Events

Mendocino Running Festival

Note: Starting in 2023, Mendocino Running Festival will be directed by Michelle Pool.   The Mendocino Running Festival reflects the…

Mendocino Woodlands Park, Mendocino, CA

August 31, 2024

Overview

Note: Starting in 2023, Mendocino Running Festival will be directed by Michelle Pool.

 

The Mendocino Running Festival reflects the glory of Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Just outside of Mendocino proper, we continue the tradition of running through the gorgeous Mendocino forest. A full weekend of fun awaits runners of all distances, along with plenty of activities for the entire family. After your run, enjoy more incredible food and drink while meeting fun folks, soaking in the nearby river, listening to music, and sipping on local wine. We have many other surprises treats in store for this festive event.

(Note for dog owners: Mendocino Woodlands State Park has a strict no-dog policy. The only exception is for ADA-compliant guide dogs.)

 

Courses – Go Short or Go Long!

The racecourse consists of a 6-mile loop that has about 850 feet of climbing. From Camp, you head out uphill on singletrack to the Summit Aid Station. This first section rolls through the hills and contains all the climb over about 2 miles. Then you head downhill on single-track with views of the valley and, in the near distance, Big River. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll cross the main road into the Marsh Creek watershed, where you’ll roll along fairly flat trails for 2 miles. The 10k and half-marathon follow this same course with brief out-and-backs at the start to make sure that the distance is right.

 

This Is Why It’s A FESTIVAL! (Camping)

Our new location is built for festivals such as ours. There are 21 tent cabins and a full family-camp-style facility. All are welcome. As in the past, bring your family and friends non-runners and runners alike. You, your friends, and your family are guaranteed a great time and deeper connection to one another and our running community. You can register for housing without signing up to run. Click on the Registration Button and look for the link under CAMPING at Ultrasignup.

There is also tent camping. You can also find the detail for this, reserve spots, and buy meal passes for non-runners registration. Camp assignments will be published on August 1. Reserve your spot early as they will fill up! For a more detailed description of Scena Camp and an outline of the layout, click here.  

Again this year, we hope is to continue the tradition of the one-of-a-kind post-run BBQ, beer, wine, campfire, and live music.

 

If We Come, Will You Feed Us?

Yes, we will do our best! There will be coffee, cereal, fruit, yogurt, and some baked goods in the morning and snacks throughout the day. Registration for runners is meant to cover all your food during the stay. In the past, people have brought additional things to share, making this a running family camp. Some campers bring their own food and prepare it in the Scena Commons. That’s great, too!

As in the past, we will also serve two meals on Saturday, lunch, and dinner. 10k and half-marathon registrations include a light lunch. 6 and 12-hour registrations include a heavier dinner, in keeping with the ultra tradition. All runners will be welcome to drinks, including beer and wine.

We welcome non-runners for the day and for camping. If you have non-runners, we ask that they purchase a meal pass. Kids are free. 

 

Results

2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 

 

  • 10k

    The 10k course starts with a small out-and-back on the road leading into camp, then follows the loop for the timed distances. The net elevation gain is 850 feet, most of which comes in the first 2.5 miles.

    The looped course has 850 of elevation gain, most of which comes in the first two miles of the loop. Click on Course Map to see the course. If you'd like a blank copy of the trails in Mendocino Woodlands, click here.


    AID STATIONS

    There is one aid station in this race: The Summit Aid Station. It will be well-stocked with water, ice, sports drink, soda, fresh fruit, chips, candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and other assorted goodies.

  • Half Marathon

    The half marathon course starts with and out-and-back on the road leading into camp and then does two loops of the course. There's a net elevation gain of 1,700 ft. This stunning trail will offer something new to take in with each lap. The elevation profile graphic shows the 10k course which is run twice.

    The looped course has 850 feet of elevation gain, most of which comes in the first two miles of the loop. Click on Course Map to see the course. If you'd like a blank copy of the trails in Mendocino Woodlands, click here.


    AID STATIONS

    There are 2 aid stations on this race. The Summit Aid Station and the Camp Aid. Station. Each will be will be well-stocked with water, ice, sports drink, soda, fresh fruit, chips, candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and other assorted goodies.

  • 6- and 12-Hour Timed Event

    Scena is excited to bring timed events to a landscape that already offers its own timeless feel. Runners will have their times recorded with each pass through the Start/Finish and will be ranked by number of laps completed in the assigned time period.

    The looped course is 5.8 miles long and has 850 of elevation gain, most of which comes in the first two miles of the loop. Click on Course Map to see the course. If you'd like a blank copy of the trails in Mendocino Woodlands, click here.


    AID STATIONS

    There are 2 aid stations on this race. The Summit Aid Station and the Camp Aid. Station. Each will be will be well-stocked with water, ice, sports drink, soda, fresh fruit, chips, candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and other assorted goodies.

Times, Getting here, Where to stay

START TIMES

6- and 12-hour races start 7am. All other races start at 9am

GETTING HERE

Mendocino Woodlands Park is just outside of Mendocino, away from the coast in the forest. Google Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association for directions by clicking here.

WHERE TO STAY

We will have a festive camping atmosphere tent cabins available for runners. We recommend booking them early as they will sell out. See our add-on options for more info.

AWARDS

We will have awards for the top 3 overall male and female finishers in the 6 and 12-hour timed events.

DROP BAGS

Drop bags will be available at the Start/Finish area.

TIME LIMIT

There is no time limit for the 10k - and half marathon events. Runners in the 6- and 12-hour timed event will be given credit for each lap completed within the allotted time frame. Runners coming in past the 6- and 12-hour cutoff will only be given credit for the laps done before the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pre-race packet pickup?

Yes, runners can come check in at the main camp on Friday evening from 7-9 pm to receive their bib numbers. Stick around for the campfire! Runner check-in will also be held from 5:30 to 9 on race morning.

I am new to trail running, will I get lost?

The trails are thoroughly marked with ribbons, and each turn will have multiple ribbons along with a sign pointing you in the direction of the turn. There will be no areas where you need to guess. We haven't lost anyone yet!

Are there finisher awards?

Yes, along with a hearty congratulations and race swag. There's also the award of having running a great race! We strive to emphasize the experience and devote energy toward the post-run food and beer extravaganza where you can connect with your fellow finishers.

Are there things for my family to do at this location?

Mendocino Woodlands is a beautiful a park with lots of places for people of all ages to explore. The main campsite is in the middle of beautiful wilderness with endless places to explore. It's also a private camp, so if your kids are coming with bikes, they're safe to roam and will have a ball. And then there's Mendocino. We're just 15 minutes away from that beautiful town and the coast. Families have plenty to do, as do runners of the shorter distances. I mean, c'mon. Who can't make a good time in Mendocino! For a shift in experience, you can explore Ft. Bragg, or make your way over the Anderson Valley for the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival.

Can I hike the event?

Yes, we believe everyone should get a chance to experience these beautiful trails, regardless of pace.

Do you need volunteers?

Our races depend on the generous spirit of the running community to ensure every participant is well supported. Volunteers will receive a free entry to a future Scena Performance event. Please fill out the volunteer form for more information.

Mendocino Running Festival