Headwaters Trail Runs

Clean mountain air. Rugged single‑track. Crystal‑clear headwaters of California's longest river. The Headwaters Trail Runs return to the Klamath Mountains west of Mount Shasta City on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Choose 52k (8,000 ft gain), 34k (4,000 ft gain), or the scenic 10k on Lake Siskiyou Trail (400 ft gain). All races run against the backdrop of majestic Mt. Shasta (14,179 ft) and Mt. Eddy (9,025 ft). Organic post‑race meal by chef Jacqueline Hertzog. Cupless event — bring your own cup or bottle.

Location & Course:

• Start at Box Canyon Dam, Lake Siskiyou (west of Mount Shasta City, CA)
• 52k and 34k are loop courses entirely on single‑track trails and dirt forest roads
• Sisson‑Callahan National Recreation Trail — historic route used by generations of travelers between Shasta Valley and the Sacramento River headwaters
• 10k runs on Lake Siskiyou Trail — a local favorite for all abilities, flat to gently rolling, shaded by pine and fir trees
• Magnificent views of Mt. Shasta (14,179 ft) — the most massive Cascade volcano — and Mt. Eddy (9,025 ft), the highest peak in the Klamath Mountains

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Commemorative race t‑shirt
• Unique finisher's medal for all finishers
• Hearty, organic post‑race meal made by local chef Jacqueline Hertzog (arguably the best post‑race meal anywhere — previous years have included homemade soups, bread, salads, and locally sourced ingredients)
• Fully stocked aid stations (water, electrolyte, gels, fruit, snacks)
• Welcoming and enthusiastic volunteer staff
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start/finish

Cupless Event — Reduce Waste:

• Bring your own cup, flask, or bottle to drink at aid stations
• No disposable cups will be provided
• Consider bringing your own reusable plate, utensils, and cup for the post‑race meal (the event provides compostable options, but bringing your own reduces waste further)

Land Acknowledgment:

• These races occur on the traditional homelands of the Winnemem Wintu, Nom Sus Wintu, Nom Ti Pom Wintu, Wintʰu• Po•m, Shasta, Modoc, Okwanuchu, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Charity & Community:

• A portion of proceeds is donated annually to the Mt. Shasta High School Cross‑Country team
• Headwaters Trail Runs is a project of the Associated Charitable Resource of Southern Siskiyou (ACROSS) — a 501(c)(3) organization
• Organized and operated entirely by volunteer staff
• Member of the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) and meets ATRA's Events Standards Program requirements
• Permitted by Shasta‑Trinity National Forest, Siskiyou County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Sierra Pacific Industries, and Lake Siskiyou Camp‑Resort

Awards:

• Top 3 overall female and male — awards from sponsors
• Top 3 female and male in each 10‑year age group — age group awards
• All finishers receive a finisher's medal

Logistics:

• Registration closes Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
• Parking at Lake Siskiyou Camp‑Resort or Box Canyon Dam (arrive early — limited spaces)
• No dogs allowed on the course (forest service regulations)
• Strollers not permitted on 52k/34k courses; 10k may be stroller‑friendly (contact organizer)
• Wheelchair accessibility not possible on mountainous courses; 10k on Lake Siskiyou Trail is packed gravel and potentially accessible — contact organizer
• Altitude: Races start at approximately 3,200 ft; 52k climbs to over 6,000 ft. Runners coming from sea level should arrive 24–48 hours early to acclimatize.
• No refunds? Check event policy — typical for small, volunteer‑run trail events
• Volunteers needed — contact the organizer via the event website

Past Results:

• Men's 52k course record (2025): Robert Ressl — 5:08:30
• Women's 52k course record not shown — check results page
• Results from 2013‑2025 available on UltraSignup