Event Details for
Annual Mt. Madonna Challenge

Course info

5K:
• 8:30 AM Start
• 843 Feet of elevation gain

10K:
• 8:30 AM Start
• 1,532 Feet of elevation gain

Half Marathon:
• 8:00 AM Start
• 2,828 Feet of elevation gain

For more info on each race, including GPX files, please refer to our website.

The 46th Annual Mount Madonna Challenge

The Mt. Madonna Challenge began in 1975 by a hodge podge group of runners led by a gentleman with a passion for running, Bill Flodberg. It was one of the original trail races that began the evolution of trail running. In his 75 years, Bill wore many hats, and he wore them with equal passion. Bill was an avid runner; during college, he ran for UC Berkeley; later, he ran and trained on the roads and trails in San Martin and Gilroy, and he raced competitively well into his 70s. In addition to his personal running accomplishments, Bill encouraged runners and running as a Cross Country Coach at Gavilan College, as one of the founders of the Gavilan Joggers and Striders Running Club, through his “Running Man” running column, and as an organizer and director of several local races, including the Mt. Madonna Challenge. Thanks to Bill, thousands of people were enriched by his efforts to encourage music and the arts. And thanks to Bill, thousands of people in the running community have benefited from his example, encouragement, and advice.

Non-profit

In 2007, the South Valley Running Club took over ownership and management of the Mt. Madonna Challenge as Bill could no longer manage putting on the race. The running club took over the race with the intent of all proceeds being donated in the form of scholarships for college to local high school running athletes. Over the 13 years, the running club put on the Mt. Madonna Challenge, one to five scholarships were given out each year to local high school seniors.

As with many organizations over time, the running club saw a decline in club support and participation with putting on the Mt. Madonna Challenge and decided that it was time to transfer the race to someone that could bring renewed energy and passion to the race. Beginning with the 2020 race, Jose Cruz will be taking over ownership and management of the race. A local amazing running athlete, Jose has big plans for the race and promises to put on a fantastic race for those coming to run it. All proceeds will go towards the Mt. Madonna Scholarship, which will sponsor 4 local high school runners to take part in the Max King Trail Running Camp from June 27th - July 1st! A week packed with adventure, camaraderie, advice, exploration, and opportunity! Our goal is to eventually have 8 - 10 underrepresented kids from various local schools attend this running camp. Read more information on the camp at www.maxkingtrc.com/mtshastayouth

Cupless Race

Runners must bring their own reusable cup or water bottle to the race. Volunteers will gladly fill your cup or bottle with water or electrolytes at the start, finish, and any aid stations in between! There will be no disposable cups a the race. Thank you for being understanding and taking the environment into consideration!

Check-In & Packet Pickup

Pre-Race Day Packet Pickup will be hosted the day before the race at Promised Land Brewing Co. on Friday, 9/30 from 4-8PM.
Address: 7419 Monterey St. Gilroy, CA

If you can't make it to Pre-Race Day Packet Pickup, we'll have Packet Pickup on the day of the race. Race Day Packet Pickup will be hosted at race location.

No Refunds

We understand that things out of our control can happen weeks before the race or even the day of the race. We’ll try our best to accommodate you but there are no refunds. All our proceeds benefit the youth in our community. Think of it as a donation.