Course and Transportation
Course Description
American River 50 Mile Endurance Run begins at beautiful Folsom Point, at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in the Sierra-Nevada Foothills. With Folsom Lake as the sparkling backdrop you'll traverse through oak woodland and meadows, over bridges and creeks, up and down switchbacks and along the most spectacular trails in the area.
Runners will begin their 50 mile journey on single track trails and return to Folsom Point. Due to a multiple year BLM project (Folsom Dam Raise Mormon Island Auxiliary project) we are unable to use the first 7 miles of our original AR50 course. The 7 mile “add on” will occur in Auburn instead. Runners will head up the hill and then turn left to run a loop in the park before proceeding from Folsom Point parking lot up another hill and proceed past the park kiosk. At East Natoma Street runners turn right and continue west to the Folsom Lake Crossing.
The course then heads South on the American River Parkway past the historic Walker and Rainbow Bridges. Runners then turn right onto the Lake Natoma Crossing Bridge access path. After crossing Lake Natoma, the course remains on the south side of Lake Natoma on the American River Parkway through Willow Creek (Aid Station #1) and then to the Sacramento State University Aquatic Center. After the Aquatic Center, the course traverses across the Hazel Street Bridge, and climbs steeply to the top of the Hazel Bluffs, rewarding runners with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, the trail winds along the scenic Middle Ridge Trail, eventually winding through the scenic Shadow Glenn horse stable area, blending challenging climbs with quiet picturesque sections.
The course then re-connects with the American River Bike Trail just before the Black Miners Bar Aid Station (Aid Station #2). Runners then stay on the American River Bike Trail until Beal’s Point (Aid Station #3).
The American River 25 event, which starts at 7 A.M. will start at Beal's Point and follows the second half of the AR50 course. *** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR25 ***
After reaching Beal's Point, runners will enjoy single track trails and head north on the path worn by gold miners in search of riches: The Pioneer Express Trail that begins near the entrance of the Granite Bay State Park. Runners will cross the entrance road to the park and continue the Pioneer Express Trail to the Granite Bay Horse Assembly area (Aid Station #4). Stock up here! The distance to the next aid station is 6.5 miles. *** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR25 ***
After exiting the Horse Assembly, the route continues north toward Twin Rocks Rd. The course continues the Pioneer Express Trail just above the Beek’s Bight parking lot and continues along the North Fork of the American River to Buzzards Cove, Horseshoe Bar (Aid Station #5) and Rattlesnake Bar (Aid Station #6). No, we aren't talking about stopping at local pubs, but rather passing by the sand bars where miners would pan gold… so enjoy the aid stations! The route then continues along the river to the Power Plant, Avery's Pond and Dowdin's Post (Aid Station #7).
The American River 10 Mile Endurance Run will start at Rattlesnake Bar (but not the aid station, about 1 mile before the aid station)! The AR10 is a point-to-point race beginning at Rattlesnake Bar at 9:00 A.M. The course will take runners from Rattlesnake Bar to Overlook Park. The course features single track technical trails with a mix of ups and downs. You will experience breath taking views of the American River and spring flowers. The course features 2 aid stations; Dowdin’s Post (Mile ~4) and Last Gasp (Mile ~7.5). We highly recommend you carry 2 bottles or use a hydration pack.*** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR10 ***
After leaving Dowdin's Post, the trail winds its way to the infamous "Dam Wall." Runners will take a deep breath before climbing up to the “Party at Last Gasp” (Aid station #8). Leaving the Last Gasp aid station, the course climbs steadily on a paved road for 2.4 miles before reaching the back of the Overlook, where runners transition onto the scenic Overlook Trail. From there, the course connects to the legendary Western States Trail, leading to Murphy’s Gate, the final aid station (Aid station #9). After a quick refuel, runners will retrace their steps along the same trails, making their way back to the Overlook for an exhilarating 50-mile finish.
No trekking poles for participants or pacers, no dogs, no bikes, no horses.
Official Course Cut off is 14 hours
Plotaroute Mapping
Transportation
Option 1 - BEST CHOICE, HIGHLY ENCOURAGED BY RACE DIRECTOR/STAFF!
Drive car to the finish at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. Buses leave at 4:30 a.m., taking runners to the start at Folsom Point in Folsom.
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
Option 2
For runners staying at partner hotels in Folsom, there is a complimentary shuttle to the start at Folsom Point at 4:45AM. There is no need to sign up for this service, just be in front of your hotel prior to 4:45 am. Be sure to check with the hotel for the departure point.
For the return, those staying at the partner hotels in Folsom, the bus (Folsom Cordova District Busses) will depart from Overlook Park at 8:00PM, returning to same Folsom morning pick up points.
Afternoon bus FREE, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
If your expected finish time is later than 8:00 p.m. you must choose a different option.
Option 3 - LEAST FAVORABLE DUE TO CLOSURE OF PARKING AREA AT 8PM
Drive car to the start at Folsom Point, park for the day, pay parking fee ($12). Early arrival critical, lot will be temporarily closed from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
For the return, the bus will depart Overlook Park at 8:00PM, returning runners to Folsom Point and the proceed to the hotels. Lot closes at 8:00 p.m., no exceptions.
Afternoon bus FREE, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
If your expected finish time is later than 8:00 p.m. you must choose a different option.
Option 4 – CREW
Have your driver drop you at the start, entrance to lot closes temporarily from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
*Driver can connect with runners at approved aid stations.
*Entrance to the AR50 Race Start parking lot will be temporarily closed from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. on race morning.
**Buses do not return to aid stations – pacers must make own arrangements to return to their vehicles.
AR25 Bus Transportion - two options
1. Drive car to the finish and park at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. Buses leave at 5:30 a.m. the Overlook Parking Lot, taking runners to the start at Beals Point.
2. Have a friend or family member drop you off at Beals Point. Keep in mind, you will still need a CA State Park Poppy Pass OR purchase a day use pass to enter at Beals Point.
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
AR10 Bus Transportion - two options
1. Drive car to the finish and park at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. The bus leaves at 8:00 a.m. the Overlook Parking Lot, taking runners to the start at Rattlensake Bar start.
2. Have a friend or family member drop you off at Rattlesnake Bar. Keep in mind, you will still need a CA State Park Poppy Pass OR purchase a day use pass to enter at Rattlesnake Bar. If your friend or family member wishes to watch the start of the AR10, they must park in the main Rattlesnake Bar boat launch lot which is an approximate mile walk to the star
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR BUS STATUS, EMAIL STAFF@NORCALULTRAS.COM.