Top 25 Races in California

The Los Angeles Marathon delivers an unforgettable 26.2-mile journey from Dodger Stadium to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, making it one of America's most scenic urban marathons. As a member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series, this race attracts elite competitors and passionate runners through legendary neighborhoods including Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, and Century City. Whether you're chasing a Boston qualifier or seeking a world-class racing experience in one of the globe's most iconic cities, the LA Marathon offers something extraordinary for every runner.

The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is the legendary benchmark American 100-miler, tracing a historic course from Squaw Valley to Auburn through the heart of the Sierra Nevada. With 18,000 feet of cumulative descent on breathtaking single-track trails, this iconic race demands both technical skill and relentless endurance from every competitor. Open only to runners meeting strict qualifying standards, it's where the world's elite ultramarathoners come to prove themselves on one of the most coveted courses on earth.

The Big Sur Marathon is one of the world's most scenic road marathons, running along California's legendary Highway 1 with the Pacific Ocean on one side and redwood forests on the other. The iconic Bixby Bridge at mile 11 provides one of the most photographed moments in running. With roughly 4,500 runners annually, this intimate yet world-class event offers an unforgettable coastal experience.

The San Francisco Marathon is the original marathon of the Bay City, offering runners an unforgettable journey across both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. With four major hills and iconic city views, this challenging course is perfect for experienced marathoners seeking a scenic and demanding race. The Embarcadero waterfront finish provides a triumphant end to this epic urban adventure.

The California International Marathon is California's fastest marathon, featuring a net 350-foot downhill course from Folsom Lake to downtown Sacramento. With ideal December weather and one of America's most popular Boston qualifier courses, this race attracts nearly 9,000 runners annually seeking to achieve their goals. Elite fields and a vibrant running community create an unforgettable race-day experience in the heart of the Golden State.

The Angeles Crest 100 threads 100 technical miles through the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, delivering one of America's most committing 100-mile races right in LA's backyard. This Sierra-high altitude challenge demands everything from experienced ultramarathoners seeking true mountain running at its most raw and unforgiving. August timing brings peak summer heat at elevation—making this a test of both endurance and heat management on truly world-class singletrack.

Conquer one of America's premier 100K ultramarathons through the breathtaking San Mateo Canyon wilderness, where wildflower-covered hills, refreshing creek crossings, and sweeping ridgelines create an unforgettable point-to-point journey. This UTWT-qualifying race attracts experienced ultrarunners seeking Southern California's most spectacular trail running challenge. Run 62 miles of pristine wilderness trails with creek crossings and panoramic views that make every step memorable.

The Griffith Park Marathon is Los Angeles's premier urban trail marathon, winding 26.2 miles through Griffith Park—the largest municipal park in America. Runners experience breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles basin while navigating challenging climbs through oak canyons and scenic descents. This race is perfect for trail running enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty.

Experience the ultimate California running adventure as the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series electrifies San Diego with live bands every mile. Run from downtown through the iconic Balboa Park to the stunning Pacific Coast, soaking in America's Finest City scenery while music fuels your journey. Whether you're chasing a PR or seeking an unforgettable race experience, this legendary course delivers with half marathon and 5K options.

California's oldest 50-mile race, the American River 50 has been a spring tradition for ultrarunners since the early days. Run along the scenic American River Parkway featuring river views, rolling hills, and mild Sacramento spring weather. This USATF-certified course is a bucket-list race for anyone seeking a classic American ultra.

Run through California's most iconic wine region on this spectacular point-to-point marathon from Calistoga to Napa. With world-class vineyards, rolling hills, and perfect March weather, this destination race offers an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and marathoners alike. Celebrate your finish with complimentary wine tasting in the heart of Napa Valley.

Experience the ultimate Southern California beach marathon along Huntington Beach's Pacific Coast Strand, where ocean breezes accompany you through scenic coastal views before crossing the iconic Huntington Beach Pier finish line. This February race offers a unique blend of beach town atmosphere and serious running, making it perfect for runners seeking a scenic Pacific coast challenge with half marathon and 5K options available.

Conquer Los Angeles's signature mountain 50-miler through the rugged Verdugo Mountains, where technical trails reward runners with breathtaking panoramic views of the LA basin. This October race challenges both physical endurance and mental fortitude with sustained climbs and rewarding descents—all while staying in the heart of Glendale. Perfect for experienced ultramarathoners seeking an urban mountain adventure with iconic Southern California scenery.

