Description
Ely Mountain Trail Race – Shaver Lake, CA
14K (8.7mi) + 8K (4.9mi) | Balsam Forebay | Cooler temps. Hot trails.
We’re stoked to bring a brand new adventure to the San Joaquin Running Co lineup — and this one’s a beauty. Join us in the mountains above Shaver Lake for the first-ever Ely Mountain Trail Race, where crisp air, big climbs, and epic views are all on the menu.
The 14K course brings the heat with about 1,800 feet of climbing, including a 1,000’ ascent up Ely Mountain. You’ll earn sweeping views of the Sierra, Shaver Lake, and the valley below — then fly down some smooth and fast singletrack and dirt roads back to the finish.
The 8K hits a slightly easier route to the top but still climbs about 800 feet, with all the mountain vibes and finish line feels.
🏔️ Special Award for King & Queen of the Mountain – fastest segment times to the top of Ely!
🎽 Custom race shirts
🏅 Finisher medals + podium awards
🍕 Post-race food + refreshments
🌲 All the crisp mountain air you’ve been missing
We’re capping this one at 250 runners, so don’t sleep on it — grab your spot and come break in these trails with us.
Course Map Links
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Place
Shaver Lake, CA US 93664
Race Info
🎽 Bib Pickup – Sat, August 2nd
Fleet Feet Fresno | 1:00–3:00pm
Race Day Pickup | 6:55am at Balsam Forebay
📍 Location: Balsam Forebay in Shaver Lake, CA (approx. 5.3 miles past Sierra Marina)
📍 Click here for Google Map Directions
🕗 Race Start Times – Sun, August 3rd
14K Start: 8:00am
8K Start: 8:10am
If you’re signed up for the 14K and don’t think you’ll finish within the 3.5-hour cutoff, we strongly encourage you to switch to the 8K. It’s still a great challenge with all the views (and none of the stress!).
🅿️ Parking Info
Parking will be along the dirt road shoulder near the entrance off Highway 168 and into Balsam Forebay — please do not park beyond any posted signs inside the Balsam Forebay gate. The earlier you arrive, the better your parking spot will be — you may have to walk a short distance to reach the start line.
We’ve attached a map (below) to help guide you. The entrance/exit is located off Highway 168, about 5 miles past the Sierra Marina and Big Creek turnoff — look for our race sign on the left side (west side) of the road.
PLEASE CARPOOL IF POSSIBLE
☕ Morning Coffee
We’ll have The Pour Over Coffee Company onsite serving up fresh coffee and drinks — come early and grab a cup before the race starts!
🏔️ King & Queen of the Mountain Challenge (14K only)
We’re awarding $100 each to the top male and female up the Ely Mountain climb (1.14 miles, 919 ft gain, 15.2% grade).
To be eligible:
You must record your run with Strava/GPS
Make sure your privacy and activity settings allow segment matching
Upload your run immediately after the race
Segment: “Ely Mtn Climb”
👉 We’ll only use the Strava leaderboard to determine the winners. No exceptions.
🎖️ Awards & Medals
📌 Results will be available via the QR code on your bib
🏅 Top 3 Overall Male & Female in each race
🏅 Age group awards in 10-year increments (1st–3rd)
🏅 Custom finisher medal & event shirt for all runners
🚰 Aid Stations
14K Course: Mile 1.5, 4.5, and 6.6
8K Course: Mile 1.5 and 3.1
Supplies: GU Roctane drink, GU gels, water, salty & sweet snacks
🧭 Course Marking
Orange ribbon on the route
Orange flags and cones on the granite section
Signage at all turns
⚠️ About the Granite Section (14k Only)
Heads up! The granite climb is steep and rugged — it’s not your typical trail. If you’re not used to mountain-style off-trail routes, this section may surprise you. But don’t worry — it’s just under a mile and it does end.
Important:
Follow the orange cones, not random rock markers
Do not follow the nearby mountain bike downhill trail
We’ll have a marshal stationed out there to point you in the right direction..up!
🚲 Trail Use Reminder
These are multi-use trails. You may see hikers or mountain bikers. Please share the trail and thank those who’ve helped maintain it — especially our friends at Yosemite South Gate Trail Cooperative.
🙌 Volunteers Still Needed
We’re still looking for help!
Volunteer perks: free entry to a future race + an awesome day in the mountains.
Roles Needed:
Gate Monitors
Aid Station Support
Course Marshals
Start/Finish Help
Sweepers
We can’t wait to see you all out there for an epic day in the mountains!
—Nate Moore
San Joaquin Running Co.
