Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026: Dates, Schedule, Travel Tips, and Where to Stay

Quick Answer

Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026 returns to Big Bear Lake with five trail-running distances: 100M, 100K, 50K, 21K, and 10K. The races themselves take place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026, while the official race-weekend schedule extends from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11 with bib pickup, runner briefings, the Basecamp expo, a free kids race, and Sunday awards.

The 100-mile race starts Friday at 1:00 PM from Rim Nordic Ski Area. On Saturday, the current official schedule lists the 100K at 6:00 AM, 50K at 8:00 AM, 21K at 10:00 AM, and 10K at 11:00 AM, with those four races starting in The Village of Big Bear Lake.

Kodiak is a high-altitude mountain event with courses reaching some of Big Bear’s signature terrain, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Skyline Trail, sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, alpine forest, and high-desert landscapes.

As of September 2026, official registration information shows the 100M, 100K, 50K, and 21K as sold out, while the 10K remains open. Runners should use the official event website for live registration status because availability can change.

For runners and crews, staying multiple nights in Big Bear is particularly useful. An A Chalet cabin provides a base for meals, race gear, sleep before an early start, post-race recovery, and support-crew downtime during a weekend that can stretch well beyond the race itself.

Browse A Chalet cabins for Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026.

Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026 at a Glance

What Is Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB?

Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB is one of Big Bear Lake’s signature trail-running weekends and part of the UTMB World Series.

The event combines five distances so experienced ultrarunners, shorter-distance trail runners, crews, and spectators can all participate in the same mountain-race atmosphere.

The longest courses showcase some of the most demanding terrain around Big Bear. The 100M route circles much of the valley, includes sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, and reaches the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at nearly 10,000 feet. The 100K also features Sugarloaf and Skyline Trail, while the 50K focuses on South Shore terrain and Skyline Trail.

The 21K climbs through the Snow Summit area, and the 10K gives runners a shorter introduction to Big Bear’s North Shore trail system.

Kodiak is also promoted as a dual qualifier, giving eligible finishers opportunities connected with both the UTMB World Series Finals and Western States Endurance Run qualification systems. Runners should review the current race-specific qualification rules rather than assuming every distance provides the same benefits.

When Is Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026?

The main race dates are October 9 and October 10, 2026, but runners and traveling crews should think of Kodiak as a four-day event weekend.

The official schedule currently runs:

• Thursday, October 8: Basecamp expo, bib pickup, and runner briefing
• Friday, October 9: 100M activities and race start, expo, kids race, and additional runner briefing
• Saturday, October 10: 100K, 50K, 21K, and 10K race starts plus Basecamp
• Sunday, October 11: Pancake breakfast, drop-bag pickup, expo, and awards

This broader schedule explains why some tourism pages describe the event as a multi-day festival even though the five competitive races start across two days.

What Is the 2026 Kodiak Race Schedule?

The event notes that schedules and routes remain subject to change. Runners should rely on the final official runner communications for race-morning instructions.

What Happens on Thursday, October 8?

Thursday is primarily a preparation and check-in day.

The current schedule lists Basecamp and bib pickup from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM in The Village, along with an afternoon runner briefing.

For travelers, this is a strong reason to arrive in Big Bear no later than Thursday if your race requires early Friday or Saturday preparation. Checking into your lodging first means you can organize gear, eat, attend required activities, and avoid squeezing everything into race morning.

What Happens on Friday, October 9?

Friday is centered on the 100M race.

The official schedule currently includes 100M race-morning bib pickup in The Village from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by the 1:00 PM start at Rim Nordic Ski Area.

Basecamp remains open in The Village, and the event also plans a free kids race. The current schedule lists kids-race registration from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM and the race itself at 4:00 PM.

That creates plenty for family members and support crews to do even if they are not running the 100M.

What Happens on Saturday, October 10?

Saturday is the busiest race-start morning.

The current official schedule lists:

• 6:00 AM: 100K start
• 8:00 AM: 50K start
• 10:00 AM: 21K start
• 11:00 AM: 10K start

All four start in The Village of Big Bear Lake.

Race-morning bib pickup is scheduled from 5:00 AM through the final pre-start window, with the event requiring applicable bibs to be collected before each distance’s cutoff.

