2026 SoCalUltraTrail at Tejon Ranch

The 2026 SoCalUltraTrail at Tejon Ranch will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lebec, California, at the Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center. Located on Tejon Ranch, one of the largest expanse of private land in California, the event is situated approximately one hour north of Los Angeles and 30 minutes from Bakersfield, with convenient access off Interstate 5. The race is expected to have temperatures ranging from the low 40s to 60°F on race day, with the possibility of snowfall at Grapevine Peak. Participants will experience a unique trail running event on fire roads, with no road running segments, traversing diverse biomes, including ancient oak woodlands, sagebrush plains, and high desert vistas, offering panoramic views of the Tehachapi Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Tehachapi 100k (Ultra): 61.6 miles with 12,002' of elevation gain
• →Grapevine 50k (Ultra): 32.49 miles with 5,473' of elevation gain
• →Castac Lake 25k (Trail): 15.86 miles with 2,858' of elevation gain
• →Foothills 11k (Trail): 6.96 miles with 944' of elevation gain

What is the course surface like?

The course runs entirely on fire roads, which are well-maintained, vehicle-accessible dirt or gravel roads.

What kind of terrain and environment can participants expect?

The course traverses a variety of biomes, including ancient 300-year-old oaks, spring wildflower blooms, Joshua trees, sagebrush plains, and riparian creeks. Runners will encounter diverse landscapes such as canyons, creeks, and ridgelines, with panoramic views of the Tehachapi Mountains, Mount Pinos, the Angeles National Forest, and the Central Valley.

What wildlife might participants encounter?

Participants may see a variety of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, wild turkey, California mule deer, wild boar, black bear, bobcat, coyotes, raptors, and working ranch cattle.

What is the race schedule?

• →Tehachapi 100k: Starts at 7:00 AM
• →Grapevine 50k: Starts at 8:00 AM
• →Castac Lake 25k: Starts at 9:00 AM
• →Foothills 11k: Starts at 9:30 AM

Overnight camping is available starting on Friday, February 27, and the course closes at 1:00 AM on Sunday, March 1.

What aid stations are available along the course?

• →Tehachapi 100k: Pastoria Creek (mi 11), Marble Spring (mi 16.2), Geghus Ridge (mi 24), DWR (mi 31.1), Bear Trap 2 (mi 34.1), Edmunston (mi 42.5), Crew Access (mi 46), Grapevine Peak (mi 50.9), Homestretch (mi 57.9), Finish (mi 61.6)
• →Grapevine 50k: Bear Trap 1 (mi 5), Edmunston (mi 13.3), Crew Access (mi 16.4), Grapevine Peak (mi 21.3), Homestretch (mi 28.4), Finish (mi 32)
• →Castac Lake 25k: Crane Canyon (mi 5.6), Bear Trap (mi 11), Homestretch (mi 12.1), Castac Lake (mi 14.5), Finish
• →Foothills 11k: Castac Lake 1 (mi 2.0), Castac Lake 2 (mi 5.2), Finish

What is the race's weather forecast?

Race day temperatures typically range from the low 40s to 60°F, with the possibility of snowfall at Grapevine Peak.

What is included in the race registration?

Participants receive access to the course, aid stations, medical support, and the finish line festival, which includes hot meals, a beer garden for 21+ participants, music, and finisher celebrations. Awards include custom belt buckles for the 100k, finisher medals for all distances, overall and age group awards, and prize purse opportunities for ultra winners.

Are there any special rules or features?

The event is a cupless race, meaning participants must bring their own hydration vessels, though race cups are available for purchase. Live tracking is available via ultrasignup.com, and spectators may access one aid station for crew or spectator parking. Pacers are available for the Grapevine climb.

What are the registration policies?

Entry fees are non-refundable but transferable before February 23, 2026. Partial credits are available for cancellations with 60 days, 30 days, and 14 days notice, offering 75%, 50%, and 25% credit respectively. Volunteers earn $15/hour in race credits, which are transferable, and 2026 volunteers receive guaranteed 2027 entry. Active firefighters and race directors may participate for free with verification.

What awards are given to participants?

Awards include custom belt buckles for the 100k, finisher medals for 50k, 25k, and 11k, overall and age group awards, and prize purse opportunities for ultra winners.