Nestled in the historic gold-rush town of Auburn, CA, the birthplace of mountain ultras, lies a trail runner’s dream event: The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB. Produced in partnership with Epic Endurance Events, who bring you NorCal’s most epic mountain, ultra, and trail running events, this prestigious event acts as the 2024 UTMB World Series Americas Major, is not just a race but a journey through history and rugged natural beauty and is considered by our team to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest. As a qualifier for both the UTMB World Series Finals (earn 8 stones!) and the Western States 100, the Canyons Endurance Runs offer a unique opportunity for runners to test their limits and earn their spot in some of the most iconic ultra-marathons globally. Also notable is the Canyons 100K is a Western States 100 Golden Ticket race, offering the top two female and male finishers direct entry to the legendary Western States 100.
Event & Course Info
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB start in downtown Auburn, known as the “Endurance Capital of the World,” which is a fitting stage for this event, boasting a rich history of hosting iconic endurance races. A variety of distance options are offered including the 100M, 100K, 50K, and 25K. The Canyons Endurance Runs immerse participants in the picturesque and challenging landscapes of the Sierra Nevada range. Runners will traverse historic trails, echoing the footsteps of 19th-century prospectors, and experience sections of the renowned Western States Trail.
100M Course
- Elevation Gain: 17,000+ ft
- Start Time: Friday 9:00am
- Max Race Time: 35 hours
The 100M race begins at China Wall, leading runners through Eldorado Canyon, Deadwood, and past the iconic Swinging Bridge. The route includes a descent to Eldorado Bridge, a journey through Volcano Canyon to Foresthill, and a run along the American River. With approximately 18,000 feet of vertical gain and 22,000 feet of descent, this course promises to be both breathtaking and challenging.
100K Course
- Distance**: 62.1 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 11,000+ ft
- Start Date: Saturday 5:00am
- Max Race Time: 21 hours
The 100K route, offering stunning views and challenging terrain, includes notable sections like the descent from Devils Thumb to Swinging Bridge and a reverse journey from the 2022 edition. Runners will pass through several key locations before the final stretch to Auburn.
50K Course
- Distance: 31 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 5,600+ ft
- Start Date: Saturday 6:00am
- Max Race Time: 10 hours
The 50K course captures the spirit of Sierra trail running, starting and finishing in downtown Auburn. It covers the American River canyons and includes steep climbs and fast descents along well-trodden trails.
Throughout the courses, runners will find well-equipped aid stations providing necessary support – check out the UTMB website for course profiles, interactive maps, timecharts, etc. as well as the official runner guide for all of the nitty gritty details. Mandatory gear includes a minimum water supply of 1 liter, a reusable cup, a running pack, a mobile phone with international roaming, two headlamps with spare batteries, a jacket with a hood, and a hat. Recommended gear includes additional nutrition, a mobile phone charger, and a survival blanket.
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB are not only a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of trail running culture. The event includes a post-race celebrations, awards ceremonies, and various festivities, fostering a sense of community and achievement among participants. The race embodies UTMB’s commitment to equal rights and opportunities, with ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity and diversity in trail running.
Embarking on the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB is more than just participating in a race; it’s an opportunity to be part of trail running history in the making, right in the heart of the Endurance Capital of the World.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB takes place in the Placer Valley region which in addition to Auburn, includes towns of Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln all of which have a variety of accommodations to suit runners’ and their supporters needs from the Holiday Inn, the Holbrooke Hotel, to the Eden Vale Inn. In addition there are plentiful vacation rentals to explore from stone cottages to moto style homes, while the campers of the group will appreciate Auburn State Recreation Area or one of the unique one of a kind camping opportunities in the area. All that being said, Nirvana Sports Travel is the official travel partner to assists athletes in planning the logistics of their trip so that they can focus on training for the big event.
Auburn, CA, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its rich history and diverse community, offering a delightful mix of local eateries, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisanal cafes that showcase the best of Northern Californian cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients. This charming town provides a gastronomic adventure, ranging from classic American dishes to innovative culinary creations, appealing to food enthusiasts of all tastes. Local favorites include Restaurant Josephine, the Pour Choice, and Pizzeria Luba.
