About This Event
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB takes place in Auburn, California, the historic gold rush town that has earned its reputation as the "Endurance Capital of the World." This race serves as both a UTMB World Series qualifier and a pathway to the legendary Western States Endurance Run, with the 100K distance offering coveted Golden Ticket entry to Western States for its top finishers. Runners experience some of the most challenging and scenic sections of the iconic Western States Trail, including the notorious river crossing at Rucky Chucky, the formidable Devil's Thumb, and the historic Swinging Bridge. The courses wind through California's gold rush country, following trails once traveled by prospectors over 150 years ago, crossing mountain streams and wooden bridges through settlements steeped in mining history. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills, this event represents the intersection of trail running's past and present, where modern endurance runners test themselves on terrain that has challenged adventurers for generations. The race's connection to Western States and its location in Auburn cement its place as a cornerstone event in American trail running.
Choose Your Distance
25K
The entry-level distance offering runners a sample of the famous Western States Trail without the ultra commitment. Despite the shorter distance, participants still experience the historic Sierra Nevada foothills and gold rush country atmosphere.
50K
The 50K route covers approximately 31 miles of the Western States Trail system, characterized by technical singletrack that demands attention to foot placement. Rocky sections and exposed roots require consistent focus, while the crossing of the Middle Fork American River provides a memorable mid-race feature that can involve wading depending on seasonal flow levels. The course strings together single-track segments used by Western States 100 competitors, offering runners a taste of that legendary route's technical character in a more compressed format.
100K
The route follows a challenging out-and-back configuration through the Sierra Nevada foothills between Auburn and Michigan Bluff. Runners encounter the full spectrum of Western States terrain: exposed fire roads through oak and manzanita, technical singletrack requiring careful foot placement, and canyon crossings that test both climbing power and descending control. The course crosses multiple aid station locations twice, allowing crew access at strategic points and giving runners mental waypoints to manage the distance. While specific elevation figures aren't confirmed in available data, the terrain profile mirrors the relentless nature of the Western States course. The route never allows for sustained flat running, instead demanding constant adjustment between climbing and descending through terrain that becomes increasingly technical as fatigue accumulates. Footing varies from smooth dirt to embedded rock, with the latter sections requiring focused attention even from experienced trail runners.
100 miles
The route follows much of the Western States Trail, starting and finishing in Auburn. Runners navigate varied terrain including narrow singletrack through oak and pine forests, exposed fire roads with limited shade, and technical sections along river canyons. The course is well-marked but requires attention, particularly during night hours when familiar trails can feel disorienting.