TRAIL RUN
Saturday, April 18, 2026
17K (10.6 miles) and 5K (2.8 miles): 7am
The Sea Otter Classic is known worldwide as THE premier cycling festival, a place where riding connections are celebrated each spring, but that doesn’t mean we can’t branch out a little!
New for 2026, we’re adding a first-ever trail run at the Sea Otter Classic! Explore scenic Fort Ord in a whole new way with two distances to choose from: a 17K (10.6mi) lap with 1600’ of elevation gain, or a family friendly 5K (2.8mi) loop. Each route will see runners explore the trails of Laguna Seca before a triumphant finish on the iconic raceway track.
Strollers are welcome on the 5K course and everyone comes home with a finisher’s medal! It’ll be the perfect way for runners and riders alike to start their Saturday!
Find full race fees, inclusions, and more below!
2026 general registration is now open with Early Bird Pricing through December 1, 2025. Register here!
Onsite registration at the event starts on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at noon. Event registration closes at 6:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled event. If you have pre-registered, you can pick up your event number on event day – up to 60 minutes prior to event start time. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Registered athletes must pick up your race number in person (must have current, valid PHOTO ID). Pick up your race packet, complimentary 4-day Festival Pass, and purchase event merchandise at Athlete Registration.
Trail Run Pricing
| Early Bird Pricing: through December 1, 2025 | December 2, 2025 - February 17, 2026 | February 18, 2026 - March 31, 2026 | After April 1, 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run | $40 | $50 | $60 | $65 |
| 17K Run | $50 | $60 | $70 | $75 |
Race Registration includes:
- Post-race lunch and complimentary Sierra Nevada beer at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge. Your lunch must be redeemed on the same day of your race/ride.
- Finisher medal
- (1) Complimentary 4-day Festival Pass (if you sign up for multiple events, you will still only receive 1 wristband for the weekend)
- Complimentary parking
- Complimentary post-ride showers
- Secure bag drop
- Secure bike valet
- Race course support: Feed Zone, medical support
- Virtual Athlete Goodie Bag: special offers and discounts from our Sea Otter Classic partners
Medals awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
All athletes receive a complimentary post-race or ride meal at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge.
You will receive a physical ticket at packet pick-up.
Meal tickets are valid for the same day as your race or ride.
Join Race Director, Jeff Frost, for these live course talks as he previews each race and ride, with plenty of time for questions.
2026 Course Talks dates coming soon!
TBD: Fuego XL/XC and Fuego SHORT – Course discussions, and Q & A
TBD: Carmelo/Pacifico/Robles/Family Off-Road Tour – Routes discussion and Q & A
TBD: Gravity Events: Downhill, Dual Slalom and Enduro – Course discussions, and Q & A
Course maps for Sea Otter 2026 will go live on March 1st, 2026!
Packet pick-up and registration is located at the Hospitality Pavilion. Please see the Festival Map here.
- Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.
- Thursday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Pre-registered athlete packet pick-up only. No Registrations.)
Riders that have already registered online can pick-up their packets the same day as their race
Awards go 3 deep in each of the categories below:
17K RUN Categories |
| Men’s Categories |
| Elite Men |
| 19-29 Men |
| 30-39 Men |
| 40-49 Men |
| 50-59 Men |
| 60-69 Men |
| 70+ Men |
| Boys 12-18 |
| Boys 4th Grade |
| Boys 5th Grade |
| Para Male |
| Women’s Categories |
| Elite Women |
| 19-29 Women |
| 30-39 Women |
| 40-49 Women |
| 50-59 Women |
| 60-69 Women |
| 70+ Women |
| Girls 12-18 |
| Girls 4th Grade |
| Girls 5th Grade |
| Para Female |
| Non-Binary |
5K RUN Categories |
| Men’s Categories |
| Boys 12-18 |
| 19-29 Men |
| 30-39 Men |
| 40-49 Men |
| 50-59 Men |
| 60-69 Men |
| 70+ Men |
| Boys 4th Grade |
| Boys 5th Grade |
| Para Male |
| Women’s Categories |
| Girls 12-18 |
| 19-29 Women |
| 30-39 Women |
| 40-49 Women |
| 50-59 Women |
| 60-69 Women |
| 70+ Women |
| Girls 4th Grade |
| Girls 5th Grade |
| Girls 7th Grade |
| Para Female |
| Non-Binary |
To switch categories, email seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com with any inquiries.
No Refunds
All fees are non-refundable and registrations are not transferable.
Deferral
Receive a guaranteed spot into the following year’s race. Athlete will pay 50% of the entry fee and complete a new registration for the following year’s race. Original entry fees will not be refunded.
Important Notables
Deferrals are only valid for the following year in the same event, space permitting.
Active duty and military personnel deployed or recalled may be refunded or deferred at no cost with proof of orders.
Pregnant Women and Postpartum mothers may be refunded or deferred at no cost with an authorized medical note.
Deferral and Transfer redemption deadlines apply.
No refunds or changes permitted on transactions over 365 days.
No refunds on add-on items, merchandise or donations; all purchases are final.
Life Time reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, to revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event. Those who violate our registration/racing policy may be disqualified and potentially banned from participating in this and/or any other Life Time Event.
Contact seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com for information.
The Fort Ord National Monument is open to visitors during Sea Otter. Athletes must need to adhere to trail rules.
