Brief Overview

From Rattlesnake Bar Park at Folsom Lake (el. 466') to Auburn (el. 1,300') you climb gradually for the first 6 miles, except for one mile on Shirland Tract Rd (mile 3.5 to 4.5) of steep switchbacks. When you arrive into the Auburn neighborhoods (mile 6), you will proceed to Auburn-Folsom Rd (departing the route of previous years that went into state park/run course), then Sacramento St, then Pacific Ave, where you pass by Railhead Park/T2/finish line (minimal elevation change from mile 6-10). From the Highway 49 signal at Lincoln Way, you will climb 1.5 miles to another signal intersection at Foresthill Rd signal light at the east edge of Auburn.

From there you will follow freeway frontage roads for four miles, featuring a couple significant climbs and descents along with flats. After passing through Bell Rd intersection, you will climb to the aid station location at the top of Bowman, descend steeply, turn onto Lake Arthur Rd, and proceed on flats to the turnaround just before the Placer Hills Rd signal light at mile 14.5.

Return with a major climb back to the top of Bowman Rd (aid station location), proceed through Bell Rd signal light, climb again on Bowman, then proceed through Auburn signal lights back to Railhead Park finish line at 36/22 miles. Peak elevation on the route is at the turnaround is 1,660'. Lose 350' on return route to Railhead Park. Pass with caution through the signal lights at Bell Rd, Foresthill Rd and Hwy 49. 

Detailed Description

Exit transition area at Rattlesnake Bar boat launch parking lot onto windy park road heading to park exit gate. Right at stop sign to exit park on paved road. Begin a steady climb on Rattlesnake Rd heading towards Auburn . Stay Right at traffic island (mile 1.7) to remain on Rattlesnake Rd , following Auburn arrow on sign.

Continue gentle climb and arrive at "Scotty's Corner" Feed Store and turn sharply Right onto Shirland Tract Rd (mile 3.3). Busy Auburn-Folsom Rd is just beyond your turn at this weird 3-way corner. Quickly, Shirland Tract offers one mile of steep switchbacks and awesome views of Folsom Lake and Sacramento Valley before a brief roller coaster section and a final gradual push to Maidu Dr in Auburn .

Once you summit on Shirland Tract, descend quickly and then turn Left onto Maidu Dr. at mile 6 (departure from course of previous years). Turn Right onto Auburn-Folsom Rd, then Straight at Sacramento St signal light (Maidu Market/gas station here). Proceed on Auburn-Folsom and then turn Right at Pacific Ave signal light. Descend short and steep, proceed through Sacramento St stop sign.

Pass by Railhead Park T2/Finish line, cross a bridge over the run course, and continue to the narrow Gum Lane (just before railroad tracks). Proceed past Maki Heating and Air building (blow them a kiss, they gave permission for the race to pass thru their private road), banking hard right into the rear parking lot. Proceed through the rear parking lot and head up the paved lane/bike trail, then quickly down to Belmont St and turn Left.

Then Left on Belmont St, quickly Right onto Gold St, then quickly Left onto Virginia St. Follow the 90 degree turn then climb a short steep hill to the T-junction at Brook St. Left on Brook (only choice) and immediately stay left at the traffic island. Caution: Yield cars at traffic island.

Follow the double yellow line of the most prominent Brook St through a few cross streets and a soft bank to the left, where name of road changes to Marvin Way . Proceed on Marvin to the 4-way intersection and turn Right onto Borland St. Proceed on Borland St past businesses and through the Auburn PD-controlled intersection of Highway 49.

Name changes to Lincoln Way as you begin a substantial 2-mile climb to the east end of Auburn and the busy intersection of Foresthill Rd. Proceed Straight through CHP-controlled intersection, past Raley's shopping center and other businesses.

From here proceed on freeway frontage roads for four miles to turnaround - two significant climbs and the rest flats. Turn Left at Bowman Undercrossing Rd (SS), crossing under I-80, then immediately Right on Bowman Rd. Follow Bowman Rd freeway frontage, descend briefly and approach the signal intersection of Bell Rd. Continue through Bell Rd, climbing to top of Bowman Rd (aid station location). Descend steeply to stop sign and turn Right onto Lake Arthur Rd. Proceed on flats, past small Lake Arthur, then turnaround just before the signal intersection at Placer Hills Rd. Mile 14.5 and elevation 1,660.

Return with a major climb back to the top of Bowman Rd (aid station location), proceed through Bell Rd signal light, climb again on Bowman, then proceed through Auburn signal lights back to Railhead Park finish line at 36/22 miles. Peak elevation on the route is at the turnaround is 1,660'. Lose 350' on return route to Railhead Park. Pass with caution through the signal lights at Bell Rd, Foresthill Rd and Hwy 49.