Rio Del Lago 2023 is a qualifier for the 2024 Western States 100!
PLEASE READ!
Daylight Savings occurs on Rio race weekend. However, we will NOT be observing the time change until the race is officially over. You will need to keep your watches, clocks, etc set to the time clock beginning on Saturday. If you have a device that automatically changes, you will need to adjust. We will be following the mileage pace chart times and cutoffs based on the Saturday clock.
Welcome to the 22nd running of the Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run. We are excited to have you join us for this premier 100 mile event. Whether this is your first or tenth 100 mile race, we know you will have an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
This is a 100 mile race taking place on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The race will start at Beal's Point in the beautiful Sierra Foothills of California, about 40 minutes east of Sacramento. Continuing on with 2022, we will also have our Rio 50K Endurance Run!!
Photo credit: Keith Facchnino
Facchino Photography is the official photographer of Rio Del Lago 100 Miler.
Watch the official race video by Stephen Porter:
Read the 2016 Race Report from Melinda Faubel Newton
Pacing Rio Del Lago 2017 by Travis Fitzgerald
Elevation Gain/Loss:
Approximately +13,874ft/-13,874ft.
Click here for 2021 Interactive Online Course Map with Course Elevation Profile.
Course Map:
Click here for map.
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 Black Miners 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!
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.
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.
Aid stations will be stocked with:
Click here to download the on course GU nutrition.
Soup and hot food will be available at the following aid stations:
Please familiarize yourself with our aid station check points and note that there is NO CREW access at:
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!
Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run began in 2000 by Norm and Helen Klein. Sign up and keep the tradition going.
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.
Participants will receive the following items:
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.
All runners must check in on Friday, November 3, 2023 at:
Final Runner Confirmation Email - Sent on 11/1/2022
For more information about Folsom State Recreation Area, click here.
Drop Bags
Drop Bag Locations
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
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.
** 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.
Click here to read tips on how to taper for a 100 miler!
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
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 read the final runner confirmation email for 2021!
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.
All of our Rio del Lago 100 guests staying at our Folsom Hotels will receive:
Beals Point
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Click here for State Parks Camping Reservations
* Medical personnel have the authority to pull a runner from the race at any time.
Capital Road Race Management is the official timing company of RDL. We will be using the ChronoTrack B-tag timing system. You must wear your B-tag on your shorts or singlet. If you do not wear your B-tag following the instructions, you will not receive an official time nor be eligible for an award. Please read the B-tag instructions here.
Overall awards will be given to the top three male and female. If you are competing for a top 3 overall award, you will be scored on "gun time." All age division awards will be based on chip time.
Age group awards will be given to the top 3 in each ten year age division for both male and female.
All official finishers (under 30 hours) receive a finisher's jacket and finisher's belt buckle. You will be presented with your finisher's jacket and belt buckle when you cross the finish line.
A reminder that while we must order the jackets well before the event, we will do our very best to insure that you receive the jacket size you requested. If you are not happy with the way your jacket fits, you must wait until the event is over before we can exchange your jacket for a different size if the size is available. Shirts can be exchanged for a different size at the finish line, depending on availability.
You came to Rio Del Lago to run 100 miles, but you'll want to stay long after the race for the post celebration eats.
Catering to the hungry Rio 100 mile finishers:
Ride to Walk is a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic horse riding for children and adults with special needs ranging from learning disabilities to quadriplegia.
Ride to Walk’s home is a 21-acre ranch with a 6-acre lake located in the town of Lincoln just 30 minutes from Sacramento, CA. This tranquil and beautiful facility contributes to the unique work that humans and horses do together to develop new skills, build independence, decrease anxiety and create relationships with their amazing equine therapists.
Every dollar will help them make a significant difference in the lives of the special needs children and adults Ride to Walk serves by providing consistent physical therapy—rain or shine!
PARC is a community-based non-profit organization located in Auburn that is dedicated to building American River community through collaboration and protection of the natural, recreational and historical resources for the North and Middle Forks of the American River Watershed.
Protect American River Canyons (PARC) protects and enhances the natural, recreational and cultural resources of the North and Middle Forks of the American River through leadership and collaboration.
They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Rio 100 Mile Endurance Run Coaching/Training
Contact Tom Flahavan
The average high temparature for November is 66 degrees.
The average low has been 42 degrees. Bring gear for any situation.
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!!
"Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head." - Joe Henderson
Julie Fingar
Race Director
Race Information, Aid Stations and Course
staff@norcalultras.com
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 and register to volunteer!
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Copyright © 2013 NorCalUltras