Pacific Crest Trail 50 (PCT 50)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Southern California with the Pacific Crest Trail 50 (PCT 50), a challenging 50-mile ultra-marathon set for June 6, 2026. This esteemed event, part of the SoCal Ultra Grand Prix Series, invites runners to tackle an out-and-back course primarily along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail in the Cleveland National Forest, east San Diego County. Starting and finishing near the Boulder Oaks Campground, about an hour east of downtown San Diego, participants will navigate mostly single-track trails with numerous climbs and rocky sections, offering changing eco-cultures and beautiful vistas.

The PCT 50 is renowned for its significant elevation profile, with the course ranging from approximately 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet in the Laguna Mountains, accumulating an impressive 7,500 feet of total elevation gain. Runners can expect fully stocked aid stations at regular intervals, providing essential hydration like Tailwind, along with a variety of snacks, wraps, avocados, and fruit to fuel their endurance efforts. Remember that this is a cupless event, so bringing your own hydration vessel is essential. Typical race day conditions in early June offer pleasant temperatures, with highs around 71°F and lows around 62°F, ensuring a beautiful, albeit challenging, day on the trails.

Beyond the physical demands, the PCT 50 offers an exceptional race experience. Participants consistently praise the enthusiastic aid station volunteers and the lively, supportive atmosphere at the finish line, complete with food, drinks, music, and camaraderie. Finishers are rewarded with large medals and high-quality shirts, celebrating their achievement on this picturesque yet formidable course. Pacers are permitted for certain sections of the return trip, and intermediate cutoffs ensure a focused, yet achievable, 13.5-hour overall completion time for the 50-mile distance.