About This Race
The Silver State 50/50 has been testing Nevada trail runners since 1988, making it one of the West's most established ultra events. Based in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Park, this race offers three distances across the rugged terrain of Peavine Mountain and the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. What sets Silver State apart is its combination of accessible starting location and genuinely challenging mountain terrain. The course runs entirely on dirt trails and fire roads, climbing through diverse ecosystems from high desert scrub to aspen groves. The infamous "Jimmy's Loop" on the 50-mile course adds an extra 7.1 miles of climbing that rewards runners with expansive views and seasonal aspen displays. With nearly four decades of history, Silver State attracts a mix of seasoned ultrarunners and ambitious newcomers. The race organization emphasizes safety and accountability, requiring mandatory check-ins at all aid stations and enforcing firm cutoff times. The cupless format and remote aid stations demand self-sufficiency, while the multi-use mountain setting means sharing trails with mountain bikers and off-road vehicles.
The Silver State course traverses Peavine Mountain's challenging terrain, climbing from 4,700 feet to a high point of 8,266 feet. Runners navigate entirely on dirt trails and fire roads through varied landscapes including sagebrush slopes, pine forests, and high-elevation aspen groves. The 50K features 6,100 feet of climbing and descending, while the 50-mile distance adds Jimmy's Loop - a demanding 7.1-mile detour with an additional 1,800 feet of elevation gain that showcases some of the region's most scenic terrain.
Key sections include the initial climb from Rancho San Rafael Park, the technical descent through Long Valley, and the sustained climbing toward Peavine Peak. The course's remote sections require careful navigation and self-reliance, with aid stations positioned strategically but spaced significantly apart through the mountain's more inaccessible areas.
Aid Stations
2 stations along the course
Peavine
water, electrolyte, food, ice, soda
Final cutoff at 5:15 p.m. for all runners
Long Valley
water, electrolyte, food
1:15 p.m. cutoff for 50-mile runners only
Practical Info
Mid-May conditions typically range from cool morning temperatures in the 40s to warm afternoon highs in the 70s, with potential for variable mountain weather including wind and afternoon thunderstorms.
RNO - Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Reno offers extensive lodging options from budget motels to casino hotels, with many runners staying downtown for easy access to restaurants and amenities before the early morning start.
Best For
Notable Features
Silver State's nearly four-decade history makes it one of Nevada's most established ultra events, drawing runners to experience the challenging terrain that has tested generations of trail athletes. The addition of Jimmy's Loop creates a unique 50-mile experience with spectacular high-altitude views and seasonal aspen displays, while the cupless format and remote aid stations emphasize the self-reliant spirit that defines mountain ultrarunning.