Race Videos and Race Reports

Watch the official race video by Stephen Porter:

Race Reports

Read the 2016 Race Report from Melinda Faubel Newton

Pacing Rio Del Lago 2017 by Travis Fitzgerald

Read the 2019 Race Report from John Nichols

Read the 2019 Race Report from Donald Buraglio

Description:

Rio Del Lago 100 Miler begins at beautiful Beal’s Point, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in the Sierra-Nevada Foothills. With Folsom Lake as the sparkling back drop, you’ll traverse 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 two of The Best trail races in Northern California: American River 50 and Way Too Cool 50K. The 100-mile course includes a variety of terrains that novice and veteran runners alike will enjoy.

Runners will begin their 100-mile journey with a 0.6 warm-up lap (that means relax, smile, and pace yourself!) on the perimeter path around the lake. After a quick ascent out of Beal’s Point, the course turns left onto the American River Parkway. The next 1.8 miles are a gradual downhill on a paved bike path, so watch the pace and don’t get ahead of yourself. The downhill gives way to about a mile of steady climb up the Dam Wall. Right about here you should hear the train a comin’, it’s rollin’ round the bend. You ain’t seen the sunshine since you don’t know when. Yes, that’s Folsom Prison on your right, so just run on by to the Johnny Cash Trail and a nice little tour of Folsom.

The course will wind down under the Powerhouse and on Leidesdorff Street in Old Historic Folsom. 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 crosses the bridge up to the Nimbus Bluffs.

Runners climb Hazel Bluff on single-track trail, then go right back down the other side where the course turns left and meet up with the Middleridge Trail. It’s good to be in the middle of Middleridge Trail. You can sing ABBA’s greatest hits, or if you’re not feeling that rowdy, try getting everyone to join you in a round of that Row, Row, Row Your Boat song. That one resonates at mile 70 or so. After winding through the Middleridge trail, the course joins at Sunset and Main Street by the Shadow Glen Stable area which eventually meets back with the paved bike trail at Negro Bar. From there, the course gradually ascends past the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll veer right on to the Prison Break Trail — don’t pick up any hitchhikers — and cruise about 2 miles to the Folsom Lake Crossing. You will then have 1 mile of paved bike trail before you’re reversing that same 0.6-mile loop around 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 trails above the sand bars where miners would pan for gold, but there ARE Aid Stations at each, which is kind of like finding gold. The route continues to Power Plant, Avery's Pond, Dowdin's Post, and arrives at the base of Cardiac Hill. We did ask the park officials to lower the top of the hill for you, but they stubbornly refused, so you have to climb the whole thing. Take a deep breath and then ascend Last Gasp to the Auburn Dam Overlook. (NOTE: Pay attention to the route you’re following because you’ll be coming back down this stretch in the dark and you’ll be tired. We mark the route with this in mind, but runners still need to pay attention.) Exiting the Overlook, runners descend on the Western States Trail to the historic No Hands Bridge (109 years old, but doesn’t look a day over 90!) If you get wobbly about heights, don’t look over the rail, just run to the aid station on the other side of the 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 to the Upper Highway 49 crossing. From Upper Highway 49, you will follow the WS trail to the Cool Fire Station. From Cool, the course heads back along the fire road, 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 to the Auburn Overlook (running DOWN Last Gasp, take that!) and back onto the trails through Cardiac, Rattlesnake Bar, and Horseshoe Bar. Back through the Meat Grinder to Twin Rocks, back to Beal’s Point to cross the finish line and celebrate! And when we say celebrate, we here at NCU headquarters mean EAT DONUTS. Flop yourself down on the grass and contemplate how good it is to be alive, to have donuts, to have however many toenails you still have, to live in a world where donuts were invented, to be among people who know exactly how you feel at this moment!

Rio 50K Endurance Run

We are excited to announce the inaugural Rio Del Lago 50K! This is a lightning-fast course. (Hint: if you are looking to set a PR, sign up today!) The 50K will start at Beal’s Point with the 100 milers at 5 A.M. Both race distances will run together until Twin Rocks (just past Granite Beach) and the 50K’ers will turn around and retrace your steps back to Beal’s Point. The course traverses the American River Parkway, the infamous Johnny Cash Trail and breath-taking views of the Nimbus Bluffs. We’re not bluffing!!! The terrain combines both pavement and trail (way more trail than pavement!!!) for novices and veterans alike. This course is perfect for those seeking their 1st ultra and those wanting to set a new 50K personal record.

