Gold Rush 50k Runner FAQ’s

What is the race date?
The 2017 Gold Rush 50k will be held on Saturday, May 13. The start time will be 6:30 am.

Where does the race start and finish?
The start is at Salmon Falls Boat Launch. The finish will be at the amphitheater on Wool Street near the museum.

Isn’t it always hot in May? Why the May race date for an all-day event?
The month of May in Folsom and the Sierra foothills tends to have some of the best running temps in all of Northern California. While the 2013 race experienced blistering heat, that was actually a one-in-every-10-year anomaly. Average daytime temps for early May range in the mid-to-upper 70s, with temps dipping into the upper-40s for the low. By May, the trails have generally dried out from the winter’s rain, making for ideal racing conditions. And if you’ve never experienced the brilliant wildflowers blanketing Northern California’s trails in May, then you’re in for a real treat!

How do I get to the start line?
The race starts at Salmon Falls Boat Launch State Parking Lot off of Salmon Falls Road. There will be a shuttle from Lake Natoma Inn that will take you to the start. If you do not wish to take the shuttle please note that there is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING at the trail head. Runners can be dropped off outside the parking lot. There will be volunteers to help control traffic.

Directions to the Start:
From Auburn: Take highway 49s for about 9.7 miles, turn right on Salmon Falls Cutoff Road, then a left onto Salmon Falls Road. Look for the state parking lot on the right-hand side after you cross Salmon Falls Bridge.
From Folsom: Head east on East Natoma Street and turn left on Green Valley Road. Follow Green Valley Road until you come upon Salmon Falls Road, take a left on Salmon Falls Road. Parking lot will be on your lefthand side before your cross the Salmon Falls Bridge.

What is the best way to train for this race?
Running any ultra-marathon is challenging and a trail 50k requires more commitment and training than a road marathon. Running on the course will also help to familiarize yourself with the trails and strategize your race plan. You may want to do several runs in the dark to determine the lighting equipment that works best for you. There are many running clubs and groups who offer training services (free or paid), and it is often beneficial to run with a group. When running on the trails, we always recommend running with at least one buddy—there’s safety in numbers!

I have a medical condition that I believe you should be aware of. How can I share that information with the Race Director?
There will be a place on your bib for you to fill out any essential medical details. We recommend that all runners do so. If you have any medical conditions that you feel we should be aware of beforehand, please email the details to the Race Director at info@runsra.org. This is only necessary in exceptional circumstances.

I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Per our official event rules and guidelines: Sale, transfer, or duplication of race entry/bib is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable.

What if the race is cancelled?
The Gold Rush 50k will go on rain or shine–a little weather won’t stop us! However, the Sacramento Running Association reserves the right to cancel the race at any time at its sole discretion. Causes for race cancellation may include (but are not limited to) hazardous and potentially dangerous weather, unsafe course conditions, or governmental intervention. In the case of an event cancellation, registrants are not entitled to a refund.