Tough Mugu - July 18, 2026
Presented by A beastly trail run with the most epic views!! Welcome to race #2 of the Bulldog Challenge Series!! This event historically sells out... This classic 25k and 10k trail run offers competitive runners and outdoor lovers a chance to experience some of Southern California's finest coastal mountain trail running courses. Finisher medals and overall awards are handcrafted by local artist, the race shirts are soft cotton or tech, a sweet design, and fit specific to women and men, and you get official bragging rights for next year's event. Sip some coffee before the start, enjoy a hard-earned breakfast after the race, check out the post-race festival, or make new friends in the beer garden while embellishing race stories. There'll be plenty of breakfast and places to sit in the shade for everyone. Stick around for the awards ceremony honoring the toughest runners! A great effort is made to support the community by partnering with local businesses, small businesses, and minority-owned businesses.
Event Schedule:
- 5:45 am - Runner Check-in / Packet Pick-Up / Race Day Registration
- 7:00 am - 25k Start
- 7:30 am - 10k Start
- 8:30 am - Beer Garden Opens
- 8:45 am - Breakfast Served
- 9:30 am - Awards Ceremony Begins
- 11:30 am - Course Closed
All SoCalTrail races are CUPLESS.
Bulldog Challenge Series:
Work your way up to the Tough Mugu 25k on 7/18. Series Awards include an adidas TERREX Bulldog Challenge Jacket for all series finishers, Age Group Points, and Overall Series Champions.
The Fun Stuff:
The Tough Mugu experience includes: Fully-supported trail run, professionally organized by SoCalTrail. Expertly-marked course. Chip timing and same-day ultrasignup.com results. Real-time social media coverage. Aid stations staffed by local run clubs. Finish line announcers and music DJ at festival party. Team of certified sports massage pre- and post-race. Professional medical support and communications at every aid station.
All Tough Mugu participants receive: Locally-made and inspired finisher medals, soft race shirt or tech shirt, beer garden entry (two complimentary finisher beers, 21+), delicious breakfast tacos, and FREE next day race photography!!
Prizes and Awards:
- $2,000 Podium Prize Purse!!
- Custom-made overall 1/2/3 awards for women and men in the 10k and 25k distances
- 1/2/3 age group awards for women and men in the 10k & 25k: U20 / 20-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70+
- 25k overall women and men winners earn comp entries to SoCalTrail’s 2026 season final at Crystal Cove on December 12 with a $2,000 15k prize purse.
The Course:
The Tough Mugu 25k course has all the elements of ideal, Southern California coastal mountain running! Winding up from sea level, the famous Ray Miller Trail, leads the race above the coastline and onto mountain top fire roads, rolling valleys, and chaparral forest single track. Near the halfway point, the scenic bypass around Mugu Peak rewards runners with stunning views of the Channel Islands before returning across the long valley with Boney Mountain in the sights. The final 5k winds back down the Ray Miller switchbacks, determining who can finish strong and who is out to enjoy the views.
- 25k Course: 15.75-miles with 2,427’ vert. 7:00am Start. 3.5-hour time limit.
- 10k Course: 6.2-miles with 1,164’ vert. 7:30am Start. 3-hour time limit.
Experience the beautiful Ray Miller Trail and it’s sweeping ocean views leading into beautiful mountain vistas. Runners climb the Ray Miller Trail and part of the Overlook Fireroad to see Sycamore Canyon reaching inland and the Pacific Ocean below, before dropping back onto the Ray Miller Trail for 2.6 miles of gracious switchbacks.
Directions & Parking:
The Tough Mugu is located at La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park. Parking is FREE on PCH.
- From the South (Malibu): Turn North on Pacific Coast Highway until Thornhill Broom Campground. Park diagonally on right side of road. Keep off the road, behind the white line.
- From the North (Ventura): Turn South on Pacific Coast Highway until Thornhill Broom Campground. Park parallel on right side of road. Safely U-Turn and park on inland side of road. Keep off the road, behind the white line.
Obey traffic laws, keep all wheels off the road, observe any "No Parking" signs, and please respect the volunteer parking team.
Discounts and Volunteers:
Volunteers from other SoCalTrail events can earn Race Credits for the Tough Mugu!! To Volunteer at the Tough Mugu, or other SoCalTrail races, please email [email protected]. All volunteers get awesome race swag, meals, coffee/cocoa and massage. Race credits to future SoCalTrail races are $15/hour and are transferrable to friends and family! Please email [email protected]. If you're an active Firefighter, Race Director or running group organizer please email [email protected] for your SoCalTrail discount code.
Sponsors:
Vision For Enrichment, Happy Nuts & Happy Curves, TrailFolx, Skratch Labs, Hand-Brewed, @DoctorMvmt
