100 Runner Cap on this race event.
| Dates: | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Sly Park Recreation Area – Event Center 4771 Sly Park Rd. Pollock Pines, CA (Click here for Google Maps to the Event Center) |
| Race Distances: | 5K, 10K, 8 Mile, Half Marathon, 17 Mile, Trail Marathon, 50K AND RELAYS FOR 13.1, 17M, TRAIL MARATHON, 50K 2-4 PERSON TEAMS! |
| Start Time: | 8:00 AM All Distances |
| Overall Cut-Off Times: | 9 Hours |
About the Race
- Fun Rolling Single Track along around the lake.
- Plenty of shade / suitable for all age runners.
- Some technical sections with rolling hills, but no steep altitude gains.
- One of our favorite races!
- Cold Ice Cream for each runner + a full kitchen + warm food
This event is held at the Sly Park Recreation Area in Pollock Pines, and it’s held under special use permit with the El Dorado National Forest. The course follows the trails surrounding Jenkinson Lake through endless pine trees and buttery horse trails. This race is held three times a year to offer runners the experience of running in this beautiful park through different seasons.
REGISTRATION
| REGISTER ONLINE | Online registration is available through the evening before the race. |
| REGISTER AT RACE | Race day registration is available beginning at 7:00 AM. |
| VOLUNTEER NOW | Volunteers are needed to help with aid stations. Everyone who helps out gets a free future race! |
| DISTANCE | RACE FEE | IN PERSON RACE DAY REGISTRATION |
| 5K | $55 | $65 |
| 10K | $65 | $75 |
| 8 Mile | $70 | $80 |
| Half Marathon | $85 | $95 |
| 17 Mile | $90 | $100 |
| Trail Marathon | $100 | $110 |
| 50K | $110 | $120 |
Schedule
- 6:30 AM — Event center opens
- 6:45 AM — Registration opens
- 7:45 AM — Trail briefing
- 8:00 AM — Start of all races
Primary Cutoff Times
12:30 PM @ Mile 17, Sly Park Event Center / Start Finish, End of 17 Mile Race
12:45 PM Race Sweep Begins
3:30 PM @ Mile 26.2, Sly Park Event Center / End of Trail Marathon / Start of Final 50K Loop
5 PM Race Over
The 5K (538Ft. Ascent)
9:00am cutoff, 1 Hour Time Limit
A simple out and back course that runs alongside all of the other distances for the first 2.5 kilometers (marked with yellow ribbons).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_-_SLY_PARK_5K.gpx”]The 10K (866Ft. Ascent)
9:30am cutoff, 1 Hour & 30 Minutes Time Limit
The 10K is an out-and-back course that follows the same hiking trail as every longer race and turns around right before the Park Creek bridge at the northeast edge of the lake (marked with pink ribbons).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_SLY_PARK_10K.gpx”]The 8 Miler (984Ft. Ascent)
10:30am cutoff, 2 Hours 30 Minutes Time Limit
The 8 miler course makes one complete loop around the lake on the hiking trail (marked with pink ribbons).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_-_SLY_PARK_8.5M.gpx”]The Half Marathon (1,739Ft. Ascent)
12:00pm overall cutoff, 4 Hours Time Limit
The Half Marathon follows the same course as the 8 milers and runs an additional 5.1-mile out and back path.
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_-_SLY_PARK_HALF.gpx”]The 17 Miler (2,539Ft. Ascent)
12:45pm cutoff, 4 Hours & 45 Minutes Time Limit
The 17 miler makes two complete counterclockwise loops around the lake. The first loop follows the 8-mile course on the hiking trail, and the second loop follows the 9-mile horse trail, which sometimes joins the hiking trail for short distances (the first loop marked with pink ribbons, second loop marked with orange ribbons, additionally the second loop is marked by EID Park Staff blue plastic diamonds on trees).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_-_SLY_PARK_18M.gpx”]The Trail Marathon (4,032Ft. Ascent)
3:30pm cutoff, 7 Hours & 30 Minutes Time Limit
The Trail Marathon makes two complete counterclockwise loops around the lake, followed by one clockwise loop. The first loop follows the 8-mile course on the hiking trail, and the second loop follows the 9-mile horse trail. The last loop follows the horse trail backward (the first loop marked with pink ribbons, second and third loops marked with orange ribbons, additionally the second and third loop is marked by EID Park Staff blue plastic diamonds on trees).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_SLY_PARK_50K (2).gpx”]The 50K Ultra (5,000Ft. Ascent)
5:00pm overall cutoff, 9 Hours Time Limit
The 50K Ultra follows the same course as the 17-mile race, which has a cutoff time of 12:30 PM. After 17 miles, runners turn around and follow the 9-mile horse trail loop clockwise around the lake. The cutoff time for 26 miles is 3:30 PM. A final 5.1-miles, is out & back and completes the full distance (the first loop marked with pink ribbons, second and third loops marked with orange ribbons, additionally the second and third loop is marked by EID Park Staff blue plastic diamonds on trees).
