Fleet Feet Sacramento Trail Challenge

Discover the trail runner in you this Spring, Summer and Fall. The Fleet Feet Trail Series Challenge, sponsored by Altra, 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.

Dirty Secret Trail Run (Cool, CA)

May 9, 2026

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

Short Course 5.8 miles; Long Course 10.3 miles

We kick off our 2026 trail series with this epic Spring trail race in Cool. These trails are inspiring, with hidden secrets and plenty of challenges. Two distances that take runners on some great single-track trails through green meadows, rolling hills, and a creek crossing. It’s no secret there is some rugged terrain that will challenge your endurance and test your limits.

Dirty Secret is perfect for first timers and trail vets. Hard-core runners looking for places to test their endurance will find plenty of the trails challenging. Be prepared for the typical trail obstacles of rocks and roots, some low tree branches and a demanding climb out of Knickerbocker Creek which is the backbone of both the Long and Short Course.

Packet Pick-up: May 8- Fleet Feet, 2311 J Street, Sacramento, CA 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Race Day Packet Pick-up - 6:15 am at Northside Elementary School, 860 Cave Valley Rd., Cool, CA

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)

July 26, 2026

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

Short Course 5.9 miles; Long Course 10.5 miles

Venture to Auburn, CA for the second race in our series. Blood, Sweat & Beers doesn’t disappoint. It’s got spectacular single-track trails and Gold Rush era canals that now deliver water to area residents. Situated in the American River Canyon with a birds-eye view of the American River below. You’ll be introduced to the punishing hills of Cardiac and Last Gasp. To mix it up we’ve thrown in some paved sections too


Packet Pick-up: July 25- Fleet Feet, 2311 J Street, Sacramento, CA 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (friends may pick up your packet for you)

Race Day Packet Pick-up: 6:15 am packet pick-up opens 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)

October 10, 2026

Short Course 6.6 miles; Long Course 11.45 mile

Start/Finish Location: Granite Beach in Granite Bay

East on Douglas Blvd. to the end of Douglas and then follow signs to Granite Beach.

We round out the trail series with our Fall trail run Granite Head Trails & Ales. Packed with beautiful fall scenery and shady wooded sections of heritage oaks and beautiful Fall foliage. This is a challenging race with some steep uphill dirt trails and a short sandy beach section with waterfront views of Folsom Lake. We’ve also thrown in some trails that take you among the namesake granite rock gardens and granite boulders of this State Park.

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

Packet Pick-up
(Friends may pick up your packet for you.)

Friday, October 9: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Fleet Feet, 2311 J Street, Sacramento, CA Race Day-Saturday, October 10: opens at 6:15 am Granite Beach in Granite Bay

Race Day Schedule
· 6:15 am Packet pick-up is open to the public
· 7:30 am - Long Course (all long course athletes)
· 8:00 am - Short Course (all short course athletes)

Swag

Each race in the series has a tech shirt unique to the specific race.

New this year, each race will have a commemorative finisher trail run medal.

Following the race celebrate your accomplishments over a special post-run meal.

Blood, Sweat & Beers and Granite Head offer a complimentary beer to finishers over 21.

Participants who sign up for the 3-event bundle will receive a commemorative 2026 Trail Series beanie which will be given out at the Granite Head Trail race in October.

Aid Stations

All our trail races have multiple aid stations which are managed by great volunteers. They will help you refill your bottles and get you back quickly onto the trail. Our aid stations are well stocked with electrolytes, water, and a mix of salty and sweet snacks.

Awards

Overall Awards-to the Overall Male and Female winners of both the Long and Short Course.

Any age group awards that haven’t been claimed can be picked up at Fleet Feet Sports (2311 J St., Sacramento)

LONG COURSE: Awards to the top three male and female finishers in each age division: 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over, and the top 3 non-binary participants.

SHORT COURSE: Awards to the top three male and female finishers in each age division: 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over, and the top 3 non-binary participants.

Cancellation Policy

Entry fees are non-refundable & entries are non-transferable. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your number to anyone else, and you may not transfer your entry fee to future races.

Event's current local time: 3:57 AM PT