Southern California is a hub for some of the best local races, whether it be for trail, road or even triathlons. If you’re looking to level up for the 2024 New Year, we’ve compiled some of our favorite races that should be on your 2024 bucket list!
Rich in history, the MWTR is the second oldest trail race in California and a city tradition every Memorial Day weekend which celebrates the start of the summer! Started in 1908, the course used to go all the way to the summit of Mount Wilson, but now it goes about halfway up the mountain to Orchard Camp; out and back with an elevation gain of about 2,100 feet. Register now for May 24, 2024 (easy date to remember!)
https://www.mountwilsontrailrace.com/
Castaic Lake Triathlon
Produced for 34 years, this local race gives back with proceeds benefitting the Canyon HS cross country and track teams. This is a perfect sprint tri for all levels. Run by Chris Jackson, he is always open to answer questions and help with anything! Castaic Lake Triathlon takes place at scenic Castaic Lake just 20 miles north of Los Angeles. The Castaic Lake Recreation Area, located just north of Santa Clarita, is an 11,200-acre multi-use facility with two lakes, boating, world class fishing, hiking, walking, horseback riding, wake boarding, jet-skiing, camping, picnicking, kayaking, and sailing.
Next race is: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Any race by New Global Adventures is always a good time. The Valencia Trail Race has three distance options to run a 10k, Half Marathon or 50k Ultra. Created by Terry Majamaki and his wife Jenny, the race course was technically their backyard at one point. Come for the views, stay for the hills and race vendors! Experience a trail course that takes you up to the peaks and along the ridgelines with panoramic views, then into the canyons through the hills of Valencia for a truly awesome trail challenge!
Register for March 23, 2024
https://valenciatrailrace.com/
Spacerock Trail Race
Also under the New Global Adventures umbrella, Spacerock is located amidst the iconic Vasquez Rocks. So many famous TV series and films were shot at this location, including Star Trek, The Flintstones, Battlestar Galactica, Planet of the Apes, and many classic western films.
Choose to run any of the available distances: Half Marathon+, 15K, 10K, or 5K.
Register for October 5, 2024
SoCal Trail Races
Come for the views, run community and beers! They have a handful of trail races and challenges throughout the year, including:
Boney Mountain Trail Run: February 10, 2024
Singletrack Stampede: March 2, 2024
Topanga Trail Race, Crystal Cove Race, etc. (stay tuned for 2024 dates)
https://www.socaltrail.events/
Griffith Park Marathon Relay
The Griffith Park Trail Marathon Relay is considered an intermediate to challenging course. The course is composed of Upper and Lower Old Zoo Trails and Beacon Trail. The terrain is a combination of dirt fire roads and some single track. The start and finish is on the fire road by the entrance to the Merry Go Round parking lot. They also have a few trail race and run events throughout the year. Check their site for details and dates to register!
https://griffithparkmarathonrelay.com/
59th Annual Mt. Baldy Run-to-the-Top
The epic run to the top of Mt. Baldy is a must for all trail runners. Set for Labor Day, September 2, 2024
Registration will open: January 1, 2024, at 12 am, on UltraSignUp.com.
Mail-in registration forms will be available for download on the race website.
