crews
What aid stations are available on the course?
→Silverado Loop: Aid Stations at miles 5, 8, 10.5 (cut-off), and 13.5
→1/2 Marathon: Aid Stations at miles 3, 6.5 (cut-off), and 10
→10K: Aid Station at mile 3
What is included in the race day entry?
→Race day shirt
→Finish line snacks and refreshments
→Finisher medal
→Special awards for top 3 overall finishers in each distance
→No refunds are available under normal circumstances
→If the race is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the race director's control (such as fire, wildlife protection, or government shutdown), entries will be applied to the following year's Billy Goat race
→If the new race date does not fit a participant's schedule, they can transfer the entry or run one of the distances of the Saddleback Marathon (typically held in November)
What are the course details?
→The course features mixed terrain, including asphalt roads transitioning to dirt truck trails
→Significant elevation change is required, with the full loop including up to 3,800+ feet of elevation gain
→Shuttles are provided from the starting area to the finish location
What is the historical context of the event location?
→The event takes place in Silverado, a historic mining town that dates back to 1878
→The route passes through areas such as Lost Woman Canyon and Maple Springs Road, offering scenic views and challenging terrain
What are the transportation and bib pickup details?
→Shuttle start location: St. Michael's Riviera lot, across the street from the Silverado Community Center on Silverado Canyon Road
→Community Center Address: 27641 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA
→Bib pickup location will be determined, but race day pickup is also available
What should participants expect in terms of weather?
→Weather in Silverado on April 4, 2026, is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F and partly cloudy conditions
→Participants should be prepared for variable trail conditions in the Cleveland National Forest, including potential changes in weather throughout the day
What are the key features of the course?
→The Silverado Loop is an out-and-back route with nearly 3,800 feet of elevation gain
→The 1/2 Marathon and 10K follow similar terrain, with the 10K turning around at Dead Man's Curve
→The route includes asphalt roads, dirt truck trails, and switchbacks, with key points such as Dead Man's Curve, Four Corners, and N. Main Divide
What are the course contingency plans?
→The race director's first choice is not to cancel or postpone the event
→In the event of trail unavailability, the course may be re-routed to Plan B without prior notice
→Trails may become unavailable for various reasons without warning, and participants should be prepared for potential changes to the route
