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Big Blue Adventure
Emerald Bay Trail Run event badge

12 Sep 2026 · Trail running

Emerald Bay Trail Run

Emerald Bay, CA

You run the rim above the most photographed view in the Sierra. September light on the water.

Distances
Half marathon · 10K · 5K
Where
Emerald Bay, CA
High point
7,200 ft

What race day looks like

Emerald Bay Trail Run runs at Emerald Bay, CA, and like everything we put on, it is built to be genuinely hard and genuinely welcoming at the same time. The front of the field will race it. Everybody else will finish it, and get the same welcome at the line.

You will be racing at altitude. The course tops out around 7,200 feet, so if you are coming up from sea level plan for paces roughly 10–15% slower than home, arrive a day early if you possibly can, and drink far more than feels necessary. The sun up here is stronger than it looks.

Aid stations are stocked and staffed by volunteers who will know your name by the second lap. There is food, a raffle and a cold one from Alibi Ale Works at the finish, and the whole thing runs under permit on public land we intend to leave exactly as we found it.

Entries and questions

Registration for the 2026 season is handled by the office. Call 530-546-1019 or send us a message and someone who has actually marked this course will answer.