The 2026 Nine Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run will take place on March 14, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California, starting and finishing at the Jesusita Trailhead on San Roque Road. Santa Barbara typically experiences mild to warm weather in March, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F and minimal precipitation. Participants can expect a challenging 35-mile out-and-back route that traverses technical, steep, and rocky trails, including sections of mixed terrain, creek crossings, and hot, dusty catwalks. The course features a vertical gain and descent of over 10,000 feet, making it an extremely demanding endurance test for experienced trail runners. The event also includes a 17-mile fun run option for those seeking a less intense experience.
What is the event's course structure?
→The 35-mile race follows an out-and-back route from the Jesusita Trailhead to the Romero Canyon Trailhead and back
→The course includes steep climbs, rocky sections, technical descents, and creek crossings
→The 17-mile fun run is an out-and-back route from the Jesusita Trailhead to the Gibraltar Road Aid Station and back
What distances are available for this event?
→35-mile endurance run
→17-mile fun run
What are the course details for the 35-mile event?
→The course starts at the Jesusita Trailhead and finishes at the same location
→The route includes a climb of approximately 4 miles to Inspiration Point, followed by a descent to Tunnel Trail
→Runners will climb the rocky Tunnel Trail to the Rattle Snake Trail junction, then follow Rattle Snake Trail to Gibraltar Road
→The course continues with a mile-long descent on Gibraltar Road to the West Cold Spring Trailhead, followed by a long, steep downhill on the West Cold Spring Trail to the canyon bottom
→The route includes a creek crossing, a climb to the Hot Spring Connector, and a steep, hot, dusty section known as the Edison Catwalk
→The course also features a descent along the Buena Vista Trail and a final climb to the Romero Canyon Trailhead, which serves as the turnaround point
→Runners retrace the entire route back to the Jesusita Trailhead
What are the cut-off times for the 35-mile event?
→1:00 PM at Mile 17 (Romero Canyon Aid Station)
→4:00 PM at Mile 26 (Gibraltar Road Aid Station)
→7:00 PM at Mile 25 (Cater Water Treatment Plant)
What are the cut-off times for the 17-mile fun run?
→1:00 PM at Mile 9 (Gibraltar Road Aid Station turnaround)
→5:00 PM at Mile 18 (Cater Water Treatment Plant)
What aid stations are available on the 35-mile course?
→Aid stations are located at Miles 9, 17, 26, 31, and the finish line
What aid stations are available on the 17-mile course?
→Three aid stations are provided along the 17-mile route
What course markings and navigation tools are provided?
→The course is minimally marked with colored ribbon
→Participants are strongly encouraged to pre-ride or familiarize themselves with the trails
→A GPX digital map is required and will be provided prior to the event
What are the requirements for participating in the 35-mile event?
→The event is intended for experienced distance trail runners only
→The course is not crew or spectator friendly, with limited support on course
→Parking is not available at the start/finish areas; participants must arrange for drop-off and pick-up transportation
What is included in the registration for the 35-mile event?
→Aid stations on the course
→A technical tee shirt
→A finishers award
What is the pricing for the event?
→35-mile event: $200.00 (Total: $216.50 including taxes and fees) – 1 spot available
→17-mile fun run: $125.00 (Total: $136.62 including taxes and fees)
What is the event's contingency plan for course modifications?
→The traditional SB9T course (Jesusita to Romero Canyon and back) is currently permitted
→The course may be modified by the US Forest Service due to fire or flood damage
What is the start time for the 17-mile fun run?
→The 17-mile fun run starts at 9:00 AM at the Jesusita Trailhead, San Roque Road, Santa Barbara, CA
What is the event's schedule?
→The 35-mile event starts at the Jesusita Trailhead
→The 17-mile fun run starts at 9:00 AM at the same location
Are there any awards or prizes for participants?
→Finishers of the 35-mile event receive a finishers award
