About This Race
The Oakland Hills Trail Run winds through Redwood Regional Park, where a hidden forest of coast redwoods thrives just miles from downtown Oakland. This established race, running since at least 2015, offers runners three distance options through a landscape that tells the story of California's transformation from logging hub to conservation success. The 150-foot redwoods that now tower overhead are second-growth forest, replacing the original trees cut in the mid-1800s to build the San Francisco Bay Area. The park's 1,830 acres encompass far more than just redwood groves, taking runners through diverse terrain including chaparral, grasslands, and mixed evergreen forests. Wildlife sightings are common, from the frequently spotted deer and rabbits to the rare golden eagle and Alameda striped racer. The technical dirt trails and fire roads present genuine challenge, with elevation gains ranging from 1,250 feet on the 10K to 4,550 feet on the 35K. Inside Trail Racing operates this event as part of their Bay Area series, bringing their characteristic attention to aid station quality and course marking. The race maintains a 330-runner cap across all distances, creating an intimate atmosphere while preserving the trail experience. The 6.5-hour time limit for the 35K reflects the technical nature of the terrain, where steep climbs and technical descents demand respect from runners of all abilities.
The courses utilize the extensive trail network within Redwood Regional Park and the adjacent EBMUD Southern Watershed. Runners navigate a mix of technical singletrack and wider fire roads, with the terrain varying from peaceful redwood groves to open chaparral and grassland sections. The hills are notably steep and challenging, with hiking poles permitted for those who choose to use them.
Course marking follows Inside Trail Racing's comprehensive system using colored surveyor ribbons every 200 meters, with heavy marking at turns and laminated signs at critical sections. Blue ribbons specifically indicate wrong-way trails, serving as important navigation aids on this complex trail network. The varied terrain and elevation profiles make this a technically demanding course that rewards careful pacing and navigation skills.
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
General Aid Stations
water, electrolyte, energy_gels, energy_chews, waffles, trail_mix, pretzels, chips, cookies, sandwiches, candy, potatoes, soda, fruit
Comprehensive aid stations with Gu products, Skratch Labs hydration, and various food options
Practical Info
Late October in the Oakland Hills typically brings mild temperatures with possible morning fog, ideal for trail running.
OAK - Oakland International Airport
Oakland and Berkeley offer numerous lodging options within 30 minutes of the race start.
- Water bottle or reusable cup
Best For
Notable Features
The race's standout feature is its setting in a second-growth coast redwood forest that rises majestically just miles from a major metropolitan area. The combination of towering redwoods, diverse ecosystems within a single park, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife like golden eagles creates a uniquely Californian trail running experience. Inside Trail Racing's cupless event policy and comprehensive aid station offerings reflect modern sustainability practices while maintaining high runner support standards.