Overall Rating
Overall Rating (6 Reviews)
3.8
(6 Ratings)  (6 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.5
SCENERY
4
PRODUCTION
4.3
SWAG
3.2
American River has become the second largest 50 miler in the United States. The race attracts both veterans and novices alike. Whether you are attempting your first 50 miler or seeking a personal record, this race is for you! We are excited to partner with the City of Folsom as … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 01):
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H (°F)  63  77  85  63  70
L (°F)  42  47  54  48  54
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Recent reviews

    ravyoly FIRST-TIMER '18

    I told myself when I finished my first 50 miler at Headlands that it was a one and done. I lied. Well, sort of. I don't know why I upgraded … MORE

    I told myself when I finished my first 50 miler at Headlands that it was a one and done. I lied. Well, sort of. I don’t know why I upgraded from 25M to 50M but I think it was because I ran a few strong 50Ks months prior and felt that I could do the 50M. So despite the challenging and terrible conditions with rain, sticky mud, slippery trails, and basically ‘s-crewed’ (no crew/pacer), I PR’d!
    One big disappointment from this race was the fact that they changed the jackets and we got gipped!! In prior years the swag was a Patagonia jacket. In 2018 we got a brand-less fleece jacket. Sad.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    1

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    noneleft FIRST-TIMER '17

    I had an injury going into this race and unfortunately, I had to drop out at the Rattlesnake Bar aid station. I completed about 14 of the 25 miles. Up … MORE

    I had an injury going into this race and unfortunately, I had to drop out at the Rattlesnake Bar aid station. I completed about 14 of the 25 miles. Up to that aid station the course was challenging, but scenic. The volunteers at the AS were great and the stations was well stocked with food and drink. Luckily, one of the volunteers drove me back to the finish after having only waited at the AS for about 15 minutes. At the finish, I was able to enjoy the BBQ while waiting for my friends to finish the 25 and 50 milers.
    I definitely would like to redeem myself and try again next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    mikebeckwith REPEAT RUNNER '17

    This is a really great race. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to do their first 50 miler. This was my second year doing this race, and my best … MORE

    This is a really great race. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to do their first 50 miler. This was my second year doing this race, and my best performance to date. I really wanted to come in sub 11, but am happy with my 11:14.
    This is a point to point race, starting at Brown’s Ravine, and finishing at the Auburn Dam Overlook. It has a very generous cut off time of 14:00. There are 10 aid stations during the course (not counting the finish line). There is a section between Granite Bay and Horseshoe Bar where you go nearly 9 miles between aid stations. It’s not an easy 9 miles, and has lots of single technical track. I can’t suggest this enough. Be sure you bring TWO bottles of water at a minimum during this stretch. I did this year, and it made all the difference in the world.
    I also suggest getting a crew. 🙂 I had an awesome crew, with Oscar and Oscar Jr coming out and supporting me. Had some love and support from Yoly as well, who was crewing my friend Jay. This made all the difference in the world, as they kept me fed/focused/cleaned up each time and made sure I didn’t spend too much time at each AS.
    Also, a crew helps you not have to worry or stress on how to get back to your car. 🙂 As I mentioned, this is a point to point race. The bus to the start leaves very early. Just before 4 am. I always stay at a local hotel the night before and the night after (Lake Natomas Inn).
    Overall, a very nice race brought you by the same folks that bring you Way Too Cool 50k. Will definitely be doing this one again.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    chidrarae FIRST-TIMER '16

    This was my first 50 miler and it was tough but I pushed through. I wore the wrong shoes for the first 20 and had blisters right away. My knee … MORE

    This was my first 50 miler and it was tough but I pushed through. I wore the wrong shoes for the first 20 and had blisters right away. My knee gave out as well (first time!) but pushed through the pain (not without prayer). Glad to share experience with my two girlfriends who completed the course within a minutes of each other. Luckily, I had an amazing crew and support which helped me so much especially with needing the shoe change at mile 20. The volunteer staff was very supportive and the cheering crowd at the end was great. Everything was very well organized and the aid stations were stocked well. I may try again for a better time next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    mikebeckwith FIRST-TIMER '15

    This race is very popular! This was my first 50 mile race and I had so much fun. There really isn't that many hills. Mostly rolling, until the final 3 … MORE

    This race is very popular! This was my first 50 mile race and I had so much fun. There really isn’t that many hills. Mostly rolling, until the final 3 or so miles, then it’ll ALL uphill on a paved road. The course is really nice, and has some technical single track. Aid stations are super fun and very well stocked. The finish area is super fun too. I had an awesome crew of my wife and my oldest daughter and they made it so fun for me. I did accidentally head out on a very tough 9 mile stretch, through technical single track, with only one water bottle. This would prove to be a big mistake. It was around mile 29 or so. This is the longest stretch with no AS. I paid big time. Got a little dehydrated and was very anxious when I ran out of water. Got a little sick, then walked a lot, and ate and drank a ton at the next AS. 🙂 Took a little break, and got back on it. Luckily I felt great after that. TIP: TAKE TWO bottles through that stretch, next time. Can’t wait to do this race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

    3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

    noneleft Dec 06, 2016 at 8:39pm

    Good to know about the long stretch with no AS. I'm running the AR25 on 4/1/17, so I will be prepared with enough water.

    Good to know about the long stretch with no AS. I'm running the AR25 on 4/1/17, so I will be prepared with enough water.

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    ultratall FIRST-TIMER '04

    Race (formerly) began in Sacramento and ended in Auburn, all along the American River, half paved and half trail. (Course is different now.) This is a BIG 50M, with lots … MORE

    Race (formerly) began in Sacramento and ended in Auburn, all along the American River, half paved and half trail. (Course is different now.) This is a BIG 50M, with lots of aid and lots of participants. As a finisher, I received a fleece zip up jacket, mug and medal. The biggest issue is coordinating a ride back. If you are a slower runner, you didn’t have the option to use the shuttle.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    My Report
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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