Mendocino Running Festival

Mendocino Running Festival takes place in Mendocino, California, on September 11, 2026, with four trail formats on the same day: a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles), a 6-hour timed race and a 12-hour timed race. Fixed-distance and timed options run side by side, so you can choose between a set finish line and a set clock.

The 10K and half marathon suit runners who want a coastal trail outing with a clear goal, and the half is a sensible target after 10 to 12 weeks of steady running with one long run on hills. The timed races open the door to ultra distances without a cutoff: in the 6-hour you can pass the marathon mark by running steadily, and the 12-hour is a legitimate first-50-mile attempt for well-prepared runners. For those, focus your build on time on feet and on fueling every 30 to 45 minutes.