Pincushion Hill Climb
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM PDT
- Location Friant, California
- Price $46.58 - $51.88
- Races 2 races
- Distances 1 Mile
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Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Pincushion Hill Climb on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the stunning Friant, Madera area. This one-mile chip-timed ascent begins at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the picturesque South Finegold Picnic Area at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, taking you straight up to the breathtaking summit of Pincushion Mountain.
For those looking for an extra challenge, the Mountain Goat Challenge invites participants to conquer as many summits as possible within a four-hour timeframe—no separate registration needed for the Hill Climb! With staggered starts to minimize congestion, you'll race against the clock and fellow climbers as you tackle this thrilling course. Runners will enjoy support from a dedicated aid station and will be rewarded with special prizes for top finishers, age-group awards, and a custom finisher award along with an event shirt. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to push your limits and experience the beauty of the outdoors!
For those looking for an extra challenge, the Mountain Goat Challenge invites participants to conquer as many summits as possible within a four-hour timeframe—no separate registration needed for the Hill Climb! With staggered starts to minimize congestion, you'll race against the clock and fellow climbers as you tackle this thrilling course. Runners will enjoy support from a dedicated aid station and will be rewarded with special prizes for top finishers, age-group awards, and a custom finisher award along with an event shirt. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to push your limits and experience the beauty of the outdoors!
Organiser's Description
Pincushion Hill Climb: Mountain Goat Edition
1 mile. Straight up. Then keep climbing.
The Pincushion Hill Climb is a chip-timed, one-mile climb beginning at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the South Finegold Picnic Area at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (at the end of Sky Harbour Road) and finishing at the summit of Pincushion Mountain.
Mountain Goat Challenge
When you register for the four-hour Mountain Goat Challenge, you are automatically entered in the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climbno separate registration is needed.
Your first ascent from the trailhead to the summit will be chip timed and scored as your official one-mile Hill Climb result. The first lap will begin in a staggered, time-trial format to spread runners out and reduce congestion on the trail.
The four-hour challenge clock begins when the first participant starts. From that moment, Mountain Goat runners have four hoursuntil noonto complete as many summits as possible.
After reaching the summit for the first time, runners must take the designated longer route down, which is just over 1.5 miles. After that first descent, runners may descend using the same route they climb.
Trekking poles are allowed. To qualify as an official Mountain Goat finisher, you must complete at least two trips to the summit.
Mountain Goat Challenge standings will be determined by the total number of completed summits. If two or more participants complete the same number of summits, the runner with the fastest chip-timed first ascent will receive the higher placement.
Mountain Goat Aid Station
An aid station will be available at the bottom of the hill exclusively for Mountain Goat runners. Participants will be able to refill their water and refuel with electrolytes, gels, and a selection of other snacks between climbs.
Awards and Swag
For the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb:
Special prizes for the top three male and female finishers
Awards for age-group winners
A custom finisher award and event shirt for every runner
1 mile. Straight up. Then keep climbing.
The Pincushion Hill Climb is a chip-timed, one-mile climb beginning at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the South Finegold Picnic Area at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (at the end of Sky Harbour Road) and finishing at the summit of Pincushion Mountain.
Mountain Goat Challenge
When you register for the four-hour Mountain Goat Challenge, you are automatically entered in the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climbno separate registration is needed.
Your first ascent from the trailhead to the summit will be chip timed and scored as your official one-mile Hill Climb result. The first lap will begin in a staggered, time-trial format to spread runners out and reduce congestion on the trail.
The four-hour challenge clock begins when the first participant starts. From that moment, Mountain Goat runners have four hoursuntil noonto complete as many summits as possible.
After reaching the summit for the first time, runners must take the designated longer route down, which is just over 1.5 miles. After that first descent, runners may descend using the same route they climb.
Trekking poles are allowed. To qualify as an official Mountain Goat finisher, you must complete at least two trips to the summit.
Mountain Goat Challenge standings will be determined by the total number of completed summits. If two or more participants complete the same number of summits, the runner with the fastest chip-timed first ascent will receive the higher placement.
Mountain Goat Aid Station
An aid station will be available at the bottom of the hill exclusively for Mountain Goat runners. Participants will be able to refill their water and refuel with electrolytes, gels, and a selection of other snacks between climbs.
Awards and Swag
For the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb:
Special prizes for the top three male and female finishers
Awards for age-group winners
A custom finisher award and event shirt for every runner
Races
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S. Finegold Picnic Area, Friant, 93626, CA, United States
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Pincushion Hill Climb
