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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Sean O'Brien 100K

Basic Listing
  1. KH Races
  2. 2026 Edition

Southern California's premier 100K qualifier through the Santa Monica Mountains

Directions
Registration OpensJune 01, 2025
DeadlineNovember 15, 2025
This event took place on January 31, 2026

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All trail races in California→
January 31, 2026
Saturday 5:30am PDT start
Calabasas, CA
United States
61.7 miles
Lollipop Course
13,180 ft
Elevation Gain
Historical weather
47°F / 62°FLo/Hi Temp
42°F / 59°FFeels Like
49%Cloud Cover
0% (0.13 in)Precipitation
9 mphWind Speed
63%Humidity
7:52 AMSunrise
6:23 PMSunset
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Very Challenging
Experienced ultrarunners
Fills Up Fast
High demand — register as soon as possible
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebook
2014
Established
80%
Finish Rate

What Makes It Great

A demanding out-and-back through the Santa Monica Mountains, climbing and descending the ridgelines and canyons of Malibu Creek State Park and the surrounding National Recreation Area. Runners traverse Corral Canyon, Kanan Road, Zuma Edison Ridge, and the Bonsall corridor before reaching the Bulldog turnaround at mile 47.5. Night running is required for most finishers. The 100K counts as a Western States Endurance Run qualifier with a 17-hour cutoff.

Difficulty

Advanced
7/10

Experienced ultrarunners

Steep Climbing
Technical Descent
Night Running
Sun Exposure
Variable Weather
Strict Cutoffs

Race Highlights

WSER qualifier with 17-hour cutoff
One of Southern California's key qualifying races for the Western States Endurance Run lottery
13,179 ft of climbing
Relentless gain and loss through coastal mountain canyons and exposed ridgelines
Night running required
Most finishers will run 4–8+ hours in the dark; headlamps are essential
Minimal crew support
Crew and pacers allowed only at mile 47.5 — runners are largely on their own for the full 62 miles
A KH Races institution since 2014
Keira Henninger's signature race, drawing Southern California's competitive ultra community each January

Sean O'Brien 100K

Calabasas, CA, United StatesJanuary 31, 2026

January 31, 2026
Course map for Sean O'Brien 100K
DistDistance61.7 mi
GainElevation Gain13,180 ft
LimitCutoff17 h
Steep ClimbingTechnical DescentNight RunningSun ExposureVariable WeatherStrict Cutoffs

Entry Timeline

Registration OpensJune 01, 2025
Registration DeadlineNovember 15, 2025
Race DayJanuary 31, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.
61.7 mi
Distance
Lollipop
Route
17h
Cutoff Time
1,417 ft
Average Elevation
13,180 ft
Total Ascent
13,180 ft
Total Descent
2,408 ft
High Point
98 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.0545 ft
Piuma Creek Cutoff
Landmark
2.0512 ft
Corral Canyon #1
Aid Station
7.32,001 ft
Kanan Road #1
Aid Station
13.51,542 ft
Zuma Edison Ridge Mtwy #1
Aid Station
16.11,795 ft
Bonsall #1
Aid Station
22.3108 ft
Bonsall #2
Aid Station
25.8108 ft
Zuma Edison Ridge Mtwy #2
Aid Station
32.01,795 ft
Kanan Road #2
Aid Station
34.61,542 ft
Corral Canyon #2
Aid Station
40.82,001 ft
100K Turnaround - Bulldog
Aid Station
47.5531 ft
Corral Canyon #3
Aid Station
54.22,001 ft
Piuma Creek
Checkpoint
59.5600 ft
Finish
Finish
61.7545 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

On-Site Camping Available

Malibu Creek State Park has an on-site campground adjacent to the race venue. Book in advance via California State Parks reservation system.

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

  • Pacers allowed joining at the 100K Turnaround (Bulldog, mile 47.5) only. Pacers must hike in from the parking area — no vehicle access to the aid station.

Crew Rules

  • Crew access at the 100K Turnaround (Bulldog, mile 47.5) only. Crew must pay to park and hike 1/4 mile to the aid station — no direct vehicle access. No crew or spectators anywhere else on course.
Daylight
10h 31m
7:52 AM6:23 PM
62°F / 47°F
Feels like 59°F / 42°F
Temperature Hi/Lo
0% (0.13 in)
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
63%
Humidity
49%
Cloud Cover
Based on historical averages for January 31
Rain/Wet Conditions

January is peak rainy season in coastal Southern California — trails can be muddy and exposed ridges windy

Cold/Hypothermia Risk

Overnight temperatures drop to the low 40s°F on exposed ridgelines; mandatory light required after dark

Gear Rules

Trekking poles allowed

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Race Reports

Sean O'Brien Race Report
By Sabrina Stanley • 2025
Sean O'Brien 100K Race Report (2024)
By Educated Guesswork • 2024
The Sean O'Brien 100k
By Ross Noble • 2024

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Register•January 31, 2026