Ultra from Salmon Falls to historic Folsom set for May 13
The Gold Rush 50k offers veteran ultrarunners a great opportunity to train for a summer 100-miler and newcomers a chance to check out the trails in a scenic setting for the first time in either the 50k or the two-person relay.
The fifth annual race, set for May 13, begins at the Salmon Falls Boat Launch in El Dorado Hills and ends in historic Folsom. The course, which follows gold-mining routes on mostly single-track trails through the Sierra foothills, features 1,900 feet of elevation gain and over 2,000 feet of descent.
The race, organized by the Sacramento Running Association, begins at 6:30 a.m. The event features a nine-hour cutoff and nine well-stocked aid stations no more than 4.3 miles apart.
“In its fifth year, the Gold Rush has evolved into a quality event worthy of one of the most talented and supportive trail communities,” race director Laura Matz said.
Race organizers added a two-person relay to the event line-up last year in an effort to make the distance more accessible to new trail runners.
“For those who aren’t quite ready to tackle the ultra distance, we are excited to offer a relay option again this year to provide an opportunity to soak up the ultra culture while running a more attainable distance,” said Matz.
The first leg of the relay will cover 15.9 miles from the start of the 50k to the New York Creek Aid Station. The second leg will cover the remaining 15.2 miles of the course before descending on the finish line in historic Folsom.
“Through extensive scouting we have found some new trails and hidden gems to incorporate with well-loved trails along the south side of beautiful Folsom Lake, creating an experience we are confident our runners will enjoy.
“With a generous nine aid stations, a modest amount of climbing, and a downhill finish, it’s an excellent race for someone chasing their first ultra finish or a veteran chasing an elusive PR.”
For registration information, visit www.goldrush50k.org. Cost for the 50k is $100 until May 10 and $140 for the relay.
An ultra-sized party is scheduled for after the race, which finishes at 200 Wool Street near the amphitheater and the Chamber of Commerce in historic Folsom. Runners will be greeted with a free beer and food specials at The Fat Rabbit near the finish line.
“The cherry on top is our finish line festival where runners and crew can hang out and then swap stories over a beer and food at The Fat Rabbit,” Matz said.
The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.
SRA events include the recently completed Credit Union SACTOWN Run, the inaugural Gold Country Half on June 11, the Capital Cross Challenge on October 7, the Run the Parkway on November 4, the 35th annual California International Marathon on Dec. 3 and the Super Sunday Run on Feb. 4, 2018.