As April brings its gentle warmth and vibrant blooms to Auburn, CA, outdoor enthusiasts find themselves in a paradise of activities. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Auburn is not just a historic gold-rush town but also a hub for athletes seeking adventure and natural beauty. This time of year is perfect for exploring the legendary Western States Trail, a mecca for trail runners and hikers alike. This historic trail, renowned for the Western States 100-mile endurance run, offers a diverse array of scenic vistas, from lush forests to sweeping views of the American River canyon. A must-visit section is the stretch from No Hands Bridge to Robie Point, providing a moderate hike with rewarding views and a sense of the area’s rich running heritage.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find their thrill in the Auburn State Recreation Area, a treasure trove of trails suited for all skill levels. One of the highlights is the Foresthill Divide Loop, an approximately 11-mile single-track trail offering a balance of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. The trail winds through oak woodlands and pine forests, with wildflowers in full bloom during April, making it a visually stunning and physically rewarding experience.
Finally, melting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains feeds into the American River, creating ideal conditions for whitewater rafting at certain times of year. The Middle Fork of the American River, with its Class III-IV rapids, offers a thrilling adventure for rafting enthusiasts. This stretch of the river is famous for its Tunnel Chute Rapid, an adrenaline-pumping drop through a narrow chute blasted by gold miners in the 1800s. Local outfitters provide guided tours, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience for both beginners and seasoned rafters.
Related Events
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, the second event in the UTMBWorld Series, the world’s leading trail running circuit, is a dual qualifier for the iconic UTMB World Series Finals taking place in Chamonix, France, and is also a Western States 100 Golden Ticket race.
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. It is also a Grand Slam of Ultra-Running event, a series of five races representing the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile races contested in the US. The series includes the Old Dominion 100 in Virginia, Western States 100 in California, the Vermont 100, Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado, and the Wasatch Front 100 in Utah. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people. Nearby qualifying races include Black Canyon Ultras, Moab Trail Marathon & Half Marathon, and Canyon Endurance Runs. Register and plan for the ultimate experience that will challenge your endurance.
UTMB World Series is the ultimate global trail running series uniting the sport’s biggest stars and amateur runners through a leading international event series in the most stunning locations. The UTMB World Series gives all trail runners a chance to experience UTMB events worldwide, with events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. Other events that Strambecco features include Antelope Canyon Ultras, Brazos Bend 50, Gorge Waterfalls, Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB, Zion Ultras, and Bryce Canyon Ultras. It is the only place runners can begin their quest to UTMB Mont-Blanc, home of the prestigious UTMB World Series Finals. The UTMB World Series integrates three levels of events:
- UTMB World Series Finals
- UTMB World Series Majors
- UTMB World Series Events
To qualify to enter the lottery for Finals or Major events, you must collect a “Running Stone” by finishing qualifier events in the 20k, 50k, 100k, or 100M categories. Only 1 Running Stone acquired in the past two years is mandatory to enter the lottery. Running Stones are cumulative, have no expiration date, and each Running Stone gives you an additional chance to be drawn. Collecting Running Stones is the only way to access regular runners’ UTMB World Series Finals. Discover the events that will allow you to collect Running Stones this year to enter the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery from next year onwards here.
Other premier trail running events California has to offer include Catalina Island Marathon from Spectrum Sports Management and Run Catalina, as well as Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.
For the multi-sport athletes out there, the famous Grizzly 100 & Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo from Bear Valley Bikes, part of the National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE) is one of the best mountain bike events in the Southwest and one worth adding to your racing calendar.
Gravel enthusiasts will no doubt already have BWR San Diego on their radar, produced by Monuments of Cycling and part of their Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series, but another event to consider is the Bovine Classic from Bike Monkey & Locomotiv Performance Coaching. Both are considered some of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Southwest and California, as rated by the team at Strambecco.
Premier road cycling events in Southern California that are worth checking out are Tour de Palm Springs, Phil’s Cookie Fondo, Tour de Big Bear from Big Bear Cycling Association and Mammoth Gran Fondo organized by Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation – together both events make up the California Pass Challenge for riders that conquer both iconic rides.
