calendar_today 01 May, 2026 – 03 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell $65.00 – $360.00
The Coyote Two Moon endurance festival returns to the Los Padres National Forest from May 1–3, 2026, timed to coincide with a full moon weekend. Based in Ojai, California, this event is notorious for its extreme vertical gain and technical difficulty, offering a "buffet of suffering" that ranges from a 10K fun run to a brutal 100-mile mountain odyssey. With a strict cap of only 150 total participants across all distances, the race provides an intimate but highly competitive atmosphere for experienced trail runners.
| Distance | Vertical Gain | Start Time | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Miler | ~26,000 ft | Friday, 5:00 PM | 100K w/ 10,000ft+ vert |
| 100K | ~17,000 ft | Friday, 5:00 PM | 50K w/ 8,000ft+ vert |
| 55 Miler | ~15,000 ft | Saturday, 6:00 AM | Open |
| 55K | ~7,713 ft | Saturday, 8:00 AM | Open |
| 30K / 10K | Varies | Sunday, 8:00 AM | Open |
The geography of the Ojai hinterlands is defined by the rugged Topatopa Mountains, where runners navigate steep, sun-exposed ridges and deep canyons. The 100-mile course features a staggering 26,000 feet of climbing, reaching elevations of up to 6,200 feet. In early May, Ojai’s Mediterranean climate can lead to significant temperature swings; daytime highs often reach 24°C (75°F) with high solar intensity, while nighttime temperatures in the National Forest can plummet to 7°C (45°F). Navigational skills are paramount, as the race utilizes a complex system of color-coded ribbons and turn-by-turn directions to guide runners through the wilderness under the full moon.
Logistically, registration for the 2026 edition remains open until April 27, though the 150-spot limit typically results in an earlier sell-out. The event maintains a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy, with deferrals allowed only at the discretion of the Race Director. Starting the 100M and 100K on Friday evening allows participants a 42-hour window to complete the course, making it a viable qualifier for elite races like Hardrock 100. Course marking is heavily emphasized to prevent "trail legends for all the wrong reasons," but runners are expected to be self-sufficient between major aid stations. Historic top performances include Karl Meltzer’s 17:24:00 finish in 2008, a testament to the speed required even on such punishing vertical terrain.
May 01, 2026
Distance — 160.9K
Type — Running
17:00
$360.00
May 01, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
17:00
$270.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 88.5K
Type — Running
06:00
$240.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 55K
Type — Running
08:00
$160.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 30K
Type — Running
08:00
$125.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
08:15
$65.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Ojai.
Learn more about the host city, Ojai.
Ojai is a city in Ventura County in California.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Ventura, California, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
location_on Ventura, California, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
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