A Trail Run That Gets to the Point Sooner

Matt Capelouto can think of at least two reasons many runners haven’t tried trail events. For one, they’re long; the most-famous off-road runs are 50 or 100 miles. For another, they’re most often held in out-of-the-way places.

Capelouto thinks he has solved both of those problems with an event he launched last year, The Road Less Traveled, a 10-mile trail run that returns to Brea on Sunday.

The event starts at the edge of Carbon Canyon Regional Park and heads into Chino Hills State Park. But because of trail damage from heavy winter storms, last year’s course has been changed some. This time around, runners will start up Telegraph Canyon before detouring to the “very challenging” South Ridge Trail, Capelouto said.

“It’s just like a big roller coaster,” he said, “lots of big ups and downs.”

Though the race is 10 miles, Capelouto compares the exertion level to that of a half-marathon on the road (13.2 miles).

Last year’s inaugural event drew 540 runners, including newcomers to trail running and experienced off-road enthusiasts who don’t like the ultra distances of other races.

“We wanted to try and introduce trail running to a wider audience,” Capelouto said.

There is a cap of 600 on the field because of parking limitations, so there may not be any race-day registration. The safest bet is to head to the Fullerton Marriott on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Race organizers will have a sign-up booth in the lobby. The hotel is at 2701 E. Nutwood Ave., on the Cal State Fullerton campus.

Some proceeds from the event will benefit the Huntington Beach High School cross-country team.

* What: The Road Less Traveled 10-mile race.

* When: Sunday at 7:45 a.m.

* Where: Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea.

* Whereabouts: From the Orange (57) Freeway, exit at Lambert Road and head east until it turns into Carbon Canyon Road. The park will be on the right.

* Wherewithal: $22, including T-shirt. Parking is $2.

* Where to call: (800) 285-4629 or (714) 531-7053.