From community, for community - join the soiree!
Donuts, dirt, and trail running across the top of California
From world-class trail races and community focused events, to free live entertainment, storytelling, and great local food, mammoth trailfest. is a multi-day experience designed to increase access to trail and ultrarunning through opportunity, education, and trail stewardship. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of trail running and with the splendor of California’s Eastern Sierra - home to Mammoth Lakes - travel across the pond to experience a European-style trail event on breath taking terrain is no longer necessary. It is an event built by our community, for our community, right in the heart of California. On behalf of our small mountain collective in Mammoth, I welcome you and your family to mammoth trailfest. Whether racing, supporting, or spectating, enjoy this season end gathering of our global community with inspiring stories, great local food, and many miles before snow covers the Sierra. Please join us. -Tim Tollefson, head crafter at trailfest.
entry includes: on course photo (tenkay individual photos not guaranteed); unique finishers medal; post race food and drink; professional live chip timing with on course splits (50K/26K); well stocked aid stations with generous cut-off times; goody bag from partners; 3 day festival with activations, talks, and performances; community shakeout runs; GTWS Sunday fan zone with bells, vuvuzelas, caps - while supplies last; post race party Sunday night; bus transport to start/from finish of Dragon's Back Ascent; additional perks/details will be announced.
Save 20% on your stay when booking with our preferred lodging partners at Mammoth Mountain - details on website under Travel tab
MTF Remains on Golden Trail World Series!
Race briefing/athlete presentation/welcome party: 9.18.25, 5:00pm
Kick off the fest with a village welcome party! We will host a live race briefing, athlete presentation and social hour prior to the evening entertainment
Dragon's Back Ascent: 9.19.25, 9:00am, $70 until 3/1
Everyone is encouraged to kick off the weekend with a run, hike, or walk from Twin Lakes Bridge in Mammoth Lakes Basin at 8,500' up the world famous and unbelievably beautiful Dragon's Back Trail to the summit of Mammoth Mountain at over 11,000'. Party on the summit with doughnuts and music as the awards for Dragon's Back Ascent are given during the Summit Ceremony. After a family photo enjoy a scenic gondola ride off the top of California. Spectators encouraged along the course and summit, BRING YOUR COWBELL! $3,700 Purse, 2.5hr cutoff
tenkay: 9.19.25, 6:45pm, $75 until 3/1
GLOWSTICKS AND GOOD TIMES! DJ skizzlefresh will launch you from the village onto a lollipop trail of the cruisiest california carpet - shred beneath christmas lights, jefferey pines, and a fluorescent aid station before bombing back to the village party! custom medals, pizza, and best day brewing, 2hr 15min cutoff - HEADLAMPS REQUIRED
50K: 9.20.25, 7:30am, $185 until 3/1
Single loop course of Mammoth Lakes that starts/ends in the Village plaza designed for maximum beauty, experience, and challenge. With 7,000ft of vertical gain and an average elevation over 9,000ft, this is a true mountain running event that will leave you equally exhausted and inspired to return year after year. $8,000 Purse, 12hr cuttoff
Kid's 1K: 9.20.25, 10:30am, FREE
Free event for children that will start/end under the same arch all races use in the Village Plaza!
26K: 9.21.25, 9:00am, $135 until 3/1
Single loop course perfect for testing your mountain legs or an elites' finale after a long season of racing. Participants will start in the Village Plaza surrounded by fans and do a small but tough and technical loop of the region with a Mammoth Mountain summit before returning to the lively Village Plaza. Part of the Golden Trail World Series there is a $21K Purse! 7hr cutoff
Mammoth Triple: 9.19-9.21.25, $340 until 3/1
DBA, 50K, 26K. 3 days, 3 summits. No rest for the weary
Festival
See website for schedule of podcasts, talks, films, volunteering and partnering opportunities, travel, and more!
AWARDS
Top 3 female/male runners in each 10 year age group awarded unique gift. Age groups: 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Prize Money: $21K in the 26K, $8,000 in the 50K and $3,700 in Dragon's Back Ascent, breakdowns can be found on our website
Mammoth Triple: Unique custom awards for top 3 female/male overall
Cancellations/Refunds/Withdrawal:
mammoth trailfest. reserves the right to cancel or postpone the event due to weather, smoke (wildfires are a serious risk in our area), force majeure, or other unsafe conditions that may impact the safety of participants, volunteers, or spectators. Permits to hold the event are also subject to USFS approval and they have the right to revoke permits at any time. Secondary to fixed costs of organizing this event, refunds will not be given in the event of cancellation. Every effort to fairly resolve unforeseen cancellations will be made and Village Festival will continue regardless of individual event cancellation. In the event of runner withdrawal from the event we will honor the following credit policy; 90 days prior to event: 75% credit towards following years event; 30 days prior to event: 50% credit towards following years event; 14 days prior to event: 25% credit towards following years event; <14 days prior to event: no credit given.
Participants must be 15 years of age or older for 50K, 26K, and Dragon's Back Ascent. Participants at least 15 years of age and less than 18 years of age must have parental consent to participate. Younger participants considered on individual basis and if accompanied by an adult.
For specifics on our pregnancy, non-binary, and transgender policies please refer to our website under FAQ
Event's current local time: 8:16 AM PT