[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/TCTRUNS_-_SLY_PARK_ULTRA_50K (1).gpx”]Aid Stations
There are two aid stations located on opposite ends of the lake, which all distances over the 10K will hit at least once, if not several times. One is at the start/finish area, and the other is at the Hazel Creek area. The 5K and 10K races do not reach the Hazel Creek area, so there is no aid station on the course for those distances.
Drop bag pick-up at the Start and drop-off to the aid stations is available.
Aid Station Locations:
- Event Center (Start/Finish) Aid Station
- Hazel Creek Aid Station (Approximately at Mile 4 (9:00am cutoff), Mile 12 (11:15am cutoff), and Mile 22 (2:15pm cutoff – Aid Station Closes))
Water Stop
17 Mile, Marathon, and 50k Runners will have access to the Water Stop in the Miwok area ORANGE RIBBONS. Runners for loops 2 & 3 on the upper horse trail on the Northwest side of the lake.
Toilet
On the way to the race location:
– Safeway (6498 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, CA 95726) – Bathrooms near Starbucks & Deli.
Two Campground Restrooms (When driving into the Event Center):
– Just before driving into the main Event Center parking lot 2 campground restrooms are located on the left 200 yards down the paved road. Runners please feel free to use these 2 campground restrooms.
Restrooms Available in the Event Center Area:
– One Inside Event Center
– One Outside near the Event Center
Additional Restrooms located along Course:
– Bathrooms are located just before the first Aid Station in the back of the lake.
– Runners will encounter many bathrooms on the Northwest side of the lake.
– There are also available water fountains throughout the campgrounds.
50K SWEEP INFORMATION
Sweep starts at 12:45
50k info at Mile 26 sweeps run to 13 Mile Turnaround Location at Mile 28.5 & Return To Finish/ Sweeper needs to hold up at Yellow Ribbons/ 13 Mile Turn Around until last runner makes it there.
Race staff will be in communication with Sweep regarding final runner.
Directions and Parking
From Highway 50, take the Sly Park Rd exit (Exit 60). Go south on Sly Park Rd for about five miles, and turn left on Mormon Emigrant Trail. After passing over a small dam and spillway, there will be two driveways on the left side of the road. Turn into the second driveway leading to the event center and park in the gravel lot. A sign will be posted. Parking fee is free at the Event Center, but it limited at this location.
Race registration and check-in is located inside the event center. The start/finish area is located across Mormon Emigrant Trail from the event center and down a gravel road a little bit. Bathrooms are available at the event center and along the course in the campground areas.
(Click here for Google Maps to the Event Center)
Please CARPOOL. Parking is limited at the Event Center.
Parking Locations:
- Event Center – Free Limited Parking (Park close in this area to allow for multiple vehicles.)
- Equestrian Staging Day Use Parking Lot – $5 Parking (0.6 Miles to Event Center)
- Some Free Parking on the side of the road near the Equestrian Staging Day Use Parking Lot that is about 0.6 Miles from the Event Center
- Fleming Trail System & Trailhead Day Use Parking Area – $5 Parking (1.5 Miles to Event Center)
- Sly Park Recreation/Campground/Boat Launching Facility Main Day Use Parking Area – $15 (Approx. 1.3 Miles-1.7 Miles to Event Center)
ATTENTION, if parking at Event Center, a LARGE EMERGENCY VEHICLE will need access to drive throughout the entire EVENT CENTER AREA. We Must Always leave them plenty of ACCESS to drive through & Turn Around wherever needed.
Awards + Other Information
All runners receive a medal for finishing the race.
- Active Military & First Responders receive a 15% discount. Please e-mail team@tctruns.com to process your military registration discount.
- Entry fees are non-refundable, but the full registration amount (minus processing fees) may be transferred to another future TCTRuns by contacting team@tctruns.com at least 24 hours before the scheduled event.
- Runners may purchase a Troy’s California Trail Runs sport-tek technical fabric shirt during the registration process, or at the event supply permitting. All shirts are gender-specific and come in sizes ranging from ladies XS all the way to mens XXL and youth S to XL.
Travel and Accommodations
Troy’s California Trail Runs is partnered with iWeekender to provide comprehensive travel packages that include accommodations, air travel, and rental cars.
Westhaven Inn
5658 Pony Express Trail
Pollock Pines, CA 95726
(530) 644-7800
www.westhaveninn.com
Results
Results are posted here after the race.
RELAY INFORMATION:
Relay Teams can consist of 2 to 4 Runners on a team depending on the distance you’re participating in.
Relay Teams can run13Mi 2 Runners17 Mi 2 Runners26Mi 2 to 3 Runners50k 2 to 4 Runners
Relay Teams members Rules for Relay Teams
In order to be a Relay Team you must have a team of at least 2 Runners.
