Rio Del Lago 100 begins at beautiful Beal’s Point, at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in the Sierra-Nevada Foothills. With Folsom Lake as the sparkling backdrop you’ll traverse through Oak woodland and meadows, over bridges and creeks, up and down switchbacks and along the most spectacular trails in the area. This scenic 100 mile foot race combines 2 of The Best trail races in Northern California: American River 50 and Way Too Cool 50K.
The 100 mile course is a variety of terrains that novice and veteran runners alike will enjoy. Runners will begin their 100 mile journey running the perimeter of Beal’s Point to the American River Parkway. Out of Beal’s Point, the course then heads South on the American River Parkway to the historic Walker Bridge. The course will wind down under the Powerhouse and behind the Lake Natoma Inn hotel. The course remains on the south side of Lake Natoma on the American River Parkway through Willow Creek and then to the Aquatic Center. At the Aquatic Center, the course traverses across the bridge up to the Nimbus Bluffs.
Runners will ascend on a single track trail to the Hazel Bluffs. Upon descending from the Hazel Bluffs, the course will re-connect with the bike trail and intermix with fire roads and single track trails through Beal’s Point. After reaching Beal's Point, runners will enjoy single track trails and head north on the path worn by gold miners in search of riches: The Pioneer Express Trail, near the entrance of the Granite Bay State Park. Runners will continue to Granite Beach on the north side of Folsom Lake.
Runners leave Granite Beach and continue north towards Twin Rocks and Auburn, CA. Runners will pass through Horseshoe Bar and Rattlesnake Bar (no, we aren’t talking about stopping at local pubs, but rather passing over the sand bars that miners would pan gold from, but there ARE Aid Stations at each). The route continues to Power Plant, Avery's Pond, Dowdin's Post, and arrives at the base of Cardiac Hill. Runners will take a deep breath and then ascend up Last Gasp to the Auburn Dam Overlook. Exiting the Overlook, runners descend on the Western States Trail to the notable 104 year old No Hands Bridge.
From No Hands Bridge, runners will cross Highway 49 at Lower Quarry. The Rio course now joins forces with the iconic Way Too Cool 50K course. You will run along the scenic Quarry Road until continuing through Main Bar. You will make your way to Auburn Lake Trails, Goat Hill and descend down to the Upper Highway 49 crossing. From Upper Highway 49, you will follow the WS trail back to the meadow which will then bring you down the luge as you return to No Hands Bridge.
From No Hands Bridge, runners will re-trace their footsteps back to the Auburn Overlook (running DOWN Last Gasp, take that!) From there, runners follow the trails back through Cardiac, Rattlesnake Bar, Horseshoe Bar, Twin Rocks to Beal’s Point to cross the finish line and celebrate!