For 34 years, the Bulldog Ultra has brought runners into the Santa Monica Mountains for a race that is as beautiful as it is demanding.

Known as Southern California's oldest 50K, the Bulldog has become a fixture in the region’s trail-running scene. Its course winds through rugged singletrack and fire roads, opening up to sweeping views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. But the scenery only tells half the story. Long, steep climbs, exposed sections, and canyon temperatures that can reach triple digits make the course a serious test of endurance.

It is this contrast — breathtaking views paired with unforgiving terrain — that gives the Bulldog its character.

A Race Built on the Trails

Starting from Malibu Creek State Park, the Bulldog 50K takes runners deep into the Santa Monica Mountains. The current course covers roughly 29.4 miles with more than 5,500 feet of elevation gain, combining mountain singletrack and fire roads across two loops.

The distance is only part of the challenge. As the miles build, so does the climbing. The heat adds another layer of difficulty, particularly through the exposed canyon sections.

That combination has helped make the Bulldog a fixture on the Southern California trail calendar for more than three decades. In 2026, the Bulldog returned for its 34th year as Race #3 of the Bulldog Challenge Series.

Nathan Brown Takes on the Bulldog

This year, Nathan Brown stepped onto the Bulldog course ready to take on the full challenge — the distance, the climbing, the heat, and a strong field of competitors.

He covered 29.33 miles with 5,804 feet of elevation gain in 3:36:43, finishing 3rd overall.

On a course where the climbing continues to accumulate and the heat can become a factor, holding pace is only part of the equation. Staying steady through the tougher sections and maintaining momentum deep into the race can make all the difference.

Nathan came away with a hard-earned podium finish, adding his own story to a race that has been challenging runners in the Santa Monica Mountains for 34 years.

Another Chapter on the Trail

Every long-running race builds its history one runner at a time.

For the Bulldog, that history spans more than three decades of climbs, miles, finishes, and stories from the Santa Monica Mountains. This year, Nathan became part of that ongoing story.

The Bulldog may draw runners in with its views, but it is the challenge that makes the experience memorable.

Beautiful from the outside.

Brutal when you're in it.

Worth every mile.