Team members can run the race however they desire but in order to be a team a team member must at least run a loop or an Out & Back Section at the appropriate mileage & location leaving from the Event Center.
Relay Teams Same Price for whatever distance.
When Registering for Relay Teams we need only know the distance chosen.
STAGE 1 First 8 Mile Loop/Referred to as 8All Distances.
STAGE 2 at mile 8 leaving Event Center Referred to as 17.50k 26Mi 17Mi Runners
STAGE 2 Also Refers to 13 Milers at mile 8 leaving Event Center.
STAGE 3 at mile 17 leaving Event Center Referred to as 26.
50k 26Mi Runners
STAGE 4 at mile 26 leaving Event Center 50k Runners Out & Back 5 mile section.
2.5 miles out following Pink Ribbons Turning Around at Mile 28.5 RED RIBBONS Sign POSTED 50k Turn Around Mile 28.5.
Depending on whatever distance chosen your team needs to understand the course the STAGES involved before leaving the Event Center.
Mileages & location to be replaced by Relay Team Member.
Relay Teams can only be replaced at the Event Center Start Finish no other locations.All Relay Team members before Running must be signed in Waiver form SIGNED & the bib number allocated to First Runner Out at Start of Race Please Write SAME BIB NUMBER on back of hand of each Runner for us to Track that Number through Aid Stations & at FINISH,
Mile 8 after First Loop leaving Event Center.Relay Team member must know what to do at mile 8.
Mile 17 after Second Loop
Mile 26 after Third Loop
Mile 26 at Event Center only distance continuing 50k Runners.
Need A Team Name
All participants names & all participants must sign a waiver form.
Teams can be formulated up to race day & during race.
We need to know Team members names everyone needs to fill out a waiver & we need to know who’s on the course representing your team.
Teams may only change Relay Runners at the Event Center.
Relay Runners please be Signed in Waiver Form Signed before Participating Thx.
Mile 8
Mile 17
Mile 26
Only one runner at a time representing team on course.
A team member must run an entire Out & Back section or loop to either Finish or be substituted for.
(1 )Follow 1 At START Refers to FIRST TIME Out 8 MILER to proceed that direction first time out following PINK RIBBONS for first loop 8 MILER.
(2) (13 Milers) Follow 2 At Mile 8 13 MILERS Leaving Event Center Refers to SECOND TIME Out 13 Milers follow PINK RIBBONS Out & Back Section. Turn Around at RED RIBBONS Sign Posted 13Mi Turn Around Mile 10.5.
(2 )(17 Milers) Follow 2 At MILE 8 Leaving Event Center Refers to SECOND TIME Out 17 MILER & to proceed that direction second time out STARTING out following PINK RIBBONS
(3) (26 Milers) Follow 3 At MILE 17 Leaving Event Center Refers to THIRD TIME Out 26 MILER& to proceed the direction third time out STARTING out following YELLOW RIBBONS.
(4) (50k) At Mile 26 Follow 4 Out in that direction following Pink Ribbons Out & Back Section Turning Around at mile 28.5 Red Ribbons Sign 50k Turn Around Mile 28.5.
Number 1 First Loop Out is Referred to as 8 Miler leaving Event Center.
Number 2 Second Loop Out at Mile 8 is Referred to as 17 Miler leaving Event Center
Number 3 Third Loop Out at Mile 17 is Referred to as 26 Miler leaving Event Center
Number 4 Fourth Time Out at Mile 26 leaving Event Center.
Refers Solely to 50k Runners run Out & Back Section 2.5 miles Out to Turn Around at mile 28.5 Sign Posted 50k Turn Around & RED RIBBONS.
Depending on the distance your team chooses to run
One bib number will be allocated for STARTING RUNNER first runner out at Start of Race.
Other runners on TEAM will write number with felt pin on back of hand.
Teams are Responsible for knowing understanding course / courses
13Mi Relay Team
REFER to 13 Mile Course Information.
First Runner Runs 8 Mile Loop following Pink Ribbons tied to Clothespins until approximately mile 7.5 then follow YELLOW RIBBONS for the last 0.5 miles to FINISH.
Second Relay Runner Starts at Mile 8 leaving Event Center.
Second Runner runs 5 more miles 2.5 mile Out & Back Section Following Pink Ribbons Turn Around at approximately mile 10.5 Red Ribbons & Sign Posted Turn Around 13Mi at mile 10.5.
17Mi Team
REFER to 17Mi Course Information.
First Runner Runs 8 Mile Loop following Pink Ribbons tied to Clothespins.
At approximately mile 7.5 follow Yellow Ribbons to the Finish for approximately 0.5 miles to the Event Center.
Mile 8 at EVENT CENTER Refer to 17 mile Course information how to proceed.
17 Miler Refer to Course information for this distance
26Mi Refer to Course information for this distance.
50k Refer to Course information for this distance.