Runnable, well-organized, and forgiving by 100-mile standards — a common pick for a first hundred.
Quick facts
- Location: Beal’s Point, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Granite Bay, CA
- Date: First Saturday in November (2026: November 7), 5:00 a.m. start
- Distance: 100 miles
- Website: rio100mile.com
- Contact: staff@norcalultras.com (NorCalUltras)
- Registration: Race Roster, closes November 2 for a November 7 race — a shorter runway than most 100-milers
Course description
Starts at Beal’s Point on Folsom Lake and combines sections of the American River 50 and Way Too Cool 50K courses. Runners loop around Folsom Lake, follow the American River Parkway and the Johnny Cash Trail, pass Folsom Prison, then move into the Auburn State Recreation Area on trails that share ground with the Western States Trail, crossing the historic No Hands Bridge before returning to Beal’s Point. Rolling singletrack with river views throughout — one of the more runnable courses in this list.
Elevation change
Approximately 8,200 feet of gain — modest by 100-mile standards, part of why this course is a common choice for a first hundred.
Aid stations
Well-stocked aid stations at each of the following, several hit twice on the out-and-back layout:
- Beal’s Point — start, mile 21.7, and finish
- Willow Creek — mile 9.3
- Granite Beach — miles 26.6 and 95.6
- Rattlesnake Bar — miles 36.0 and 86.2, drop bag location
- Overlook (Auburn Dam Overlook) — miles 45.5 and 76.9, drop bag location
- No Hands Bridge — miles 49.4 and 72.9
- Auburn Lake Trails (ALT) — mile 59.9, drop bag location
- Cool Fire Station — mile 69.5, the turnaround
Special conditions & average temps
Early-November timing means noticeably cooler and more forgiving conditions than the region’s summer races — Sierra foothill weather at that time of year runs cool mornings into mild afternoons, with a real chance of cold, wet conditions if a storm moves through. Runners cover a full night out and a full day; the course shares trail with popular multi-use recreation areas, so expect some traffic from hikers and cyclists on the American River Parkway sections.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Kyle Roberts 16:58:35 · 2. Jacob Rydman 17:31:49 · 3. Rokas Zickevicius 18:10:59
- Women: 1. Lindsey Dwyer 15:51:35 (fastest overall time of the day) · 2. Anna Yip 17:50:50 · 3. Samantha Bear 19:13:55
2024
- Men: 1. Tyler Andree 14:54:18 · 2. Kyle Roberts 16:41:14 · 3. Dennis Boic 17:29:19
- Women: 1. Nichole Abma 16:26:42 · 2. Jaclyn Foroughi 18:35:46 · 3. Paula Mcnally 19:16:37
2023
- Men: 1. Greg Miller 17:22:35 · 2. Daven Oskvig 18:44:51 · 3. Evan Cerick 19:16:07
- Women: 1. Rachel Entrekin 19:16:06 · 2. Danielle Snyder 21:32:23 · 3. Lindsay Kasow 21:52:27
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration runs through Race Roster and typically closes just days before the race (November 2 for the 2026 running) — no lottery, first-come-first-served until the field fills or the deadline hits. All runners must check in and pick up their bib in person the day before the race, Friday from noon to 7 p.m. at Fleet Feet Folsom. No refunds are given for any reason, including race cancellation.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.