2026 Old West Trail Runs
The 2026 Old West Trail Runs will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground, located at 7878 Great Overland Stage Route of 1849 in Julian, California. The event will occur in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, where spring conditions are expected to bring overnight lows around 40°F and daytime highs around 70°F. Participants will experience a unique trail running adventure through singletrack, sandy jeep roads, and the California Riding & Hiking Trail. The course offers a variety of distances, including a 50K, a marathon, and a half marathon, all traversing the scenic and rugged desert landscape.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50K
- →Marathon
- →Half Marathon
When is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Where is the event hosted?
The event is hosted at the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground, located at 7878 Great Overland Stage Route of 1849 in Julian, California.
What are the start times for each distance?
- →7:00 AM: 50K & Marathon
- →7:30 AM: Half Marathon
What is the registration deadline for this event?
Registration will close on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
How much does registration cost?
- →50K: $160.00 | Total: $173.90 (incl. taxes & fees)
- →Marathon: $140.00 | Total: $152.60 (incl. taxes & fees)
- →Half Marathon: $125.00 | Total: $136.62 (incl. taxes & fees)
Are there any course records for this event?
- →50K: Men: Robert Webber 3:46:03 (2018) | Women: Olivia Horgan 4:24:10 (2025)
- →Marathon: Men: Tanner Hallihan 3:33:10 (2022) | Women: Julie Jackson 3:55:07 (2025)
- →Half Marathon: Men: Paul Shields 1:24:41 (2024) | Women: Jessica Schnier 1:34:29 (2025)
What is the total elevation gain and loss for each distance?
- →50K & Marathon: ~2,555 feet total elevation gain & loss
- →Half Marathon: ~670 feet total elevation gain & loss
What amenities and perks are included with registration?
- →One tech race shirt included with entry (order by December 15th to guarantee size)
- →Finisher medals for all participants
- →Hot showers available post-race
- →Camping at Stagecoach Trails RV Resort with full hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and free Wi-Fi
- →Stagecoach Inn lodging and modular western cabins also available
- →Family-friendly event; dogs allowed in campground (not on state park trails)
What is the course route for the 50K and marathon?
Runners start at Stagecoach Trails RV Resort and head to Blair Valley. 50K runners turn around at Blair Valley and return to Stage Coach Saddle aid station. Marathon and half marathon runners complete a short loop with a shortcut to Stage Coach aid station. From Stage Coach aid station, 50K and marathoners follow combined orange/yellow ribbons ~1 mile on the California Riding & Hiking Trail to a sandy jeep road, then continue straight (orange ribbons) for ~6.5 miles to Plum Canyon aid station, return the same route, then turn right onto the jeep road following combined ribbons to the finish.
What is the course route for the half marathon?
Half Marathoners turn left onto the sandy jeep road at the junction (still marked with combined orange/yellow ribbons) and follow it back to the start/finish.
Where can I find course maps and route information?
Course maps and route information are available at Visit Website ↗.