Celebrate California trail running with challenging climbs, smooth single-track, and swift downhills, with epic views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cuyamaca mountains to the east—all run on an extinct volcano.
The Black Mountain Trail Races Half-Marathon is perfect for local runners seeking to take their training to the trails. This race is ideal for a first-time trail half-marathon as it has a bit of everything: single-track, technical trails, climbing, smooth descending, and epic views. Come get to know our local SD trails!
All race distances start and finish at Hilltop Community Park. Runners begin by climbing to the top of Little Black Loop trail and running through the beautiful single-track trails within the Black Mountain Open Space.
Half marathon runners will then descend down the technical Miners Loop trail and wind their way down part of the Ahwee trail before heading off on new trails toward the Summit! You will surely enjoy the winding single track and rolling jeep trails as you ascend up to the 1554 ft summit.
After refueling and checking out the spectacular 360-degree mountain views at the Summit, runners will dart downhill to the finish, where food, drinks, and friends await you! Well stocked aid stations, and our experienced and motivating volunteers will help you along the way as you traverse and climb nearly 2000 ft over the course of the half marathon race.
50K: The big one. You know you can do it.
All race distances start and finish at Hilltop Community Park. Runners begin by climbing to the top of Little Black Loop trail and running through the beautiful single-track trails within the Black Mountain Open Space. 50K runners will then descend down the technical Miners Loop trail and wind their way down the Ahwee trail, until reaching Black Mountain Ranch Park (drop bags/2 passes). So far almost the entire race is winding single track with great views of surrounding mountains.
50K runners continue and complete the rolling Lusardi Loop trail, a mix of jeep trail and single track. Hidden, fun, and fast, the single track trail through Lilac Canyon will lead runners up Miners Ridge for an opportunity to master their second descent down Miners Loop trail. Terminating at the historical Glider Port staging area, runners will then head off on fresh trail to begin the climb to the Summit! After refueling and checking out the spectacular 360-degree mountain views at the Summit, runners dart mostly downhill to the finish, where food, drinks, and friends await you!
