San Jose Trail Challenge 2027
San Jose Trail Challenge takes place Saturday, September 25, 2027 at Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, California. Choose a 10K, half marathon or 50K trail race in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Registration is open through the official Spartan ticket page.
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2027
Location: Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California
Distances: 10K / Half Marathon / 50K
2027 Race Schedule
- 50K: 7:00 AM PDT
- Half Marathon: 9:00 AM PDT
- 10K: 11:00 AM PDT
Start times are those currently listed on the official registration page. Check the final 2027 runner guide for updates.
Arrival and Parking Information
The race venue is Sanborn County Park. The official registration listing also names West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave. Parking Lot 5, Saratoga, California, for arrival/parking information. Confirm 2027 parking, shuttle and venue access instructions in the final runner guide before traveling.
Prior-edition runner guides, equipment rules and course maps below are reference material, not confirmed 2027 race instructions. Historical results remain labeled by year.
Event details verified October 27, 2026 against the official 2027 registration listing.
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2027 Event Questions
When is the San Jose Trail Challenge in 2027?
Saturday, September 25, 2027.
Where is the San Jose Trail Challenge?
Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California.
What race distances are available?
The 2027 event offers a 10K, half marathon (21.1 km), and 50K trail race.
What are the 2027 race start times?
50K: 7:00 AM; Half Marathon: 9:00 AM; 10K: 11:00 AM PDT. These are the currently listed registration times; check the final runner guide for changes.
How do I register for the 2027 race?
Use the official Spartan registration page linked by the Sign Up for 2027 button. Select the 2027 date and your preferred Trail distance; current pricing and entry availability are shown there.
TRAIL TYPE
SEASON
AVG TEMP
AVG ALTITUDE
AIRPORT
SAN FRANCISCO (SFO)
THE EVENT
Sanborn County Park is home to well-groomed but steep and difficult trails, which makes for a challenging course for runners of all abilities.
Situated on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and home to giant coastal redwood groves, the park is shaded and relatively temperate even in the hotter months, making it a local favorite for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. Racers can expect big climbs and descents with good footing on flowy singletrack trails through dense forest.
PRIOR EDITION RUNNER GUIDE (REFERENCE ONLY)
The runner guide contains everything you need to know about the race. Please read it!
PRIOR EDITION RACE INFORMATION (REFERENCE)
Prior-edition equipment and cutoff information is shown for reference. Confirm 2027 requirements in the official runner guide when published.
● Bib number must be visible from the front during the entire race. Staff along the race course
MUST be able to read the number clearly.
● Chip timing tag must be worn for the duration of the race.
● One 500ml (17 oz) water carrying vessel (50k only)
Some additional gear to consider:
● Water bottle, waist pack, soft flask holder or backpack with hydration system. Participants must
carry and dispose their trash at aid stations. Any runners caught littering will be subject to
immediate disqualification.
● Waterproof breathable warm gloves. Early morning temperatures can reach the low 40s
● Breathable warm jacket to protect you from low temperatures
● Tights with high Lycra content. Aside from protection from the cooler temperatures, tights will
keep you free from poison oak along the course.
● Running shoes with rugged traction
● Trekking poles are allowed.
● Short running gaiters to keep debris out is a great way to prevent blisters
● Multifunctional neck gaiter or buff which can double as a head cover during cooler temps
● Sunscreen
● Running hat and/or visor
● Eyewear: keep in mind that the race course goes through dark forest areas and sunny open lands
so proper eyewear is recommended
● A spare change of clothing in your drop bags
● Warm and dry clothes at the start/finish bag check
VOLUNTEER
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PRIOR EDITION THE COURSE (REFERENCE ONLY)
Course map and elevation profile for each distance.