American River Endurance Runs presented by Altra Return for Another Year of Miles, Trails and Community

August 25, 2026

FOLSOM, Calif. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – There’s a race for everyone at the American River Endurance Runs presented by Altra. On April 3, 2027, runners will once again take to the trails for the 48th American River 50 Mile, 10th American River 25 Miler and 5th American River 10 Miler, with all three distances sharing one destination: Auburn.

For nearly five decades, the American River 50 Mile has challenged runners on their journey to Auburn. While the course has evolved from its original Sacramento start to its move to Folsom in 2014, the heart of American River has remained the same: a challenging day on the trails and a finish in Auburn worth celebrating. The addition of the 25 Miler and 10 Miler has given even more runners the opportunity to experience the trails, community and finish-line celebration that have made American River a Northern California running tradition.

Folsom has become an important part of the American River story, and NorCalUltras is proud to continue its partnership with Visit Folsom. Together, we’re excited to welcome runners to the area and showcase the trails, outdoor recreation and community that make Folsom such a special place to run.

“Having run the American River 50 Miler myself, I know just how much that journey to Auburn asks of you—and how good that finish line feels,” said Julie Fingar, President of NorCalUltras and Race Director. “I love that our three distances now give more runners the opportunity to be part of that experience, challenge themselves and celebrate together in Auburn.”

Three Distances, One Finish Line

The American River 10 Miler, now in its fifth year, offers a bite-sized introduction to the American River experience. Runners begin at Rattlesnake Bar, which also serves as an aid station for athletes tackling the longer distances, before joining the journey toward Auburn. It’s a great option for runners looking to experience the trails without committing to an ultra-distance race.

The American River 25 Miler celebrates its tenth running in 2027. Starting at Beal’s Point, runners take on the back half of the 50-mile course on their way to Auburn. While it may fall just shy of the marathon distance, there’s nothing easy about it. The 25 Miler delivers plenty of challenges and a true taste of the American River experience.

And then there’s the race that started it all:

The 48th American River 50 Mile begins at Folsom Point and sends runners on a point-to-point adventure to Auburn. Along the way, runners travel across the Lake Natoma Crossing bridge, connect with the American River Bike Trail and make their way toward Hazel Bluffs before continuing the journey to the finish on the Pioneer Express Trail.

A Finish Worth Running For

No matter the distance, the celebration continues long after runners cross the finish line in Auburn. Finishers are welcomed home with a handcrafted finisher medallion and Chef Tim’s Homemade Soup for the Soul before settling into the Ultra Village to celebrate their day.

The Ultra Village is designed for runners to stick around and enjoy the afternoon, with post-race massage, a beer garden, vendors and event partners, plus plenty of space for friends, family and fellow runners to gather and cheer on incoming finishers.

Whether it takes 10 miles, 25 miles or 50 miles to get there, the finish line is a place to swap stories, reconnect with friends, put your feet up and celebrate a day well spent on the trails.

Records to Chase and History to Celebrate

There are some fast marks waiting to be challenged in 2027. In the 10 Miler, Bailey Cossentine (1:12:28) and Gregory Bowyer (1:17:45) hold the course records, both set in 2023.

The 25 Miler has a newer pair of records to chase. In 2025, Peyton Bilo made her mark by setting the overall course record in 3:16:37, while Scott Beard established the men’s record in 3:42:24.

And on the 50-mile course, there is plenty of history- and some seriously fast times- to chase. Rajpaul Pannu’s 5:59:26, set in 2023, and Devon Yanko’s 7:10:31, set in 2016, remain the current course records.

A Legacy That Keeps Running

American River’s history runs deep. Records from the original 50-mile course still stand decades later, with Ann Trason’s 6:09:08 from 1993 and Jim Howard’s 5:32:18 from 1981 remaining part of a legacy that has helped shape Northern California ultrarunning.

Now heading into its 48th running, American River continues that tradition while welcoming a new generation of runners across all three distances.

The American River Endurance Runs return April 3, 2027. Whether it’s 10 miles, 25 miles or the full 50-mile journey, every road leads to Auburn—and a finish line worth celebrating.

Ready to jump in? Head to https://raceroster.com/events/2027/118077/american-river-endurance-runs-2027 and register today!

About NorCalUltras

For more than two decades, NorCalUltras has created iconic trail and ultrarunning experiences across Northern California. Built around challenging courses, beautiful places, and a strong trail community, NorCalUltras welcomes everyone from first-time trail runners to seasoned ultrarunners.

Learn more at norcalultras.com.