2026 Salmon Falls 50K
The 2026 Salmon Falls 50K & Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Pilot Hill and El Dorado Hills, California, with the event hosted at Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The event is set to experience a mix of partly cloudy and overcast conditions, with temperatures ranging from a high of 52°F to a low of 34°F. Participants will embark on a trail running experience that features 100% singletrack and dirt fire roads, traversing through native oak groves, open grass meadows, and ridge running. The 50K course includes a point-to-point route that begins at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead Parking Lot and concludes at Browns Ravine, while the Half Marathon starts at the Sweetwater Trailhead Parking Area and also finishes at Browns Ravine.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50K race (approximately 31 miles)
- →Half Marathon (13.5 miles)
What is the start time for each race?
- →50K: 7:30 AM PST
- →Half Marathon: 8:45 AM PST
What is the finish line location for both races?
- →Both the 50K and Half Marathon finish at Browns Ravine Marina/Hobie Cove.
What are the key course details for the 50K?
- →The course begins at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead Parking Lot and includes terrain such as native oak groves, open grass meadows, and ridge running.
- →The route involves climbing and descending the hills of Cronan Ranch, traversing the Hidden Valley Cut Off Trail, and ascending the West Ridge Trail.
- →Mid-course, runners pass through manzanita thickets and descend the Acorn Creek Trail, entering the Salmon Falls Ranch trail system.
- →The final stretch follows the Sweetwater Creek trail system, with constant lake views and rolling singletrack leading to the finish line.
What are the key course details for the Half Marathon?
- →The course starts at the Sweetwater Trailhead Parking Area and includes flowy, rolling singletrack through oak trees.
- →The route begins with a quick dive into the Sweetwater Creek Trail, includes a creek crossing, and heads toward Browns Ravine along the shoreline of Folsom Lake.
- →The course is considered runnable with full stride opportunities for most of the route and includes approximately 1,400 feet of vertical gain.
What are the cut-off times for each race?
- →50K: 9 hours total, with a final cut-off at 4:30 PM PST
- →Half Marathon: 9 hours total, with a final cut-off at 4:30 PM PST
What aid stations are available on the 50K course?
- →Six (6) fully stocked aid stations on the 50K course
- →One self-serve water station around mile 25 of the 50K
What provisions are available at aid stations?
- →Water, electrolyte drink, sodas, gels, fruit, chips, and "Ultra" racing foods
What swag is included for finishers?
- →50K Finishers: Premium gender-specific half-zip pullover (new for 2026) + locally made finisher medal
- →Half Marathon Finishers: Lightweight unisex half-zip pullover (new for 2026) + locally made finisher medal
What awards are given for this event?
- →Finisher medals for all completers
- →Custom awards for Overall Male/Female (both distances)
- →Age Group Awards (Top 3 Male/Female): Categories include 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+
- →"Dead Last" Award: Custom award for the final finisher of the 50K
What is the registration policy for this event?
- →Registration opens on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST
- →A 50% refund is available if requested before January 28, 2026
- →No rollovers, deferrals, or exceptions are allowed
What is the beneficiary of this event?
- →The event benefits Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.