FAQ

• ENTRY INCLUDES:
• Run 10K, Half Marathon, or 50K Ultra Course
• Official race shirt
• Official finisher certificate
• FREE race photos
• Chip timed event
• Runner's handbook
• Volunteer support
• Support up to 7-course aid-stations
• Finish line water & food
• Event insurance
• Special award for first place
• An awesome race experience!

Early check-in is on Friday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, race day check-in starts at 5:00 AM. at the race

Check-in and race start is off 29889 San Francisquito Canyon Road.

From the intersection of McBean Pkwy and Copper Hill Dr, go east to San Fransiquito Canyon Road and make a left. Follow for 2.5 miles and park on the side of the road.

Then follow the VALENCIA Trail Race signs to the check-in area.

Last-minute race day bib pick-up is available on Saturday starting at 5:00 AM at the start line.

View Event Location

The race start line is located at the trail head off 29889 San Francisquito Canyon Road. From the intersection of McBean Pkwy and Copper Hill Dr, go east to San Fransiquito Canyon Road and make a left. Follow for 2.5 miles and park on the side of the road. Then follow VALENCIA Trail Race signs to the start area. Race starts at sunrise around 7:00 AM, last minute check-in starts at 5:30 AM. 

View Directions

Yes, you should carpool. Parking space is limited to San Fransiquito Canyon Road, to help ensure there is enough parking, we encourage everyone to carpool to the race. If you are running with friends then hook up and ride in one car to the race. Alternately if you can be dropped off in the morning and be picked up after the race that would be very helpful.

When parking:

• Pay attention to event parking monitors
• Do not block any driveways, cars will be towed
• Park on the shoulder completely off the road and clear of the white line
• Either parallel park on the narrow shoulders
• OR if the shoulder is wide enough, park at a 45 degree angle to accommodate more cars
• Lock your car and do not leave any valuables in visible (Gear drop is available at the start)
• Look both ways and be careful when crossing the road!

View Directions

The scheduled start times are as follows:

• 6:15 AM - 50K Ultra
• 7:00 AM - Half Marathon
• 7:30 AM - 10K

*Note that final race day start times may vary. 

Yes. In order to receive your runner bib and goodie bag, you will need to turn in a signed waiver and show your ID. You may download and print the waiver ahead of time and bring it with you to help expedite your check-in.

Download 2025 Waiver

The VALENCIA Trail Race is trying to be as green as possible and create minimal waste. Please help us by bringing your own water bottle or hydration pack for the race. You can refill water on the course stations.  Below you will find a list of mandatory and recommended items for running the race.

Mandatory Items

• Carry at least 1 liter water bottle or hydration pack
• Minimum 500 calories of emergency food such as gels or energy bars
• Cell phone
• Course map or electronic map downloaded to phone

Recommended Items

• Trail running shoes
• Running hat, visor, sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal medicine/salt capsules
• Elastic bandage
• Whistle
• Garmin/GPS tracking
• Camera (optional)
• Small flash light or headlamp (50K)
• Mind of a champion!

Post Race Items

• Water
• Recovery drink, we highly recommend coconut water!
• Refuling food or snacks
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Cash

Yes! Bring your own water bottle. We are attempting to be a green as possible with this race and want to minimize waste and environmental footprint. We ask that you bring your own running bottle or hydration pack. This will help reduce the use of paper cups, plastic water bottles, and overall waste. There will be a total of 7 stations on the course and all will be serving water, Gnarly Sports Nutrition electrolytes, and soda. You can refill your water container at any of the stations. The stations will have electrolytes, gels, snacks, and salt capsules available to help you refuel and stay hydrated. Also please DO NOT throw any trash onto the trails, hold on to any trash until the next station where there will be trash containers. Thank you!

Yes. You can accomplish anything you want as long as you set your mind to do it and train for it. The race is planned for participants of all abilities—including walkers and hikers. If you are new to trail running or this is your first trail race we suggest doing the 5K or 10K distance and training as much as possible to prepare for an awesome race.

Trail running in general can be more challenging as it consists of narrow dirt pathways, uneven surfaces, and hills to climb up and down, all of which require additional attention and focus while running. This race has a good challenging climb at the start plus there are additional hills and narrow single-track trails that provide good challenge throughout the course. It is those risks and challenges that are part of the adventure that make trail running so much fun! Please review the course maps, and elevation profile to better prepare for an awesome race!

View Course

The cutoff times are as follows:

• 10K cutoff is 4-hours
• Half Marathon cutoff is 6-hours
• 50K cutoff is 9-hours
  • There is a 7-hour (by 1:00 PM) cut-off when reaching station #8 at the approximate 22.5 mile mark.

