Come and participate in one of the most challenging 50K in the Auburn/Cool area. This event has a total accumulative climbing of over 6000 feet. FOURmidable trail races, an exhilarating adventure that promises to test your limits and immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This …
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Come and participate in one of the most challenging 50K in the Auburn/Cool area. This event has a total accumulative climbing of over 6000 feet.
FOURmidable trail races, an exhilarating adventure that promises to test your limits and immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This rugged race will take you through some of California’s most picturesque and challenging terrain, offering a true test of endurance and a chance to experience nature at its finest.
The name FOURmidable comes from the four major climbs along the course. The 50K and 35.5K distances will cross the famous No Hands Bridge on their way out and climb up K2 (aka-Training hill) towards the top of Knickerbocker Canyon to then descend all the way down to the river. At which moment runners will be right on the other side of the American River Canyon from the START area. Runners will then climb up the switchbacks back to the Knickerbocker Aid Station (AS) to then cross Knickerbocker creek on their way towards Cool AS and then follow the Western States trail towards Auburn AS. The 35K runners would have completed their run and the 50K runners will then do a 5 mile loop up Cardiac hill before returning to the finish line.
FOUR hills:
K2 (AKA Training Hill)
Knickerbocker (Old Auburn Dam Site)
Overlook hill
Cardiac hill
The Half Marathon and 13K runners will go downhill towards No Hands bridge by using the Western States and Robbie point trail, to then turn around and climb back up by using the river-view trail. Once back at the top, 13k runners would have finished and Half marathon runners will continue towards Cardiac hill to then cross the finish line by using the Pioneer Express trail.
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Formidable Race Review: Wild, Beautiful,
Oh. My. Freaking. Word. I was not ready for this race—but wow, what an experience. Running the Formidable Race in Auburn was equal parts humbling and incredible. If you’ve never … MORE
Oh. My. Freaking. Word.
I was not ready for this race—but wow, what an experience.
Running the Formidable Race in Auburn was equal parts humbling and incredible. If you’ve never done a trail race before, let me just say this: they are a whole different beast—and so much fun.
The scenery alone is worth it. Auburn has some of the prettiest running routes in the state, hands down. Between the rolling hills, natural landscapes, and peaceful trails, it’s the kind of race where you almost forget how hard you’re working… almost.
Because let’s talk about the difficulty—this race does not play around. The elevation, terrain, and technical aspects make it a true challenge. It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but that’s also what made it so rewarding at the finish line.
One thing to note: the route can be a little tricky to follow at times. It’s not impossible, but you definitely need to stay alert and pay attention to the markers. If you do that, you should be just fine.
And can we talk about the swag? Because they absolutely nailed it. The gear was high quality, well-designed, and actually something you’ll want to wear again—not just toss in a drawer.
Overall, we were beyond impressed with this race. From the challenge to the views to the overall vibe, it delivered on every level. We’re already looking forward to going back (and maybe being a little more prepared next time 😅).
I DID it!!
I am new to ultra running & this is my 2nd 50K within 8 months. I just went for it. The views were spectacular but the course was definitely challenging. … MORE
I am new to ultra running & this is my 2nd 50K within 8 months. I just went for it. The views were spectacular but the course was definitely challenging. My focus were the cutoffs & was nervous about them. I’m extremely happy that I made all 4, especially the last cutoff where I was a little emotional. The course was marked well (no getting lost). The aid stations were fully stocked & manned with the friendliest volunteers. I had fun sharing miles with friends & meeting/sharing miles with new friends. I was sore but extremely happy crossing the finish line with this ultra accomplishment.
FOURget about it! :)
This race is brutal, but SO FUN!! FOURmidable has four big climbs, including K2 (training hill). I ended with about 5,600' of gain. It was a little warm this year, … MORE
This race is brutal, but SO FUN!! FOURmidable has four big climbs, including K2 (training hill). I ended with about 5,600′ of gain. It was a little warm this year, but not too bad. Singletrack Running puts on an amazing event here! With good food and snacks during and after the race! Plus the views from this race are epic!! Oh, and a really nice white hoodie to the finishers!
Fourmidable is an Understatement
Single Track Running does an amazing job with races! This was my second year running this race and they did another awesome job with more great swag. The 50k runners … MORE
Single Track Running does an amazing job with races! This was my second year running this race and they did another awesome job with more great swag. The 50k runners all received a hat, a cotton race shirt, a Klean Kanteen tumbler and a medal. The aid stations and volunteers were the best as well.
The course is called FOURmidable due to the four main hills on the course, but there are a lot more hills than that on the course. The hills are Cardiac, which is a long uphill of steep switchbacks, K2 aka training hill which is almost a mile long with over 900 ft. of elevation gain, Knickerbocker which is long switchbacks and then finally Overlook, which brings you back to the finish area.
Last year all of the races were on the same day, but this year the 50k was held on Saturday and the other distances on Sunday. It made a huge difference with the amount of people on the course and it was really nice not having to deal with as many runners. Another difference from last year was the conditions the trails were in. The course was very wet and muddy last year from all of the rain and there were barely any water crossings this year. It also got much warmer this year!
It’s a beautiful course that is on the Western States trail and it goes from Auburn into Cool and back. You start at the Auburn Dam Overlook Park which has a huge parking lot and also bathrooms.
There were burgers for the finishers and plenty of space to hang out and relax after finishing. Despite the climb back up Overlook being more awful than I remembered, this was another fun race and I hope to do it again!