Race for Open Space
- Date Sat 9th May 2026
- Time 8:00AM PDT
- Location Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
- Price $20.00 - $100.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the exciting Race for Open Space on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, in the breathtaking Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey! This vibrant trail running event celebrates the natural beauty of Monterey County while promoting the health benefits of outdoor adventures. Runners and hikers of all ages are invited to choose their challenge from an array of distances, including a 5K, 12K, 25K, and an exhilarating 35K+ trail run. Each course offers a unique experience through the stunning Palo Corona Backcountry, featuring stunning views of lush green ridgelines and colorful wildflowers that are sure to inspire.
In addition to the main races, a one-mile Fun-Run will be available for participants of all abilities, making this a perfect day out for family and friends. Organized in collaboration with Inside Trail Running, the event ensures a seamless experience with well-marked trails, aid stations, and accurate timing results. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement with delicious food and refreshing beverages from local businesses, including Alvarado Street Brewery. Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit as we come together to cherish and protect the beautiful landscapes of Monterey County!
In addition to the main races, a one-mile Fun-Run will be available for participants of all abilities, making this a perfect day out for family and friends. Organized in collaboration with Inside Trail Running, the event ensures a seamless experience with well-marked trails, aid stations, and accurate timing results. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement with delicious food and refreshing beverages from local businesses, including Alvarado Street Brewery. Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit as we come together to cherish and protect the beautiful landscapes of Monterey County!
Organiser's Description
Big Sur Land Trust's 2026 Race for Open Space is a one-day trail running event dedicated to fostering an appreciation of natural spaces in Monterey County and celebrating the health benefits of time spent in nature. This annual event invites runners and hikers of all ages to find wonder among Monterey Countys most iconic landscapes. This time of year will provide participants with sweeping views of green ridge lines punctuated by colorful wildflowers.
Centered around Palo Corona Regional Park, participants are invited to choose their adventure by registering for a 5K, 12K, 25K, or 35K+ trail run. Each course promises a spectacular journey through sections of the Palo Corona Backcountry, normally closed to the public. A one-mile Fun-Run will be offered for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Race for Open Spaces technical partner, Inside Trail Running, will oversee the start/finish line, trail-marking, aid stations, and participant timing/results. All activities will be offered in compliance with public health and safety guidelines. Our community is deeply passionate about our mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all.
On the day of the event, community partners and businesses such as Alvarado Street Brewery will help participants celebrate crossing the finish line with beer, food, and interactive tabling displays.
Centered around Palo Corona Regional Park, participants are invited to choose their adventure by registering for a 5K, 12K, 25K, or 35K+ trail run. Each course promises a spectacular journey through sections of the Palo Corona Backcountry, normally closed to the public. A one-mile Fun-Run will be offered for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Race for Open Spaces technical partner, Inside Trail Running, will oversee the start/finish line, trail-marking, aid stations, and participant timing/results. All activities will be offered in compliance with public health and safety guidelines. Our community is deeply passionate about our mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all.
On the day of the event, community partners and businesses such as Alvarado Street Brewery will help participants celebrate crossing the finish line with beer, food, and interactive tabling displays.
Races
-
Palo Corona to Southbank Trail - Fun Run (1mi)
Sat 9th May 2026 (9:30AM PDT)
$20.00
OPENS 01 DECA shorter, approachable course, geared towards kids and families. -
Palo Corona Front-Ranch Lollipop (5k)
Sat 9th May 2026 (9:00AM PDT)
$40.00
OPENS 01 DECA gorgeous lollipop loop with minimal elevation gain through Palo Corona's front-ranch, featuring coastal oak groves, grassy meadows, and wide, non-technical trails. -
Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Overlook - Out & Back (12k)
Sat 9th May 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$60.00
OPENS 01 DECA beautiful climb past Inspiration Point and up to an overlook with stunning views of the Palo Corona Backcountry and the Monterey Peninsula. -
Palo Corona to Williams Canyon - Out & Back (25k)
Sat 9th May 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$80.00
OPENS 01 DECA lovely out-and-back route in the Palo Corona Backcountry with substantial elevation change, featuring creek crossings, redwood groves and stunning vistas. -
The Lunch Bench Lollipop (35k+)
Sat 9th May 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$100.00
OPENS 01 DECAn epic journey through the Palo Corona Backcountry and the Mitteldorf Preserve, spanning multiple ecosystems, vigorous elevation gain, and an unparalleled view of Monterey County. PLEASE NOTE: This is a very challenging course, with over 5300 of total ascent (4400 of ascent in the first 14 miles), open to runners only.
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4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, 93923, CA, United States
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