Course Map & Elevation

• View course map & distances

Aid Stations & Restrooms (click to download)

Click to download the 100 Mile Aid Station / Pace Chart
Click to download the 50K Aid Station / Pace Chart
Click here to view portable restroom locations.

Please note/remember, Rio Del Lago is cupless.

We will be providing all entrants a reusable cup for the aid stations!!

Aid stations will be stocked with:

• Assorted GU Engery Products: Liquid Engery Gels, GU Gels - both caffienated and uncaffienated, GU Chews
• Water, Roctane Energy Drink, Coke, Ginger Ale
• Boiled potatoes and a complete line of ultra sweet and salty foods
• All aid stations will have KRAM PB&J (strawberry or blackberry jam) and JAMBARS Organic Energy Bars (Musical Mango, Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha, Jammin ’Jazzleberry)





• Night time aid stations will have hot veggie broth soup, and quesadillas
• You must carry two water bottles and/or hydration pack

Click here to download the on course GU nutrition.

Soup and hot food will be available at the following aid stations:

• Horseshoe Bar
• Rattlesnake Bar
• Overlook
• No Hands Bridge
• Auburn Lake Trails
• Cool
• Granite Beach (on the return)

Please familiarize yourself with our aid station check points and note that there is NO CREW access at:

• Willow Creek
• Negro Bar
• Horseshoe Bar
• Cardiac
• No Hands Bridge
• Auburn Lake Trails
• Highway 49
• Granite Beach (on return to the finish)

All runners are responsible for their crews. All runners will sign a crew waiver during your online registration, acknowledging and accepting full responsibility for their crews. Please be sure to read the waiver before you sign it. Crews may NOT be at locations that are NO CREW ACCESS. Failure to comply will result in their runner being disqualified. Local runners and friends, this applies to you even IF you know the course. Do not access any locations that say NO CREW ACCESS! No excuses!

**Crewing at one of these locations will result in runner disqualification. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

This is a 100 mile and 50K races are taking place on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The races will start at Beal's Point in the beautiful Sierra Foothills of California, about 40 minutes east of Sacramento.

• There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. The Race Director reserves the right to modify or cancel the race or course for safety concerns or natural disaster. In such cases there will be No Refunds of race entry fees. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid. There is no complimentary race entry to a future race.
• Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date – including course preparation, race supplies, permits and administration. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair and safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts the race date or potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety and manageability.
• Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Participants will receive the following items:

• Well stocked and themed aid stations
• Enthusiastic volunteers
• CRAFT Technical Shirt
• 100 Miler Finisher's Athleisure Lightweight Pull Over Embroidered Hoody(for those finishing sub-30 hours)
• 100 Miler Finisher's Belt Buckles (for those finishing sub-30 hours)
• Finisher's medallion for both 50K and 100 Mile
• Goodie Swag Bag
• Night time and sunrise breakfast
• Post race festival

Volunteer Requirement

For 2023, it is highly suggested (but not required for 2023) that each Rio Del Lago 100 runner volunteers a minimum of 6 hours of service towards trail maintenance or working a trail or road race event. This is giving back to the community that we all love!! It takes a lot of volunteers (aka, the village) to put on an event.

Race Check In

All runners must check in on Friday, November 3, 2023 at:

Fleet Feet - Folsom

6610 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630

Phone : 916-358-9484

** Packet Pickup is from 12PM to 7PM **

Final Runner Confirmation Email - Sent on 11/1/2022

For more information about Folsom State Recreation Area, click here.

• All participants must pick up their packet and bib number on Friday, November 3rd from 12PM to 7PM at Fleet Feet - Folsom.
• There will be a course briefing at 4:30 A.M. on Saturday morning before the race starts.
• Drop bags will be collected on Saturday starting 4:00 A.M. until 4:45 A.M.
• Race will start at 5:00 A.M. SHARP!!