Thread the Santa Monica Mountains on Malibu's premier trail ultra, where challenging single-track gives way to sweeping Pacific Ocean views. This February bucket-list race delivers 50 kilometers of technical terrain and coastal beauty that defines Southern California trail running at its finest. Whether you're chasing your first ultra finish or adding another medal to your collection, Ransom Road 50K promises an unforgettable test of endurance through one of the coast's most spectacular settings.

Run along the American Riviera through Santa Barbara's stunning Mediterranean streets, where you'll pass the iconic Mission Santa Barbara and trade Pacific Coast breezes for panoramic Riviera hill views. This December destination marathon combines California's coastal charm with historic Spanish architecture, creating a scenic experience unlike any other Golden State race. Perfect for runners seeking a beautiful winter marathon with small-town warmth and big-city scenery.

The Pacific Marathon takes runners along the stunning Pacific Coast Strand to the iconic Santa Monica Pier—the official end of Route 66. This October race delivers breathtaking ocean views with a symbolically satisfying finish at one of America's most recognizable landmarks. Perfect for marathoners seeking scenic beauty and a once-in-a-lifetime finish line experience at the legendary highway's terminus.

Diamond Valley Lake Marathon circles California's newest and most spectacular reservoir near Hemet, treating runners to wildflower-lined trails, stunning lake vistas, and rolling hills that most athletes have never experienced. This April hidden gem draws runners seeking solitude and big scenery in a small-field setting, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic California running adventure away from crowded events.

The Morro Bay Marathon delivers Central Coast running at its finest, where the iconic Morro Rock serves as your constant companion through harbor, estuary, and Pacific coast scenery. This November destination race combines charming small-town vibes with world-class coastal views, making it perfect for runners seeking a scenic escape from typical city marathons.

Conquer Mount Diablo on this iconic Northern California trail marathon, where you'll summit the Bay Area's most dramatic peak at 3,864 feet and gaze upon views extending all the way to the Sierra Nevada. This October race delivers technical climbs, breathtaking panoramas, and the ultimate sense of accomplishment for experienced trail runners seeking a mountain challenge unlike any other in the region.

The Bandaged 50 Mile transforms Halloween weekend into an unforgettable ultrarunning adventure where costumed runners tackle Orange County's rugged backcountry trails. This uniquely themed 50-miler combines serious trail running with a festive costume party atmosphere across chaparral terrain and creek crossings. Self-navigated with flagging, the course challenges both your legs and your creativity as you run through the wilds of Anaheim dressed to terrify.

The Ray Miller 50 Mile delivers an unforgettable point-to-point journey through Conejo Mountain Open Space Preserve, treating runners to sweeping views that extend all the way to the Channel Islands on clear days. As one of Southern California's most scenic ultras, this Angeles Chapter event showcases the region's iconic chaparral-covered ridges and Pacific coastline panoramas. Whether you tackle the full 50 miles or opt for the 50K or 25-mile distances, October's golden light creates perfect conditions for an unforgettable trail running experience.

Run through California's most hauntingly beautiful landscape at the California Ghost Run 50K in Kettleman City. This remote race traverses the Carrizo Plain's vast grasslands, past eerie ghost trees and ghost town remnants, with the potential for stunning wildflower superblooms. A genuinely unique ultramarathon experience for runners seeking solitude, big skies, and the magic of the Golden State's forgotten places.

The Quivering Quad 50 Mile challenges runners through San Diego County's most stunning mountain terrain, with towering pine forests giving way to exposed granite slabs along Cuyamaca Peak trails. This March ultra rewards participants with cool mountain weather and a unique post-Cedar Fire recovery landscape that showcases nature's resilience. Perfect for experienced trail runners seeking a scenic backcountry adventure far from crowded courses.

Conquer 50 miles through the heart of Paso Robles wine country on this uncrowded trail ultra. The Looking Glass 50 Mile winds through Santa Rita Hills, treating runners to sweeping vineyard views and working ranch roads across wide-open California backcountry. Perfect for trail runners seeking a scenic challenge away from crowded city races, this May event delivers the kind of remote, beautiful terrain that makes every mile feel like a new discovery.

This 50k in Brea, CA showcases CA's trail running scene, with a orange county's premier technical. It's well-suited for runners looking to explore Alabama's trail networks while pushing their limits.