Directions
The Skyline to the Sea Marathon & 50 Km Trail Run will start at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 18th at Saratoga Gap (Skyline Blvd & Hwy 9), Los Gatos, CA. No parking at Saratoga Gap. Runners should either be dropped off at Saratoga Gap or take the shuttle service from Hwy 1.
Click on the blue icon for more detailed driving directions to the start at Saratoga Gap:
Shuttle Service
For those who signed up for the shuttle service, the buses leave from Hwy 1 at 7:00 a.m. The ride is approximately 75 minutes to the start at Saratoga Gap. We'll have plastic bags at runner check-in for your warm clothing (one jacket & pants, ONLY). Please write your name and bib # on your plastic bag and we'll transport it to the finish area. No personal bags or extra gear.
Please click on the lowest blue icon below for driving directions to the shuttle bus parking area on Hwy 1 (1.6 miles south of finish at RdO Nature Center).
After the finish, there will be a shuttle from RdO Nature Center to the parking area (1.6 miles south on Hwy 1). No parking at RdO Nature Center. Friends and family members will be directed to take the shuttle service from the parking area on Hwy 1.
Weather: Boulder Creek
Course
Please note that there's a trail closure along Skyline to the Sea Trail near Park Headquarters. The rerouted course will use Sunset and Middle Ridge Road to bypass the closure. The distance and elevation is relatively the same.
The course will be marked with pink ribbon approximately every 400 meters. The Gazos Loop will be marked with orange ribbon. We will mark your bib number when you start the Gazos Loop.
The most important course marking is the striped ribbon. It indicates a turn at an intersection. There will be at least two striped ribbons before a turn in the course. The striped ribbons will be placed before and on the same side as the required turn. As you approach an intersection, look for any striped ribbons before the turn. Waiting until you're in the intersection to determine the correct direction may be confusing and you may go the wrong way. After you complete the turn, there will be pink (or orange) ribbons indicating the correct route.
If you don't see a pink or orange ribbon for 10 minutes, you are off course. If you get off course, you should retrace your path until you find where you left the course and then continue along the marked course.
Please be courteous on the trail. If you're passing another runner or hiker, announce "on your left" as you approach.
Headphones are allowed on dirt road sections only. Please do not wear headphones on single-track trail, while crossing paved roads, when getting aid at aid stations, or while crossing the finish line.
No dogs allowed on the course. Please don't leave pets in your vehicle.
Gain - 3,000'
Loss - 5,580'
(Elevation changes determined using an Avocet altimeter.)
Aid Stations
Fully-stocked aid stations every 7 - 14 kilometers. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, boiled potatoes & salt, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. If you would like to be sure that you have Clif product, SaltStick capsules, or any other specific item at the event, you should carry it with you. Additionally, it is highly recommended that runners carry at least 20 oz. of water between aid stations.
|
50 Km |
Distance (Km) |
Next Aid |
Cut-off |
|
1. Waterman Gap |
10.5 |
7.4 |
|
|
2. China Grade |
18.0 |
7.5 |
|
| 3. Gazos Creek | 25.5 |
7.2 |
1:00 p.m.* |
| 4. Gazos Creek | 32.7 | 13.8 | |
| 4. Twin Redwoods | 46.5 | 2.9 | |
| 5. RdO Nature Center (Finish) | 49.4 | 5:00 p.m. |
* Those not making the 1 p.m. cut-off at Gazos Creek (25.5 Km) will bypass the Gazos Loop and head directly to the finish (42 Km, marathon).
Post-Run Activities
Hi-Tech shirts will be given to all registered runners at the big tent after they finish. Custom coasters will be given to all 50 Km finishers and medals will be given to all marathon finishers. Award medals are given to the 1st female and male finishers overall and in each age group. Ribbons are also awarded to the 2nd & 3rd place finishers in each age group.
We will have La Sportiva trail running shoes, Ultimate Direction bottles & packs, Clif Bar products, and PCTR merchandise available for purchase.
PCTR Race Series
Participants are automatically included in the race series and points are awarded to the first 8 finishers in each age group. To learn more, please click: PCTR Race Series
Message Board
Please post messages regarding places to eat or stay, sharing rides with fellow runners, etc. on the: PCTR Message Board
Check In
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start on Sunday to check in and receive your bib number.
Pacific Coast Trail Runs