Saddleback Marathon Distances

The full marathon is an out-and-back that begins on Black Star Canyon Rd. Runners follow the creek into the canyon on a relatively flat truck trail (with a slight gain) for approximately 2.5 miles. At the Falls turnoff, runners climb switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve where they continue up toward N. Main Divide. The Runners take Black Star Canyon road until it ends at N. Main Divide (known as Leonard Rd here) and will travel down Skyline Drive into Corona where they’ll return to the Finish the same way. The elevation gain for the marathon is 4,244’.

The half marathon begins in the same location. Runners also follow the creek into the canyon, and then up the switchbacks into the Mariposa Reserve. Runners continue up the truck trail past the historic Indian village, and a few more switchbacks for an overall view of the canyon and the Pacific Ocean. From there, runners return to the Finish the same way. Elevation gain for the half marathon is 1,773'.

The 10k begins the same as the full and half marathons. Though the 10k course is mostly “flat” (with a slight gain), runners will climb a few "quick” steep  switchbacks up Black Star Canyon Road for a view looking back into the canyon. From there, runners will turn around and return to the Finish the same way. Elevation gain for the 10k is 706'.