Yes. The course will be clearly marked using a combination of colored flagging tape and directional signs at key turning points. The flagging tape colors will correspond to the course loop colors and BIB colors to match the respective distance being run. Study the course map for your distance and watch the fly-through video to best prepare for an awesome race!

• 10K = ORANGE Loop, will have orange flagging tape plus directional signs.
• Half Marathon = ORANGE + BLUE Loops, will have orange and blue flagging tape on their respective sections plus directional signs.
• 50K Ultra = ORANGE + BLUE + PURPLE Loops, will have orange, blue, and purple flagging tape on their respective sections plus directional signs.

View Course

Yes. You can download the GPX tracks from the Course page or using the links below.

• 10K GPX Track
• Half Marathon GPX Track
• 50K Ultra GPX Track

The course tracks are also available for viewing on Google Maps. In addition to the tracks and to help better visualize the each course, we have created a course fly-through video for each distance that shows which way to run the course. Watch the videos for your distance on the course page.

View Course

No. We have used a combination of Garmin GPS tracking and Google Maps route tracking to create the courses for each distance. Usually the GPS data is fairly accurate however there are challenges in properly tracking the distance when going up or down hills and into canyons where GPS tracking can be lost. Because of this there are always discrepancies in the final distance.

Often with trail races you have to work with what nature provides and sometimes that means that making a trail race course will sometimes be a little shorter or longer than the target distances. We want the course to cover as much unique trails as possible, while being easy to understand and follow without getting lost. We feel this gives runners the best experience on the most variety of trails and sights while running the race.

Based on the GPS tracking data we have used to create the course, we are getting the following distances.

• 10K: 10.6 km / 6.6 mi
• Half Marathon: 21.1 km / 13.1 mi
• 50K Ultra:  49.56 km / 30.8 mi

Your GPS tracking data may show shorter or longer distances on race day. We have seen up to 1.5 km variances in our own tracking when running the same course sections.

Yes. As this is a challenging endurance trail race young runners must be in good shape, especially if considering to run the Half Marathon or 50K Ultra. The minimum age requirements are:

• 12-years old to run the 10K
• 16-years old to run the Half Marathon or 50K Ultra

Younger runners can run the race with approval from the Race Director. Young runners that wish to run the race should be accompanied by an adult and must request approval from the Race Director. Please contact the Race Director.

Yes. Due to the technical challenges of course sections with steep hills that impact all distances, trekking poles can be used at the race. If you plan to use poles, you must use them responsibly, and safely. Be aware of runners around you, when passing or being passed to ensure poles are not in contact with runners or in the way.

Yes. There will be a gear drop available at the start/finish line so you can quickly access your bag after finishing the race.  However there is no gear drop on the course for 10K or Half Marathon runners, but there will be a gear drop for 50K runners.

50K runners have the option of having their gear bag taken to Station #8 after the start and then brought back to the finish after the last runners has passed Station #8. This will allow 50K runners to have a change of socks, shoes, or anything else needed to complete the race. 50K runners, when dropping off your bag at the start, please indicate that you want your bag taken to Station #8.

Yes. There will be portable toilets by the start/finish line area. However, as this is a trail race there will not be bathrooms available on the course. If you have to go while running the race simply jump off the course and go into the bushes. A few stations will have portable toilets set up, all stations will have toilet paper available if needed, but we recommend that you carry a few tissues just in case.

March usually offers some of the best weather to run in Valencia. The average high temperature is 68º with the average low at 38º. Plan for cool morning start with pleasant temperatures throughout the race. We recommend to check the weather forecast a week before the race so you can dress appropriately.

Yes. There will be several stations with water, gel packs, and salt tablets, snacks, with a few key stations providing fruit, food, and basic first aid if needed. At the finish line there will be water and food. We recommend you carry either a water bottle and/or hydration pack. Each aid station will include fresh water to refill your supply. Study the course maps to know where station locations are for your distance.

Proper hydration is essential when running any distance, but especially on long distance races. One of the greatest dangers for runners is completing the race in a dehydrated state. We encourage runners to plan on being hydrated throughout the event.

View Course

For your safety and the safety of all participants, we do not recommend wearing headphones while running a race. However, if you do, we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so you can hear other runners and instructions from event personnel.

As this race takes place on narrow single-track trails you need to be aware of other runners coming up behind you as well as being able to hear potential wildlife animals or even rattlesnakes. The important thing is paying attention to everyone’s safety and maintaining good trail race etiquette with other runners.

If you love to wear headphones while running then we can recommend using headphones that allow outside sound to pass through or bone-conducting headphones that do not cover your ears, these allow you to fully hear your surroundings while also listening to your favorite music or audio.