Runners should not interpret race-morning pickup as a reason to arrive at the last possible minute. Give yourself time for parking, restrooms, warm-up, gear checks, and unexpected delays.

What Happens on Sunday, October 11?

Sunday is the recovery and celebration day.

The current schedule includes a 9:00 AM pancake breakfast, final drop-bag collection, Basecamp activity, and award ceremonies from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in The Village.

For long-distance runners, keeping Sunday night available can also be valuable. A 100-mile race can extend well into Saturday, and many athletes appreciate not having to pack a cabin and begin a long drive immediately after finishing.

What Are the Kodiak Courses Like?

Kodiak’s defining feature is mountain terrain at elevation.

The 100M is a true mountain ultramarathon with extensive running above 7,000 feet and a climb to Sugarloaf Mountain, Big Bear Valley’s highest point at approximately 9,995 feet.

The 100K also reaches Sugarloaf and incorporates Skyline Trail, combining alpine forest, sustained climbing, and broad views.

The 50K uses South Shore trails and Skyline, including an ascent through the Snow Summit area before reaching rolling singletrack.

The 21K provides a shorter but still substantial high-altitude challenge with an early climb around Snow Summit.

The 10K is the most accessible distance, with a North Shore trail experience and far less climbing than the longer races.

Official race pages note that some 2026 routes remain subject to U.S. Forest Service approval and may receive minor changes before race day.

Is Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB Sold Out?

As of the current September 2026 registration page, the 100M, 100K, 50K, and 21K are listed as sold out.

The 10K remains open for registration, with the official page currently showing an all-in price of $145.

Registration status can change, so prospective runners should check the official registration portal rather than relying on an older article or social post.

Check current Kodiak registration status.

What Should Runners Bring?

Required gear differs by distance, and the race publishes its own mandatory-equipment and regulations information. Registered athletes should follow that list exactly.

Beyond mandatory equipment, a practical race-weekend setup may include:

• Race shoes already tested on mountain terrain
• Hydration and nutrition planned for the specific distance
• Warm layers for cold mornings and overnight running
• Sun protection
• Headlamp and backup lighting when required
• Drop bags where permitted
• Anti-chafe and blister-management supplies
• Post-race clothing and warm footwear
• Runner identification and bib-pickup documents
• Chargers and batteries for approved electronics

Do not substitute a generic ultramarathon checklist for the official mandatory-equipment rules.

What Should Crews and Spectators Know?

Kodiak places specific restrictions on where crews and spectators can access runners.

The official crew guidance says support access is limited at certain aid stations because the event operates under permit requirements and needs to reduce vehicle impacts. Some areas prohibit crew access or require event shuttles.

Parking rules are especially important. Improper crew parking can affect the runner, so support teams should read the official crew guide rather than driving from aid station to aid station based on a map alone.

The event also notes that a California Adventure Pass may be enforced where posted.

Pacers are permitted only for the 100M and must follow event rules, including bib and waiver requirements.

Where Should Spectators Go?

The Village is the easiest central location for spectators because it serves as the event’s Basecamp and as the start location for four of the five races.

Visit Big Bear lists the event around Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive, putting spectators within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and other services.

The Village setting also makes it easier for support crews to spend time between runner-related duties without remaining beside a remote trailhead.

Do not assume that every aid station is open to spectators. Use the official Crew & Spectator information before traveling to course locations.

Parking and Transportation

Parking is more complicated for Kodiak than for a single-venue event because starts, aid stations, crew locations, and road restrictions differ throughout the weekend.

Visit Big Bear’s event listing references parking near The Village, while the race itself publishes more detailed crew, shuttle, and access rules.

Runners and crews should therefore use official race instructions as the primary source rather than relying only on a general tourism parking note.

Road closures and temporary traffic controls may also affect areas around The Village during race activity. Build extra time into every trip and avoid parking in unapproved areas.

How to Make a Weekend of Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB

Thursday: Arrive, Check In, and Pick Up Your Bib

For most runners, Thursday is the ideal arrival day.

Check into your cabin, unload equipment, then head to The Village for Basecamp and bib pickup. Return to the cabin for a familiar dinner and an early night.

Friday: 100M Start and Festival Activity

100M runners should follow their race transportation and start instructions carefully because the race begins at Rim Nordic rather than The Village.

