Pincushion Hill Climb
Pincushion Hill Climb is a running race on September 12, 2026 in Friant, CA, with entry fees from $43 to $48.
- Date
- September 12, 2026 (6 days to go)
- Price
- $43–$48
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Pincushion Hill Climb: Mountain Goat Edition
1 mile. Straight up. Then keep climbing.
The Pincushion Hill Climb is a chip-timed, one-mile climb beginning at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the South Finegold Picnic Area at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (at the end of Sky Harbour Road) and finishing at the summit of Pincushion Mountain.
Mountain Goat Challenge
When you register for the four-hour Mountain Goat Challenge, you are automatically entered in the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb—no separate registration is needed.
Your first ascent from the trailhead to the summit will be chip timed and scored as your official one-mile Hill Climb result. The first lap will begin in a staggered, time-trial format to spread runners out and reduce congestion on the trail.
The four-hour challenge clock begins when the first participant starts. From that moment, Mountain Goat runners have four hours—until noon—to complete as many summits as possible.
After reaching the summit for the first time, runners must take the designated longer route down, which is just over 1.5 miles. After that first descent, runners may descend using the same route they climb.
Trekking poles are allowed. To qualify as an official Mountain Goat finisher, you must complete at least two trips to the summit.
Mountain Goat Challenge standings will be determined by the total number of completed summits. If two or more participants complete the same number of summits, the runner with the fastest chip-timed first ascent will receive the higher placement.
Mountain Goat Aid Station
An aid station will be available at the bottom of the hill exclusively for Mountain Goat runners. Participants will be able to refill their water and refuel with electrolytes, gels, and a selection of other snacks between climbs.
Awards and Swag
For the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb:
Special prizes for the top three male and female finishers
Awards for age-group winners
A custom finisher award and event shirt for every runner
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
93°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
3%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Friant Government Camp, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Friant, CA
City Elevation
1,148 ft
Nearest Airport
FAT
Fresno Yosemite International Airport · 19 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
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Race Location
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What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Pincushion Hill Climb, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
6
Days to train
- Race
- Pincushion Hill Climb
- Date
- September 12, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Pincushion Hill Climb
Sep 12, 2026