No. The event insurance policy does not allow dogs. We love dogs, but there are those who may not be comfortable around them and there are also dogs that are uncomfortable around hundreds of other people.  We have no doubt that your dog is well behaved, but we simply have no way to be sure about all the other dogs and thus we have a “no dogs on course” policy.

No. This is an all trail course. Unauthorized bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs and strollers not permitted on the race course due to safety concerns.

No. We will do our best to host the VALENCIA Trail Race whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing, or anything in between. However, if there is severe weather then the race may be postponed or rescheduled. The weather only adds to the adventure to make for an awesome race experience!

Yet, there are still potential risks that are beyond our control that could cause a race to be canceled or rescheduled. We hope that will never happen, however, we do have an event cancellation policy.

As this is a trail race there is always the risk of coming across wildlife including snakes, tarantulas, coyotes, deer, and even a rare mountain lion.

What to do if you see a snake?

If you see a snake while running, do not panic! Back away slowly and carefully look for a way around. Also be sure to shout out "snake" and point out the location so other runners are aware and can carefully get around it. Snakes will generally leave you alone if they are not provoked. Simply left alone, snakes will continue on with their life, they do not actively seek out confrontations with any of their natural enemies, humans included. The number one reason people are bitten by venomous snakes throughout this country is because of the attempt to catch, kill, or tease them when we find them.

The race will be chip timed for best accuracy using a MyLaps timing system with BibTag chips that are attached to your race bib.  Results will be put up at the finish line for runners to see throughout the day. Final results will be posted on this website within 24-hours after the race.

To ensure your chip is tracked and timed correctly:

• Always keep the BibTag visible; do not remove or cover with a jacket
• Do not excessively bend or twist the BibTag
• Do not attach beside or under a zip: metal has a negative impact on the BibTag chip
• Do not wear on your back or side, or around your arm or leg
• Do not cover the BibTag with your hand or arm when crossing the finish line:
  runners often do this when checking their watch when crossing the line
• Always remember that the mat must 'see' the number when you cross the finish
  line
• Do not separate the BibTag from the start number

If you are traveling from out of town there are several hotels within about 15 minutes of driving to the start line. Below are nearby lodging options, also check Google search or on Airbnb for additional options.

Hyatt Regency Valencia
24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 799-1234
Use code: 193686 for the event group discount when booking.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clarita
27513 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 284-2101

Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags
27710 The Old Rd, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 254-8800

La Quinta Inn & Suites Santa Clarita
25201 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
(661) 286-1111

Yes. Distance change requests are available, the cut off for all changes is 1-week before the race date. Submit change request from the contact page.

Request Change

Unfortunately, due to the advanced planning and logistics entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. As per the terms agreed upon registering, once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. Sorry, no exceptions.

You do have the following options available:

1. Change your entry to Virtual and receive your medal & swag in the mail.
2. Defer your entry to the following year ($40 processing fee).
3. Transfer your entry to another runner ($30 processing fee).
4. Forego your entry and receive a 50% credit towards any of our other races in California within the next year.

Requests MUST be submitted before the race date. Requests on or after the race date will not be honored. Entries that have been deferred once can not be deferred a second time.

You may not give or sell your number to anyone else without submitting an official transfer request.

Please submit your request from the contact page.

No, it is not. While the parks and lands where races take place are typically open to the public, and running at the same time as an event is totally fine. Those entering into the start/finish area or intentionally jumping into the race just after the start, using the marked course, racing against other runners, etc. are essentially freeloading off of the race and the other runners, regardless of whether they take aid station supplies, medals or other race supplies.

Permits, insurance and race materials for the event are obtained with set numbers of participants planned and accounted for. Costs for events are also planned, taking into account those numbers and sharing the race costs among all entrants.

When people “hijack” a race they jeopardize the race’s ability to come back, create potential for problems for other runners trying to determine their place in the race and for support personnel to identify participants and (if necessary) provide emergency support. Like shoplifting, being a race bandit does not cost the person taking anything, but the cost ultimately goes to the people who follow the rules and pay to run the race.

When you plan to run your virtual distance be sure to track your time with a Garmin or app such as Run Keeper. Then track your time and distance, once done, take a screengrab or photo showing your final time/distance and email it to us so we can include it on the virtual runner results.

The virtual runner registration option is a service for runners who are physically unable to make it to a race, but still wish to train for and achieve a running goal as part of the race. This includes persons who live far from urban areas with races and those with schedules that simply will not allow them to be present. Runners receive race materials via mail and then can report back on their run and share their accomplishment with other runners in the community. This can be done alone or with a group of runners.

Running remotely will never be as good as running in person at the actual event, but for those with no other options, it offers a way to stay connected to their running community to help them commit to and celebrate their running achievements.