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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. At Folsom Point (Aid Station #1, mile 7.11), runners will make a loop on the service road 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 #2, mile 15.21) and then to the Sacramento State University Aquatic Center. After the Aquatic Center, the course traverses across the Hazel Street Bridge, makes a short climb to the River Access Road, then goes back down for a brief stint on the American River Bike Trail.

Just before mile 17, runners veer to the left onto a single track trail that takes them to Main Ave. and up to the Hazel Bluffs. Upon descending from the Hazel Bluffs, the course will follow single track trails until it re-connects with the American River Bike Trail at the Black Miners Bar Aid Station (Aid Station #3, mile 22.95). Runners then stay on the American River Bike Trail until Beal’s Point (Aid Station #4, mile 27.40).

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 at mile 27.4, runners will enjoy single track trails and head north on the path worn by gold miners in search of riches: The Pioneer Express Trail, near the entrance of the Granite Bay State Park.  Runners will cross the entrance road to the park and continue on the Pioneer Express Trail towards the Granite Bay Horse Assembly (mile 31.55). The American River 25 event will start at Beal's Point and proceed thru the remainder of the course as AR50. *** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR25 ***

Upon leaving Beal's Point, runners will enjoy single track trails and head north to 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 on the Pioneer Express Trail to the Granite Bay Horse Assembly area (Aid Station #5, mile 31.55). Stock up here! The distance to the next aid station is 6.5 miles.

After exiting the Horse Assembly, the route continues north toward Twin Rocks Rd. The course continues on 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 #6, mile 38.06) and Rattlesnake Bar (Aid Station #7, mile 40.9). 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 #8, Mile 44).

The 1st Annual 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 traverse the last 10 miles of the iconic American River 50 course finishing in Auburn at the 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 wends its way to the infamous "Dam Wall." Runners will take a deep breath before climbing up to the “Party at Last Gasp” (Aid station #9, mile 47.68). The refreshing Popsicle Palace, motivational mile marker signs, cow bells and our energetic cheerleaders will boost your spirits as you tackle the last climb of your final 2.5 victory miles to the well-deserved finish celebration in Auburn.

No trekking poles for participants or pacers, no dogs, no bikes, no horses.

Official Course Cut off is 14 hours

Plotaroute Mapping

  • plotaroute.com - AR50
  • plotaroute.com - AR25
  • plotaroute.com - AR10

  • 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/74252/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/74252/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/74252/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/74252/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/74252/listing

    IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR BUS STATUS, EMAIL STAFF@NORCALULTRAS.COM.