Drop Bags & Pacers

Drop Bags

• Each runner will receive 3 issued NCU drop bags to be used on course, at packet pickup. These must used at Rattlesnake Aid Station, Overlook Aid Station, Auburn Lake Trails Aid Station.
• All on course drop bags are 16" x 16", and all personal items must be in these bags.
• Drop bags for Start, Beals (mile 21.48) and Finish, can be your own personal bag.
• All drop bags are collected on race morning at the start and must be deposited by 5AM (race start).
• Please look for the proper sign with your desired location.
• Please label your drop bag with your name and bib number.
• Pacers may have a drop bag at Beal's Point and can bring upon arrival. If a pacer needs a drop bag on course, it must be left at the start on race morning, by 5AM.
• Please do NOT leave any valuables including keys, iPods, cell phones, etc in your drop bag.
• NorCalUltras is NOT responsible for the loss of any drop bags.
• It is the responsibility of each runner to claim his or her drop bags. If you cannot retrieve your drop bags, have someone else do it for you. Drop bags must be claimed by 12:00 PM, Sunday (real clock time, not race clock time).
• Drop Bags will NOT be mailed to anyone. Any drop bags not picked up by 12PM will be gathered up and a team will go thru the bags and dispose of anything perishable and then donate all remaining clothing/shoes/bags/bottles/etc... to a local shelter.

Drop Bag Locations

• Beale's Point (Start, Mile 21.48 and Finish)
• Rattlesnake Bar (Miles 36.04 and 86.01)
• Overlook (Miles 45.22 and 76.83)
• Auburn Lake Trails (Mile 59.64)

Drop Bag Return

All drop bags must be retrieved at the finish line on event weekend, by 12PM (noon) on Sunday (real clock time, not race clock time). If you must leave early, please have a friend or family member pick up your drop bag. Any unclaimed drop bags remaining after the finish will be donated to charity on Monday following the race. We will NOT mail drop bags after the event. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding with our updated policy. Race management works very hard to expedite drop bag retrieval in a timely manner. However, we ask for your patience. All drop bags on course will not be returned to Beal's Point (finish line) until the aid station is officially closed. If you need your bag sooner, please make arrangements to retrieve them from the aid station. Thanks for your understanding and assistance with these guidelines.

Pacers

• Pacers can ONLY join a runner at the Overlook on the outbound (mile 45.22), Cool Fire Station (mile 69.13) on the inbound/return, the Overlook on the inbound/return (mile 76.83) and also at Rattlesnake Bar (mile 86.01).
• Pacers cannot be on a horse, bike (electric or non-electric), scooter or roller skates/blades. Pacers can only be on foot.
• Pacers must be at least 18 years of age. (Specific exceptions may be made in advance of the Run by the Run Director.)
• You may have more than one pacer to help you get to the finish line, but runners may be accompanied by no more than one pacer at a time.
• Pacers do need to check in prior to running to sign a waiver as well as pick up a PACER bib. This can be done at Packet PickUp on Friday or on race day, pacers MUST pick-up waiver/bib at Beal's State Park in Folsom only. Plan accordingly, these items will not be available at any other aid stations.
• Pacers also need to clearly identify themselves at every aid station.
• Pacers should be well conditioned to travel the distance with their runner.
• Pacers are responsible for their own transportation to and from their starting location. Race management will not organize or facilitate any shuttle.
• Pacers may eat and drink from the aid station tables. Pacers must enter and exit with their runner.
• Absolutely no physical or mechanical aid may be given by the pacer to assist the runner over any sections of the trail (except in medical emergencies), and no food, fluids or supplies/clothing/etc... of any kind may be carried for the runner (NO Muling).
• Aid station personnel will make no arrangements to transport pacers or crew.
• No trekking poles for runners or pacers, no dogs, no bikes, no horses.
• If you are pacing, you must pick up your bib AND sign the waiver during one of these designated times. No exceptions!
• - Friday, November 4th – 12 Noon – 7 P.M., Fleet Feet Sports Folsom
• - Saturday, November 5th – 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., Beal’s Point, Folsom Lake
• If your pacer cannot be at packet pickup or at Beal's Point, your pacer can download the waiver, fill it out, sign it and you (the runner) can pick up their bib.
• The pacer can also download the document, and fill out the pacer waiver in advance to speed up the process at packet pickup or at Beals!!


