Point Mugu Trail Run

The Point Mugu Trail Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Point Mugu State Park in Malibu, California. As the second race in the SoCalTrail "Trail ½ Series," this event features a challenging course that begins at the Ray Miller Trailhead, ascending three miles of ocean-view switchbacks before descending into Sycamore Canyon. Participants can compete in the 21k Trail half-marathon or the 10k short course, both of which utilize the technical Backbone and Fireline trails. The event is strictly cupless and includes a vibrant post-race festival featuring a beer garden, sports massages, and a vegan-friendly taco breakfast.

Malibu is an affluent beachfront city in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of approximately 10,600 residents. The demographic profile of Malibu is approximately 83.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Asian, 1.1% Black or African American, and 5.2% from two or more races. The median annual household income in the city is roughly $178,500. Geographically, Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, characterized by rocky canyons, sand dunes, and ridges that offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. The climate in mid-April typically features average lows of 11°C (52°F) and highs of 20°C (68°F), though morning coastal fog is common, which can make the technical switchbacks damp and slippery.

Registration for the event remains open until the night before the race. Participants in the half-marathon earn points toward the SoCalTrail Season Pass standings, with separate rankings for the newly introduced Elite and Open Trail Half Leagues. All runners receive a unique finisher medal and professional course photography. Aid stations are strategically placed at Sycamore Canyon and Fireline, providing water and Skratch electrolytes. The race follows strict cutoff times, with the course closing entirely at 12:00 PM. Parking is available for free along the Pacific Coast Highway, and limited on-site parking may be purchased. The top historical performance for the 21k course was recently recorded in 2025 by Matt Chorney with a time of 1:26:17.