Nail the Rail Half Marathon
A converted Southern Pacific rail grade at the base of Shasta Dam gives this north state half an even surface, a capped field, and a 3:15 cutoff.
Quick facts
- Flat converted rail grade above the Sacramento River and Keswick Lake.
- Capped field with start and finish at the Chappie OHV area below Shasta Dam.
- Three hour fifteen minute cutoff for the half marathon.
- Packet pickup in Redding the day before or on site on race morning.
About the Nail the Rail Half Marathon
Midnite Racing built this race around the Sacramento River Rail Trail, a converted railroad corridor that runs more than 11 miles north of Redding. The start is a gravel OHV lot at the foot of Shasta Dam, the field is capped, and the whole race is over before north state heat becomes a problem.
Course
Old railbed means an even grade and consistent footing. The route follows the trail above the Sacramento River and Keswick Lake as an out and back with no climbing worth mentioning, so pacing is a matter of holding effort rather than reading terrain. Water views stay close for most of the distance.
Race-day weather
Late April in Shasta County can go either way. An 8:00 start is often in the 50s, but the inland canyon warms fast and long stretches of the trail sit in the open with the rock reflecting heat back at runners.
Past Nail the Rail Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
Nail the Rail Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Nail the Rail Half Marathon?
The 2027 Nail the Rail Half Marathon is on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
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