About This Race
Part of the UTMB World Series Pacific Trails event, this 50K unfolds across a working 30,000-acre ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley. The course traverses private land rarely accessible to the public, moving through oak-studded grasslands, mountain ridgelines, and open pastures that define the Central Coast's interior geography. Runners experience the full scope of the property over a distance that bridges the gap between mountain marathons and longer ultras. The event's exclusive ranch setting means no road crossings, no traffic, and minimal crew access—this is self-sufficient trail running in a controlled but wild environment. As part of the UTMB World Series, the race attracts an international field while maintaining an intimate atmosphere limited by the property's carrying capacity. The HOKA sponsorship ensures premium event production, though the remote ranch location keeps the focus squarely on the running experience rather than spectator amenities.
The 50K route samples the full diversity of the ranch's terrain, though specific course details vary by year as organizers utilize different sections of the property. Expect a mix of ranch roads and singletrack trails through coastal live oak woodlands, exposed grassland ridges, and valley floor passages. The terrain is characteristically mixed—neither purely technical nor runnable—with sections that reward strong hiking as much as efficient running. Water stations are strategically placed but spaced to require carrying fluids between aid.
Location
Practical Info
Late spring California Central Coast weather typically brings mild mornings in the 50s warming to 70s or low 80s, with occasional morning fog burning off by mid-race and low humidity throughout.
SBA - Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Ynez Valley offers wine country lodging in towns like Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez, typically 20-30 minutes from the ranch venue. Early booking recommended as the area draws weekend tourists beyond race participants.
- mandatory gear required
- cup or hydration vessel
Best For
Notable Features
The defining characteristic is exclusivity of access—this 30,000-acre working ranch opens to runners only during the event weekend. The property represents preserved California ranchland at a scale rarely experienced by trail runners, offering solitude and immersion in landscapes typically hidden behind private gates. The UTMB World Series designation brings international credibility and competitive depth, while the HOKA production values ensure well-marked courses and quality aid stations despite the remote setting.