California Gold Rush Trail Run - Spring
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California Gold Rush Trail Run - Spring
This trail running event takes place entirely inside Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, California, along the south fork of the American River. The park is the historic site of the 1848 gold discovery.
Distances offered include:
- Kids Run
- 1 Mile
- 5K
- 10K
- 15K
- Half Marathon
All courses combine singletrack dirt trails and a few paved sections. Runners encounter moderately technical ascents and descents with many switchbacks, sections of rolling hills, and stretches of flat terrain. The 5K makes a large clockwise loop and climbs to the highest point about 500 feet above the flat meadows. The longer distances use additional loops and a steep half mile fire road before following ridge and monument trails in different loop patterns for the 10K, 15K, and half marathon.
Approximate total ascent by distance is provided: 5K 600 ft, 10K 1,286 ft, 15K 1,834 ft, and half marathon 2,493 ft. The course is well marked with signs at intersections, chalk lines at important points, mile markers, and a halfway sign for the half marathon. Course marshals staff key intersections and runners should keep their bib visible.
Two fully stocked aid stations plus a water stop are available on course. The event is held rain or shine, there is a 4.5 hour time limit, no strollers are allowed, and all finishers receive a medal. Parking is in the North Beach parking lot with a $10 fee and Golden Poppy passes are accepted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