• Click here to download the 2022 pacer waiver.

Crew Driving Instructions

Excellent areas from which to view runners are Beal’s Point, Granite Beach, Rattlesnake Bar, and the Auburn Dam Overlook.

Park fees: Rio Del Lago travels through the California State Parks – Gold Fields District and the Auburn State Recreation Area.

All crewing and viewing areas are located in the California State Parks District and require a ($12) fee per vehicle unless you have a Golden Poppy Pass. If you frequently patron the Rio Del Lago trails (also home to AR50, Way Too Cool), please consider supporting the CA State Parks and purchase a Golden Poppy Pass.

Crews are responsible for paying the day use fees ($12) for entrance in to the State Parks. If there is not a ranger present at the kiosk in to the parks, you are still responsible for self-payment through their drop box as you enter the parks. Crews need only to pay one time at a State Parks kiosk, but must show their receipt upon entry to each park at the entrance.

• Please observe all posted signage and placards by the CA State Parks and Auburn Recreation Park District.
• NorCalUltras will not be responsible for any violations or tickets.
• No Crewing at “No Crew locations”.

** Crewing at one of these locations will result in runner disqualification.

Tips for Crewing
Ultra runners really like a little extra TLC that can only come from friends and family. That's where Crew Teams come in to play. If you have agreed to be part of a Crew you are in for a great time! Here are some tips and pointers to make your crew experience as enjoyable as a gig like this could possibly be.

Crew Driving Directions
Click here to view driving directions for all accessible areas.

Tapering for a 100-Mile

Click here to read tips on how to taper for a 100 miler!

Zoom Meetings

Oct 24, 2022 - RDL Pre Race Seminar Zoom Meeting at 6PM Pacific Time

Click here to see the Zoom Seminar, Final Runner Pre-Race Briefing, held on Oct 24, 2022!

Click here to for a RDL FAQs for October 24 - Pre Race Briefing

Oct 5, 2021 - First Time Running Zoom Meeting

Click here to see the Zoom Seminar #1, about running your first and best 100-mile race, held on Oct 5, 2021!

Oct 25, 2021 - RDL Final Runner Race Briefing

Click here to see the Zoom Seminar #2, Final Runner Pre-Race Briefing, held on Oct 25, 2021!

• Click here to for the RDL Pre-Race Checklist!
• Click here to for a RDL Race Plan from 2019!
• Click here to for a RDL FAQs from October 25 - Pre Race Briefing

Final Runner Confirmation

Click here to read the final runner confirmation email for 2021!

Lodging Information

Welcome to the City of Folsom and the start line of the 21st Annual Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run! We invite you to explore all of the outdoor recreation, attractions, fine dining and shopping that Folsom has to offer. Visit Rio Del Lago 23 | Visit Folsom.

All of our Rio del Lago 100 guests staying at our Folsom Hotels will receive:

• Welcome Package
• Welcome Letter from Folsom Tourism Bureau
• City of Folsom Dining Guide
• City of Folsom Bike Trails

When booking...

• Be sure to ask for the Rio Del Lago rate to get the special room prices.
• Be sure to ask about deposits and refund policies as they may vary from hotel to hotel.

Hotels:

Click here to register for 2023 the race on Race Roster.

GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL RDL - To be able to successfully run and complete Rio Del Lago 100 Miler, it is HIGHLY recommended that you have completed at least one 50 miler run (whether it be a race or in training) before October 25, 2023. And it is also suggested that you finish your run within an official time from any other event. For example, American River 50 has a 14 hour limit. This is in addition to your normal training. We are recommending this to help you get to the finish line. Remember, this is a 100 miler and will tax your body tremendously! Good luck!!

Julie Fingar
Race Director

Race Information, Aid Stations and Course
staff@norcalultras.com

Volunteers

Volunteers are the life blood of any event. We need your support! Please consider giving back to the sport through your volunteer contribution. Volunteer hours can be credited for ultra marathon service requirements. For spouses or friends of participants, this is a great way to enjoy and experience the event. Each volunteer will receive a goodie item, and post race food from Bob's Bistro.

Click here to check out volunteer areas!