Fleet Feet Sacramento Trail Challenge

Fleet Feet Sacramento Trail Challenge - May 9 - October 10, 2026

Discover the trail runner in you this Spring, Summer and Fall. The Fleet Feet Trail Series Challenge takes your running off-road with a three-part series of sell-out races that promise to deliver breath-taking wilderness locations within a 1-hour drive of Sacramento.

The series kicks off with The Dirty Secret Trail Run in May, followed by the Blood, Sweat and Beers Trail Run in July and wraps up with Granite Head Trails & Ales in October. Each of the three races in the series offers a Short Course and Long Course distance to choose from. This series is designed for both new and experienced trail runners alike.

The Dirty Secret Trail Run (Cool, CA)

Date: May 9, 2026

Start/Finish: Northside Elementary School, 860 Cave Valley Rd., Cool, CA

Courses: Short Course 5.8 miles; Long Course 10.3 miles

Description: This Spring trail race features inspiring trails with hidden secrets and plenty of challenges. Two distances take runners on single-track trails through green meadows, rolling hills, and a creek crossing. Expect rugged terrain, rocks, roots, low tree branches, and a demanding climb out of Knickerbocker Creek.

Packet Pick-up: May 8 - Fleet Feet, Sacramento (10:00 am to 6:00 pm); Race Day Packet Pick-up - 6:15 am at Northside Elementary School.

Race Day Schedule: WAVE STARTS 7:30 am – W 1 Long Course (Road pace under 9:00 min./mile), 7:40 am – W 2 Long Course (Road pace over 9:00 min./mile), 8:15 am -W1 Short Course (Road pace under 9:00 min./mile), 8:25 am – W 2 Short Course (Road pace over 9:00 min./mile)

Blood, Sweat & Beers Trail Run (Auburn, CA)

Date: July 26, 2026

Start/Finish: Railhead Park; 175 Pacific Ave. Auburn, CA

Courses: Short Course 5.9 miles; Long Course 10.5 miles

Description: This race features spectacular single-track trails and Gold Rush era canals in the American River Canyon. Includes punishing hills like Cardiac and Last Gasp, with some paved sections.

Packet Pick-up: July 25 - Fleet Feet, Sacramento (10:00 am to 6:00 pm); Race Day Packet Pick-up - 6:15 am at Railhead Park, Auburn CA.

Start Details: 7:30 am - Long Course Start; 7:55 am - Short Course Start

Granite Head Trails and Ales (Granite Beach in Granite Bay, CA)

Date: October 10, 2026

Start/Finish Location: Granite Beach in Granite Bay (East on Douglas Blvd. to the end of Douglas and then follow signs to Granite Beach).

Courses: Short Course 6.6 miles; Long Course 11.45 miles

Description: This Fall trail run offers beautiful fall scenery, shady wooded sections, challenging steep uphill dirt trails, and a short sandy beach section with Folsom Lake views. Includes trails through granite rock gardens.

Packet Pick-up: Friday, October 9: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Fleet Feet, Sacramento; Race Day-Saturday, October 10: opens at 6:15 am Granite Beach.

Race Day Schedule: 7:30 am - Long Course (all long course athletes); 8:00 am - Short Course (all short course athletes)

Swag & Awards

Each race includes a unique tech shirt and a commemorative finisher trail run medal. Blood, Sweat & Beers and Granite Head offer a complimentary beer to finishers over 21. Participants who sign up for the 3-event bundle receive a commemorative 2026 Trail Series beanie.

Overall Awards for top Male and Female winners of both Long and Short Courses. Age group awards available. Top 3 non-binary participants also recognized.

Cancellation Policy

Entry fees are non-refundable & entries are non-transferable. NO EXCEPTIONS.