San Diego Ultra Running Friends

San Diego Ultra Running Friends (SURF) is a nonprofit built around trail and ultra running, pulling together runners who want to go long on San Diego’s best dirt.

Quick take

SURF is your RunSesh for serious trail miles, from 5-mile shakeouts to 50K+ ultras, with a community that shows up to train, volunteer, and celebrate the sport together.

Best for

• Trail and ultra runners looking for structured long-distance group runs
• Runners who want to give back through race aid and trail maintenance
• Those chasing race-day support and member-exclusive events
• Runners ready to explore San Diego’s backcountry trailheads
• Anyone building toward their first or next ultra distance

When and where

• Runs happen on Saturdays, Sundays, and vary throughout the week
• Start times typically fall in the early morning around 7:00AM or evenings around 7:00PM
• Training runs and events rotate across San Diego trailheads
• Locations include Penny Pines Trailhead, Red Tail Roost Trailhead, and Los Vaqueros Trailhead

Details

• Terrain: trail, mountain, and wilderness park
• Distance options: 5 miles, 9 miles, 14 miles, 19 miles, and 50K+ ultras
• All levels are welcome and the group supports diverse paces
• Membership is required to unlock perks and discounts
• SURF is a nonprofit organization
• No post-run social scene attached to regular runs
• Stroller-friendly routes are not part of this club’s format

Why runners like it

• Members get race discounts, aid station support, and access to member-only events
• The club hosts social events including an annual party and the Secret Canyon Invitational
• Runners who show up say the community genuinely invests in the trails they run on

First visit

• Check the schedule at sdultrarunning.wildapricot.org before heading out
• Membership is needed to access perks and discounts, so consider joining early
• Confirm the trailhead location ahead of time since meeting spots rotate
• Lace up for longer efforts, most routes start at 5 miles and go well beyond

Good to know

SURF is a nonprofit, so membership fees go back into the trails, the events, and the running community you are joining.