Sycamore Canyon Trail Race

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Embark on an unforgettable trail running adventure at the Sycamore Canyon Trail Race, held on February 28, 2026, in the stunning Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve, just east of San Diego, CA. This challenging event offers a range of distances, including 100K, 50K, and 13.1M, with both solo and relay team options for the ultra distances, inviting runners of all experience levels to test their limits. The course unfolds across a dynamic loop in the preserve, featuring mixed sage scrub, chaparral-covered hills, open grasslands, and riparian creekside, with glimpses of oak woodlands and sycamore trees. Each approximately 7.9-mile loop presents a formidable 1,400 feet of elevation gain, including the notorious "Cardiac Hill," ensuring a true test of endurance and rewarding runners with expansive views of the preserve and surrounding mountains.

Runners consistently praise the Sycamore Canyon Trail Race for its challenging yet rewarding atmosphere and excellent organization. The event is well-supported with aid stations accessible every 11.1 kilometers, offering a great selection of provisions, including ice, crucial for longer distances. Solo runners and relay teams also have the unique opportunity to set up their own tents in the start/finish area, creating a personalized hub for support and recovery. The course is celebrated for its clear markings, guiding participants through a diverse landscape that can include steep, rocky sections as well as gentler, more level terrain. Typical race day conditions in late February offer pleasant highs around 67°F and lows around 53°F, with a low 7% chance of precipitation, providing an ideal climate for tackling the trails.

The Sycamore Canyon Trail Race is more than just a run; it's an immersive experience in the beautiful Southern California wilderness, fostering camaraderie among participants whether they're conquering the full 100K solo or strategizing with a relay team. With its generous cut-off times and the added bonus of slightly longer distances for the 50K and 100K (approximately 51KM and 102KM respectively), this race promises a memorable challenge and a deep appreciation for the scenic beauty of San Diego's backcountry.

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