HOLCOMB VALLEY TRAIL RUN
June 13-14, 2026 | Big Bear Lake, CA
Celebrating 30 YEARS, the Holcomb Valley Trail Run was established by Gary & Pam Kalina in 1997. Gary was an avid runner; he realized that some of the best trail running in Southern California was right here in Big Bear.
Gary and Pam decided after 15 years of event directing and coordination it was time to close that chapter in their life. Beginning in 2012, Team Big Bear took over the Holcomb Valley Trail Run. From 2023, Tom Spiegel and Team Big Bear are entrusting the continuation of this event to Susie Schmelzer & Harald Zundel of Team Kodiak.
The event remains a fundraiser for the Bear Valley Search & Rescue team.
Race Information
Event Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
Dates:
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026
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33 Mile
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15 Mile
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026
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9 Mile
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5 Mile
Packet Pickup:
Thursday, June 11, 2026: 2:00-6:00 PM
Friday, June 12, 2026: 4:00-5:30 PM
Saturday, June 13, 2026: 5:30-7:45 AM
Sunday, June 14, 2026: 7:00-8:15 AM
Race Start Times & Locations:
SATURDAY, JUNE 13 - Christmas Tree Corner (Big Bear Village)
33 Miles: 6:30 AM
15 Miles: 8:00 AM
SUNDAY, JUNE 14 - Big Bear High School
9 Miles: 8:00 AM
5 Miles: 8:30 AM
Parking info: Coming soon.
Official Hydration Partner
Welcome HYK to the Holcomb Valley Trail Run! Find HYK's electrolyte drink at all Aid Statins and the Finish Line.
The All-In-One Fuel for Endurance Athletes! Our cutting-edge mix that delivers energy, focus, hydration and recovery in one easy packet. Whether you're crushing the trails or training for your next goal, HYK gives you the power to run stronger, push harder, and recover faster.
USE CODE BIGBEAR20 for 20% off on Amazon!
Courses
Please see important potential course updates for 2026.
Due to ongoing US Forest Service permitting challenges, we may need to make a course change to the 30-year legacy course in Holcomb Valley on the PCT. We are working hard to preserve the legacy of this event. Thank you for your understanding. One thing is certain - we will deliver an exceptional running experience in Big Bear this June! Please join us!
Course maps*:
Saturday
33 Mile & 15 Mile: coming soon
Sunday
9 Mile & 5 Mile: coming soon
Elevation Gain/Loss
33 MILE: +4,400ft/-4,400ft
15 MILE: +1,950ft/-1,950ft
9 MILE: +1,100ft/-1,100ft
5 MILE: +560ft/-560ft
Hard Cut-off Times:
33 MILE: 11-hour time limit. Course closes at 5:30pm, with 3 interim cutoff times TBD.
15 MILE: Hikers welcome. Course closes at 4:30pm, with 2 interim cutoff times TBD.
9 MILE: Hikers welcome. Course closes at 12:30pm.
5 MILE: Hikers welcome. Course closes at 12:30pm.
*All distances are approximate and courses are subject to final approval by the USFS
Volunteer
We would love to have you join us as a volunteer. Volunteers will earn race credits & free entries that can be applied toward registration of future races. Please fill out this form to get more information on volunteering and THANK YOU!
Available roles:
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Registration
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Aid Station Captain
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Aid Station Volunteer
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Finish line - medals, post-race refreshments, awards, etc.
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Sweeper
All volunteers receive event swag and are invited to our post-race happy hour!
Community
Part of the proceeds from this events supports the Bear Valley Search & Rescue and the Southern California Mountains Foundation.
We would like to thank Visit Big Bear for their generous support. Please go to www.bigbear.com to book your lodging and get all of your Big Bear information.
HISTORY
The trails of the Big Bear Valley wind through the ancestral lands of the Serrano people, the Yuhaviatam (People of the Pines), who have served as the traditional stewards of this mountain valley for thousands of years. We are honored to run in this sacred space and remain committed to respecting the land and its enduring history.
Finish Festival
Join us at the finish line for some fun all day long! We'll have an awesome 🍕 PIZZA TRUCK 🍕 this year! Also try an ice cold HOP WTR, a refreshing sparkling water drink.
Open Air Big Bear will host a beer garden, so bring cash for a donation please.
ACTIVITIES - It's National Get Outdoors Day on June 14th! Runners, families and friends are invited to take part in making pine cone bird feeders, pan for gold, and visit the Big Bear Discovery Center across the street from the race Finish line.
There will be a FREE kids race at 1PM ($10 per child). Meet at the Finish arch for a fun 1/2 mile run. All kids will receive a medal.
(Waivers must be signed in advance by a parent.)
Overall & Age Group Awards (10 year age groups). Age Group awards can be picked from the Timing Tent. Overall awards will be announced from the podium shortly after the Top 3 complete each race.
Deferral and Refund Policy
There are no refunds or transfers. Please be aware of this policy before registering. If you need to defer, you can defer for 1 year by emailing us by April 1.
Cancellation Policy
Should the event be cancelled due to an act of God, community disaster, fire, severe weather event, emergency, or any other issue of public safety, no refunds can or will be guaranteed. A refund percentage will be calculated to enable the organizers to cover part of the expenses incurred which cannot be recovered.
If you disagree with this policy you don't need to sign-up.
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