The 2026 Fort Ord Trail Run is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, taking place within the Fort Ord National Monument in the Salinas, California area. Participants can expect a true trail race on natural-surface singletrack and fire roads that traverse coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and historic military terrain. The weather for this time of year in the region typically features cool to mild morning temperatures, though conditions can vary quickly in the coastal foothills; runners should prepare for rolling hills, sandy stretches, and panoramic views of Monterey Bay.
Course and Terrain
Is this event a trail run?
→Yes, this is a true trail race held entirely on the trail network of Fort Ord National Monument.
→The course consists of natural-surface singletrack and fire roads managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
→The terrain includes coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and historic military terrain.
→The event is sanctioned and technical, held under a Special Recreation Permit by Inside Trail Racing.
Distances and Start Times
What distances are available for this event?
→50K (31 miles): starts at 7:30 AM with an 8.5-hour cutoff
→25K (15.5 miles): starts at 8:00 AM
→10K (6.2 miles): starts at 8:30 AM
All races start and finish at the Turn 10 Shelf in Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Registration Fees
How much does registration cost?
→50K: $163.25 (increases to $168.57 after Feb 1)
→25K: $120.65 (increases to $125.97 after Feb 1)
→10K: $92.81 (increases to $98.12 after Feb 1)
All prices include taxes and fees.
Aid Stations and Support
What supplies are provided at aid stations?
→Gu gels, chews, and Stroopwafels
→Skratch Labs hydration (optimized electrolytes)
→Coke, ginger ale, bananas, watermelon, PB&J, chips, cookies, and salt tablets
Participants are required to carry at least one 20oz bottle, as distances between aid stations vary.
Cupless Policy
Is this a cupless event?
→Yes, no disposable cups are provided at the event.
→Participants must bring their own reusable bottle or cup.
→HydraPak silicone collapsible cups are available for purchase ($5) at the race site.
Timing and Tracking
How is timing handled?
→Timing is provided by UltraLive.net.
→The service includes real-time tracking, splits, and aid station check-ins.
→A $3 fee for this service is included in the registration price.
Swag and Awards
What do finishers receive?
→All finishers receive a custom race medal with the event logo.
→50K finishers receive a branded pint glass.
→The Top 3 Overall (Male and Female per distance) receive custom trophies.
→The Dead Last Finisher (DLF) receives a special "hero" award.
→Age Group Medals (3 deep) are awarded in the following brackets: 13 & under, 14–19, and 10-year brackets up to 70+.
What shirt is included?
→The shirt is a District Perfect-Tri tri-blend performance tee (UPF 30, moisture-wicking, eco-friendly fabric).
→To guarantee your size, you must register by January 24, 2026.
Logistics and Schedule
When is bib pickup?
→Early pickup is on Friday, February 6, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at The Treadmill in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
→Race morning pickup is on Saturday, February 7, from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM at the Start/Finish area.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
→There are no refunds, transfers, or deferrals.
→If you cancel 3+ weeks before race day, you receive a 50% credit toward a future Inside Trail Racing event.
→No credit is issued within 3 weeks of race day, even for injury or emergency.
→In the case of a full cancellation (e.g., wildfire, earthquake), no refunds are given, but deferral may be offered at the organizer's discretion.
→Rain or heat do not cancel the race.
Event Specifics
What makes this event unique?
→The course is located on historic, biodiverse protected federal land.
→It features premium aid station fare and professional timing.
→The event has a strong environmental ethos with a cupless policy and conservation focus.
→The event is home to the endangered Smith’s blue butterfly and was designated a National Monument in 2012.
