Get ready to experience the captivating trails of the Horseshoe Lake Half Marathon, taking place on March 22, 2026, in the scenic landscape of La Honda, CA. This renowned half marathon, often affectionately called "There's always one more hill half marathon," offers a truly unique blend of challenge and natural beauty within the Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge, and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves. The course, meticulously measured with a Rolatape® surveyor's wheel, is celebrated for being simultaneously scenic and runnable, traversing a mix of single-track and fire roads through covered woods and open hillsides. Runners will be treated to panoramic vistas of the majestic Pacific Ocean, the rolling Santa Cruz Mountains, and even the distant San Francisco Bay.

The Horseshoe Lake Half Marathon features a total ascent of approximately 2,230 feet, comprised of rolling hills described as relatively gentle and definitely runnable, even allowing for fast times. A notable section includes a beautiful clockwise loop around "Cathedral Hill," winding through tall trees. Runners can expect fully-stocked aid stations approximately every 5 to 6.5 miles, offering fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, water, and Skratch electrolyte sports drink, though participants should bring their own hydration vessels as it is a cupless event. Typical race day conditions in late March include comfortable highs around 66F and lows near 47F, with a minimal 9% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, this race holds a deeper purpose: all proceeds and an additional matched donation from the race director benefit The Hatuey Project, supporting Cuban children with cancer. The start and finish are conveniently located at the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve parking lot. This event is an unforgettable communion with the natural world, whether you're chasing a personal best on its runnable inclines, aiming to beat the current course records of 1:31:05 (male) or 1:40:45 (female), or simply immersing yourself in the stunning Bay Area wilderness.