The Big Alta
Marinwood, CA
The Big Alta is a trail race of 31.1 miles (50 km) in Marinwood, California. The next edition is on Friday, March 19, 2027. The race gives its climbing as 12,749 ft (3,886 m); measured from its course file, it's 14,249 ft (4,343 m). It starts at 14 ft (4 m) above sea level. Its high point is 2,382 ft (726 m). The course runs point to point. Registration is open to all.
There are 68 other upcoming 50K races in California. The Big Alta climbs about 410 ft a mile (78 m per km), steeper than 95% of the 63 50K races listed with their climbing.
The course
Questions about The Big Alta
When is The Big Alta 2027?
The Big Alta 2027 is on Friday, March 19, 2027.
Where is The Big Alta?
The Big Alta is held in Marinwood, California.
How long is The Big Alta?
The Big Alta is 31.1 miles (50 km); its course file measures 63 miles.
How much elevation gain does The Big Alta have?
The Big Alta has 12,749 ft (3,886 m) of elevation gain, as the race states it.
How do you get into The Big Alta?
The Big Alta has open registration.
What is the weather usually like at The Big Alta?
Around The Big Alta's date, the day's high is typically about 61°F (16°C) and the low about 44°F (7°C), averaged over recent years.
Where can I see the The Big Alta elevation profile and aid station cutoffs?
runfarwhere has The Big Alta's course file. The outline, distance and climbing are free on its page; the elevation profile, aid stations with cutoffs and the GPX file are part of runfarwhere Premium.
How hilly is The Big Alta?
The Big Alta climbs about 410 ft a mile (78 m per km), steeper than 95% of the 63 50K races listed with their climbing.
What other 50K races are there in California?
Other upcoming 50K races in California include Mind Over Mountains (November 14, 2026), Griffith Park Trail Marathon (November 21, 2026) and Quad Dipsea (November 28, 2026).
Other races in California
- Marin Ultra Challenge 50K · Mar 13, 2027
- Nine Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run 35 Miler · Mar 13, 2027
- Old West Trail Runs 50K · Mar 13, 2027
- Rattlesnake Dick 50K · Mar 20, 2027
- Great Shasta Rail Trail 50K · Mar 27, 2027
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