RUNNING REDDING TRAILS WITH SARA HALL

World-class marathoner Sara Hall has logged miles all over the globe, but Redding holds a special place in her family’s journey.

For a season, she and her husband, Ryan — a two-time Olympian — made Redding home with their four daughters, adopted from Ethiopia in 2015.

Those early years as a family brought big changes.

The girls were adjusting to a new culture and language, while Sara and Ryan were learning how to balance elite training with parenthood.

Redding’s trails quickly became more than training grounds; they became a place where the Halls bonded, built routines, and created lasting memories together.

“With adoption, you’re looking for things in common and shared experiences to bond,” Sara says. “It’s been really meaningful to share running with them in Redding.”

Now that their daughters are growing up and beginning to pursue their own paths — with some emerging as elite runners themselves — the miles they once shared on Redding’s trails remain a meaningful part of their family story.

The Sacramento River Rail Trail: A Marathoner’s Dream

Ask Sara about her favorite place to train, and she doesn’t hesitate: the Sacramento River Rail Trail.

“The Rail Trail is my favorite bike path in the world,” she says. “The surface is perfect, the scenery is really stunning, and there’s usually no one out there, making it like your own.”

Stretching west from the Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam, the Rail Trail offers 19 miles of flat, paved serenity.

In 2023, it was inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame, a recognition that matched what Sara had already known through countless workouts: this trail is special.

“The scenery is so lush and unique, paired with an almost completely flat elevation. It’s the fastest place to work out with the best vibes.”

For a professional marathoner, that meant a place to practice rhythm and consistency.

For her daughters, it meant a safe, out-and-back route where everyone could turn around when needed.

And for Ryan, it meant the perfect bike path to ride alongside Sara, using mile markers to help pace her training.

“The bike paths in Redding have really helped Ryan train with me,” Sara says. “The surfaces are perfect and well-maintained.”

Sara’s Top 7 Go-To Redding Runs

Redding’s trail system isn’t just about smooth paths and steady miles.

When Sara wanted variety, she sought out routes that tested her strength, offered shade, or gave her a change of scenery.

These became her go-to runs, the same trails she recommends to anyone visiting Redding with running shoes packed.

1. Sacramento River Rail Trail: Sara calls this her “favorite bike path in the world.” Flat, paved, and scenic, it’s ideal for marathon pacing or relaxed family runs.

2. Hornbeck Trail: A well-maintained singletrack with sweeping views, perfect for easy runs or safe out-and-back family outings.

3. Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail: Flowing terrain near Whiskeytown Lake, great for smooth, peaceful miles with a backdrop of water and forest.

4. Shasta Bally: The most challenging climb on her list, but also the most rewarding. This quad-burner delivers panoramic views over Shasta Lake, the Sacramento Valley, and the distant peaks.

5. Churn Creek Trails: Sara turned here for shade in the summer and bright green scenery in spring. It’s a pocket of calm close to town and a refreshing change from open-sky runs.

6. Sacramento River Trail at Diestelhorst Bridge: Sara specifically recommends “the hill on the river path two miles down from the Diestelhorst Bridge.” It became one of her favorite spots for hill repeats.

7. Rail Trail/Sacramento River Trail Connection: Where the flat, rhythmic Rail Trail meets the rolling hills of the Sacramento River Trail, Sara found the perfect training ground for hilly marathon prep.

Together, these trails demonstrate why Redding has earned a reputation as the Trails Capital of California, offering a blend of family-friendly routes, professional-level training grounds, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

3 Tips for Training in Redding’s Summer Heat

Redding summers are famously hot, but Sara discovered that with a little planning, runners can not only survive but actually thrive here.

Rather than avoiding the season altogether, she leaned into strategies that made the most of Redding’s climate and terrain.

1. Beat the Sun

“Even though Redding is warm, the lack of humidity helps you escape it in the early mornings,” Sara explains.

For her, sunrise runs became a way to get miles in before the heat set in. The cool, still air along the trails gave her a window to log quality workouts, often with her family in tow.

2. Run by Water

The Sacramento River became a natural ally. Breezes coming off the water and shaded sections of the River Trail made the heat feel less oppressive.

Those river miles became go-tos not just for Sara, but also for Ryan and the girls — safe, accessible, and cooler than most valley routes.

3. Head for Higher Ground

When long runs demanded cooler conditions, Sara took advantage of Redding’s proximity to the mountains.

“Moving up in elevation towards Lassen Park helps as well,” she notes. Just a short drive delivered alpine air and fresh terrain, offering a refreshing reset from the valley heat.

These strategies enabled Sara to maintain consistency year-round while living in Redding.

And for recreational runners, they highlight what makes this region unique: even in the middle of summer, you can find ways to enjoy the trails, whether by timing your runs with the sunrise, hugging the river, or seeking out mountain air.

RELATED: CHILL OUT: 14 COOL SPOTS TO BEAT THE HEAT IN REDDING

Beyond the Miles: Running for a Cause

For Sara, running has always been about more than races. She and Ryan founded the Hall Steps Foundation to fight poverty in Ethiopia, the birthplace of their daughters.

“When I see those kids, I see my kids,” Sara says.

The foundation supports nutrition, housing, and education for vulnerable women and children, empowering them toward a better future.

Learn more at thestepsfoundation.org.

Thank you to Christine LiWanPo for contributing the featured photo.

 

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