The Del Dios Trail Race begins at the Lake Hodges Boat Ramp Lot in Escondido, California. All race distances are run entirely on dirt. The event is known as the “Race of the Gods,” offering runners multiple options on the same rugged terrain: 50K, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 15K relay for three-person co-ed teams. This annual trail race, with over ten editions completed, focuses on lake-country trails instead of paved surfaces.
The course features dirt service roads and maintained single-track. The amount of climbing varies by distance, and the terrain is technical enough to avoid feeling like a casual lakeside run. Participants start from the boat ramp area, heading out along Mission Road and the Coast to Crest Trail before returning the same way. The relay format is straightforward: each teammate completes the 5K course, and teams must consist of both men and women. The boat ramp area is closed to the public during the event, requiring runners, staff, and volunteers to use parking passes provided with race-day information.