The SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run begins at the marina in Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley, California. Runners follow dirt paths around the reservoir and adjacent hills. This is primarily an unpaved trail race, with distances from short runs to the half marathon, marathon, 30K, and 50K. Some editions also include a 2-mile sprint or 8K. The event, established in 2010, caters to those preferring a trail run over a road race.
The course encircles Lake Chabot Reservoir, constructed to supply water for the East Bay. Thus, the run takes place around a functional piece of local history, not a venue solely for racing. Approximately 95% of the running occurs on unpaved trails. Organizers use a Rolatape surveyor's wheel for distance measurements. The event accommodates novice trail runners, experienced long-distance participants, and families, offering a free 50-yard kids' dash for children aged six and under.