Crews and families can use Friday’s Basecamp and kids-race activities while preparing for the long race ahead.

Saturday: Main Race Day

Saturday starts early with the 100K at 6:00 AM and continues with the 50K, 21K, and 10K.

Support crews should have food, layers, chargers, and transportation plans ready the night before rather than trying to organize everything at dawn.

Check A Chalet cabins for Kodiak race weekend.

Sunday: Recover and Celebrate

Sunday’s breakfast and awards provide a natural end to the race weekend.

Afterward, keep the day easy. Post-race recovery, a relaxed meal, and time at the cabin may be much more appealing than an aggressive sightseeing schedule.

Where to Stay for Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026

For Kodiak, Big Bear Lake is the most practical A Chalet destination because Basecamp and four race starts are centered around The Village.

A rental cabin can work especially well for running clubs, crews, and families because everyone has a shared place to prepare food, organize bags, rest between support duties, and recover afterward.

Conklin Canopy is one current Big Bear Lake option with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sleeping space for up to eight guests. Its verified amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, a game room, barbecue, secure deck, and parking for up to three vehicles.

Those features are particularly practical for runners: laundry is useful for wet or dirty trail clothing, a kitchen makes race-specific meals easier, and multiple bedrooms give athletes and crew members more room to sleep on different schedules.

For a smaller crew, Dream Lake Cabin is currently listed for four guests with two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a kitchen, Wi-Fi, outdoor grill, air conditioning, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Always review the live listing before booking to confirm occupancy, parking, amenities, and house rules.

Browse current A Chalet rentals for Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB.

Tips for Booking a Kodiak Race Weekend Cabin

Arrive before race day. Thursday arrival is especially practical because official event activities begin that afternoon.

Prioritize sleep arrangements. Runners and crews may keep very different schedules, so separate bedrooms can matter more than maximum occupancy.

Look for a kitchen. Familiar pre-race and recovery food is often easier to manage in a cabin than by relying entirely on restaurants.

Consider laundry. Ultra-distance trail running can generate a lot of wet, dusty, and muddy clothing.

Check parking capacity. Crew groups may arrive with several vehicles, and vacation-rental parking limits must be followed.

Stay through Sunday if possible. The official weekend includes breakfast and awards, and long-distance runners may appreciate extra recovery time.

Keep official race logistics separate from lodging logistics. A convenient cabin does not override shuttle rules, aid-station access restrictions, or race-day road closures.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026?

The races are held October 9-10, 2026. The broader official event schedule runs from October 8 through October 11.

What Distances Are Offered?

Kodiak offers 100M, 100K, 50K, 21K, and 10K races.

Where Does Kodiak UTMB Start?

The 100M starts at Rim Nordic Ski Area. The 100K, 50K, 21K, and 10K start in The Village of Big Bear Lake.

Is Kodiak UTMB Sold Out?

As of September 2026, the official registration page lists the 100M, 100K, 50K, and 21K as sold out, while the 10K remains open. Check the live registration page for changes.

Can Spectators Watch Kodiak?

Yes, but spectators and crews must follow race-specific access and parking rules. Some aid stations restrict supporter access or require shuttles.

Is There Anything for Kids?

Yes. The current Friday schedule includes a free kids race in The Village, with registration before the 4:00 PM start.

Where Should I Stay for Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB?

An A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake is a practical choice because The Village serves as the central Basecamp and start area for most distances. A cabin also provides space for race nutrition, gear, sleep, crew coordination, and post-race recovery.

Check A Chalet availability for Kodiak race weekend.

Plan Your Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026 Getaway With A Chalet

Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026 brings five trail-race distances and a full weekend of mountain-running activity to Big Bear Lake from October 8 through October 11, with competitive races on October 9 and 10.

Whether you are tackling the 100M, running the 10K, pacing an ultrarunner, or supporting friends from The Village, careful logistics matter. Review official race instructions, know your start and crew-access rules, arrive early, and prepare for high-altitude mountain conditions.

An overnight cabin is particularly valuable for this event because race weekend begins before the first start and continues after the final finish. Arrive early, organize gear at your rental, prepare meals on your own schedule, and give your runner space to recover before heading down the mountain.

Browse A Chalet cabins and plan your Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 2026 weekend.