Challenges
Granite Man Challenge
Forget being an Ironman and try being a Granite Man (or woman!). The three-day endurance event held in Mono County features a 2.4-mile swim, a 102-mile bike ride and a 12.4-mile run. During the race you’ll see Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park.
El Capitan
After Alex Honnold’s riveting free solo climb of “El Cap” it’s become the holy grail for experienced rock climbers. The beauty of Yosemite coupled with the technical and mental challenge of climbing El Capitan is unparalleled in Mariposa County.
Mt. Diablo Challenge
Every year cyclists flock to the San Francisco area to scale some of the area’s highest peaks in the Mount Diablo Challenge. The 11.2 mile timed bike race climbs 3,249 feet to the summit where riders are rewarded with panoramic views of the Bay area.
MudFactor
It’s time to play dirty! San Francisco’s MudFactor is an annual mud run featuring giant cargo climbs, huge water slides and epic mud crawls designed to challenge your fitness, stamina and willingness to get dirty. There is also an easier family race for parents and children ages 4-13.
Water Sports
Pier 360 Sports Beach Festival
The two-day family-friendly Pier 360 Sports Beach Festival is a bit more fun than fanatical. Held at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, families can participate in ocean sports competitions and interactive games while enjoying food, drink and live music.
Skimboarding
Skimboarding was developed in the 1920s by intrepid Laguna Beach lifeguards. Try your hand at the sport, or in August watch the world’s best catch big waves and perform outrageous tricks during the two-day World Championship Skimboard competition.
Running Marathons
California Untamed 330
If you’re an extreme endurance athlete, the grueling California Untamed 330 is for you. The first of its kind in Northern California this ultra marathon stretches 330 miles from Arcata to halfway up Mt. Shasta. Up to 200 ultra runners will have up to nine days to finish this epic challenge.
End of the Trail Half Marathon
If a more leisurely endeavor is more to your taste the Visalia historic End of the Trail Half Marathon and 10k is a great option. Known as the flattest course in California it’s ideal for newbie runners and all fitness levels.
Santa to the Sea Half Marathon
The fun, festive and flat Santa to the Sea in Oxnard has something for the whole family with everything from a half marathon to a diaper dash! Best of all is that all proceeds benefit local charities.
Spartan Race
In April, San Diego hosts California’s first Spartan CITY race. Competitors will need to run down hard top paths and crush obstacles along the way in this intense 5k run along North San Diego Bay.
Cycling
Chico Velo Wildflower Century
Every April cyclists flock to Chico for the annual Chico Velo Wildflower Century to participate in the classic century ride or other events ranging from 12 to 125 miles through scenic Butte county. Don’t miss Wildfest, held prior to the event and featuring food trucks and a special Sierra Nevada Wildflower Century IPA.
North American Enduro World Series
If you’d rather spectate than cycle, Northstar California is home to the final stop of the North American Enduro World Series. The best mountain bikers in the world compete navigating the technically difficult terrain in a thrilling downhill race.
Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour
Gilroy’s Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour offers cyclists a variety of routes, from flat to hilly, and from 32 to 100 miles, to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Ride past Coyote Valley, Gilroy Hot Springs and several parks. The century ride sends riders up nearly 7,000 feet of rugged mountain terrain.
Eroica
From its start in Tuscany to its new home in the seaside town of Cambria, the Eroica combines challenging routes, stunning scenery and gastronomic events. All cyclists ride classic bikes on routes ranging from 33 to 109 miles. The NOVA Eroica race is for riders on modern bikes and held the day before the classic race.