2026 Montara Mountain Trail Run

The 2026 Montara Mountain Trail Run will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at San Pedro Valley Park, located at 600 Oddstad Boulevard in Pacifica, California. Situated within the Montara Mountain coastal range, the event offers a unique opportunity to run through the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat along more than 100 miles of Northern California coastline. Participants will experience a mix of rugged single-track trails, dirt fire roads, and minimal paved sections, with significant elevation gains across all distances. The event is expected to take place in partly cloudy conditions with a high of around 55°F (13°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C), with light winds and no precipitation anticipated.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Kids Run (50-yard dash, ages 6 & under)
• →10K
• →Half Marathon
• →20 Miles
• →Marathon
• →50K

What are the start times for each distance?

• →Kids Run (50-yard dash, ages 6 & under): 7:45 AM PST
• →10K: 8:10 AM PST
• →Half Marathon: 8:00 AM PST
• →20 Miles: 8:00 AM PST
• →Marathon: 8:00 AM PST
• →50K: 8:00 AM PST

What is the terrain composition for each course?

• →10K: 89% single-track, 5% dirt road, 6% asphalt
• →Half Marathon/Marathon/50K: 73–75% single-track, 23–25% dirt road, 2–3% asphalt
• →20 Miles: 68% single-track, 30% dirt road, 2% asphalt

How is the course marked?

Ribbon flagging is placed approximately every 200 yards with distance-specific color sequences. Critical turns are marked with polka-dot flagging positioned before intersections. Blue ribbons indicate wrong-way directions, and runners should retrace their steps if they haven't seen their designated color flagging for 3–4 minutes.

What is the time limit for each event?

All events have a time limit of 9 hours.

What amenities are provided at aid stations?

Aid stations are fully stocked and located every 6–7 miles, offering water, Skratch Labs electrolyte drink, fresh fruit, salty snacks, and candy. This is a cupless event, and runners must carry their own hydration vessel. Limited disposable cups are available upon request at aid stations.

What are the race day logistics?

Check-in opens at 7:00 AM at the Walnut Grove picnic area, and runners are advised to arrive 45 minutes before their start time. Drop bags are accepted for 20-mile, marathon, and 50K runners at the Start/Finish. Bib numbers indicate the registered distance, and changes must be requested by check-in.

What important notes should participants be aware of?

Poison oak is present throughout the park, so runners should stay on marked trails and wash with Tecnu post-run. Headphones are permitted only on dirt road sections and prohibited on single-track, road crossings, at aid stations, and the finish line. No dogs are allowed on the course or left unattended in vehicles. Bees and yellow jackets may be active, so precautions should be taken if allergic.

What awards and swag are included?

All participants receive a custom finisher medal. 50K finishers also receive a custom coaster. T-shirts are provided to all pre-registered runners, guaranteed if registered 10 business days prior. Overall awards include race credits for the top 3 male and female finishers in each distance.

How much does registration cost?

• →10K: $64.60
• →Half Marathon: $75.20
• →20 Miles: $80.50
• →Marathon: $85.80
• →50K: $96.40

What is the registration deadline?

Registration pricing increases after February 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. Current rates include processing fees.