Canyons Endurance Runs 100K | 50K| 25K

Welcome to the Canyons Endurance Runs, a premier mountain ultra trail race run along the historical Western States Trail.

Participants will experience some of the most scenic and challenging sections of the iconic WS Trail as they cover up to 15,000 feet of gain through the Canyons between Swinging Bridge and the famous river crossing at Rucky Chucky. Your limits will be tested and your finish will be hard fought as this is the most rugged and difficult of sections of the Western States Trail, RUN TWICE.

Along the trail, runners will behold panoramic Sierra vistas, descend into intimate canyon gullies filled with vibrant ferns and fauna, and gaze up into lush canopies of Oak and Pine. You’ll dip your toes into the rushing waters of the historic American River and cross mountain streams and old wooden bridges through historic settlements from California’s gold rush days. You might even hear an echo of old prospectors and mules on their quest for the mother lode as you follow the same trail they did over 150 years ago.

As you run, you’ll follow in the footsteps of ultra-running’s own pioneers- the likes of Gordy Ainsleigh, Ann Trason, and Tim Twietmeyer, all legendary runners who helped to make this world-famous trail so special.

The Canyons Endurance Runs will feature three distances: a 100K, 50K, and a 25K. The 25K is a fundraiser for the Foresthill Schools athletic programs and for maintenance of the Western States Trail.

The post party will feature hot grilled food with lots of cold drinks to enjoy. Bring your family and friends and we will feed them too, no one is turned away from our famous trip-tip burritos and tacos, homemade rice, beans, guacamole and salsa!

The 100K is NOW an UTMB qualifying race worth 5 points and a Western States 100 Qualifier.

NEW CUTOFF IS 18 HOURS FOR THE 100K! Please visit our website and like our facebook page for more detailed information and updates, links located at icons above. The Canyons section from Volcano Creek to Swinging bridge is located in National Forest lands with approval from US Forest Service special permits. Please respect all rules and regulations that apply.

25K
The 25K fundraiser for Foresthill non-profits and for maintenance of the Western States trail. This is a great way to support the local community, trails, and run on the Western States Trail. The 25k will start in Foresthill heading down Cal St about 8.25 miles to Cal2 at the turn around, then back up to Foresthill. Perfect for friends, family, crew or anyone looking for something not quite so long, while the 100k runners are grinding it out in the Canyons. Runners will get a hat and other fun swag plus a great finish line festival with food and drinks!

100K Course
The Canyons 100K is run mostly on single-track, from Foresthill to Swinging Bridge and back, then to Rucky Chucky and back along the historic Western States Trail. The start/finish is at Foresthill Elementary School. You will head East on the WS Trail passing through Volcano Canyon, up to Michigan Bluff, down through El Dorado Canyon, up past Deadwood Cemetary and the Pump, finally descending past Devil’s Thumb down to the turn around at the Swinging Bridge. Aid stations will be at Michigan Bluff (miles 6, 25), El Dorado Creek (miles 9, 22), and the Pump (miles 13, 18). Foresthill is the midway point where you continue on the WS Trail down the Cal loop to Rucky Chucky and back to the finish in Foresthill. This is the fastest 16 mile section of the WS trail! With a descent of 2500 feet to the river and 3 short climbs you will enjoy cruising down the pristine single-track with forested upper section while the lower section has some beautiful sights of the Middle fork of the American River with spectacular white water displays and perhaps a bald eagle sighting. Aid stations will be at Cal1 (miles 34.5, 60.5) Cal2 (39.5, 55.5) and at Rucky Chucky(47.5) at the turn around. What goes down must come up so conserve those quads for the return trip to Foresthill and the post party atmosphere that awaits. This course will have around 15,000 ft of gain!

Race Start Times:
The 100K start time is 5:30 am.
The 50K start time is 5:30 am.
The 25K start time is 7:00 am.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds or transfers of entries, please be sure you are aware of this policy before registering. We have no waitlist as well.

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