The Lake Hodges Trail Festival is an annual trail running experience you don’t want to miss, with something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy. Choose from the Lake Hodges 50K, 15K, 10k, 5k, and bring the kids for the the 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run! The 50K is …
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The Lake Hodges Trail Festival is an annual trail running experience you don’t want to miss, with something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy. Choose from the Lake Hodges 50K, 15K, 10k, 5k, and bring the kids for the the 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run!
The 50K is a great introduction into ultra marathons, ideal for all running levels.
The 25K is a great day on the trails, ideal for all running levels.
15K is a beautiful course for exploring new trails and accomplishing race goals.
10K course challenges the runner with a 1,000ft gain, but with a beautiful reward of the view from the summit of Bernardo Mountain Peak.
5K is an old favorite with a new twist, exploring the lakes shore. Great for a quick run or walk.
Stroller Trail 5K a new way to run on the trails with your little one.
The Kid’s 1 Mile Fun Run is open to children 10 and younger. This is a non-timed run. All kids receive a finisher’s medal and other treats.
Trail Duathlon- Run | Bike | Run is our NEW experience to a weekend of racing. Challenge yourself and compete as an INDIVIDUAL or bring friends along for the challenge and compete as a TEAM.
We are a CUPLESS race series. Please make sure to bring some form of hydration vessel to carry hydration for your event. There will not be cups provided at aid stations.
Don’t miss out on a truly elevated experience.
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Easy trail but can be HOT
I do a lot of trail running but this 50K was my first ultra. The trail is overall not technical: mostly smooth packed dirt, mostly double-track or even wider, and … MORE
I do a lot of trail running but this 50K was my first ultra. The trail is overall not technical: mostly smooth packed dirt, mostly double-track or even wider, and easy to follow. Elevation gain is on the low side for an ultra. Good support at aid stations and finish line. I think it’s a good choice for people less experienced on trails.
Be prepared for heat! This year the weather was in the high 80’s by noon, at least 10 degrees above average. The trail is almost completely exposed so you’re in full sun 99% of the race. This made me take a lot longer to finish than I expected from my training. I included a picture that’s representative of the course.
Swag: really disappointing white t-shirt. The new duathlon the following day got a much nicer looking teal shirt! Medals are handmade (lasercut wood) and look nice, but mine fell apart and I had to re-glue it. They’re the same for every distance. The race website says a training plan is included but I never received one.
Hot day for a 15k
Unfortunately my race day was a hot one, with most runners finishing in the mid 80 degree weather and up. I personally haven’t ran a race in that weather and … MORE
Unfortunately my race day was a hot one, with most runners finishing in the mid 80 degree weather and up. I personally haven’t ran a race in that weather and found it affected me more than I thought come race day. The course is a challenge but doable if you train with hills.
My main issue was the one true aid station was at 4.5 miles (turn around point) and the volunteers weren’t quick with helping get out supplies so I left without a refill of hydration. Now yes that is ultimately on me, but I feel like this could have also been a lot more organized. You weren’t allowed to refill your drinking vessel yourself so you had to wait on the volunteers. Also the first and last aid station (just water) were so close to the beginning and end of the race that they felt like an odd placement. Also never received the promoted race training plan, even after reaching out to race director.
Pros: did appreciate the challenges in this distance with hills, liked the wood medal, and overall the vibes and people at this race were great. Also appreciated the ample parking options.
Great race for a 1st timer!
Nicely spread out aid stations with great volunteers to help out. I took it easy at the beginning not knowing what to expect for my first Ultra. Overall the ascent … MORE
Nicely spread out aid stations with great volunteers to help out.
I took it easy at the beginning not knowing what to expect for my first Ultra. Overall the ascent for the 50k was around 3,000. It may sound like a lot but when researching other 50ks it’s on the easier side. The course was not too difficult as long as you trained sufficiently. I trained 3 to 4 days a week. My longest training run was around 21 miles. (3.5 hours.) I was nervous that wouldn’t be enough but I was surprised that I was able to complete the race relatively comfortably. The people I met were great. The trails were some single track and some wider dirt trails. Some rocks along the way. There was one big hill at about mile 13 and then you run it again when you come back but it was actually in a great spot to wake you up a little and just add in a little challenge when things start to get a little too comfortable… I power walked the uphill. I would definitely recommend it for any level of runner. Luckily the weather was nice and cloudy with maybe a high of 70ish so the weather was perfect! Just an overall amazing experience and I do really like the Lake Hodges shirt they give out. I also got a complimentary massage at a physical therapy booth at the finish. Don’t wait!!! Sign up now!!!
Nice course, well marked, but
Not super well organized. Sparse on details. Inaccurate race results rounded to nearest minute and incorrect order of finishers 🤪. Unfortunate because it’s a great course but hoped for more … MORE
Not super well organized. Sparse on details. Inaccurate race results rounded to nearest minute and incorrect order of finishers 🤪. Unfortunate because it’s a great course but hoped for more organization w pricey registration
Well-organized, easy course
The course is flat and easy to run, which helps if you're looking for a PR. There were many runners, and it was difficult to run the first 2 miles. … MORE
The course is flat and easy to run, which helps if you’re looking for a PR. There were many runners, and it was difficult to run the first 2 miles. Most of the course was out&back, with few but well-stocked aid stations. Actually, I started the race hungry and ended up having too much food:-/
I would run this again!
Trail run with nice scenery
I normally don't sign up for trail runs but this one was pretty good. Parking is really easy if you get to the start early. Some runners were there for … MORE
I normally don’t sign up for trail runs but this one was pretty good. Parking is really easy if you get to the start early. Some runners were there for the 50K which is really humbling (what do they do for work that allows them to train that much?). The course (out and back) skirts Lake Hodges and is well marked. Don’t forget your trail running shoes!
PROS- Small group of Runners, Nice views of Lake Hodges especially going over the foot bridge, friendly runners some wearing costumes, shirt has good graphics, not to difficult to find wide portions in trail to pass or get passed.
CONS- Bleach in water at halfway turn around point, Shirt made from synthetic material.