Jed Smith Ultra

Sacramento, United States • 31 Jan 2026

Jed Smith Ultra Classic - January 31, 2026

The Jed Smith Ultra Classic is the 48th edition of a multi-distance event organized by the Buffalo Chips Running Club on the American River Parkway near Sacramento. The event uses USATF certified courses and is held on a repeated 4.85 mile loop that crosses the Guy West Bridge and the Watt Bridge.

Distances offered include:

  • 100K
  • 50 Miles
  • 50K
  • Marathon
  • 30K
  • Half Marathon

The course follows a paved bike path and some wide dirt trails along the American River Parkway. Local parkway rules require runners and pedestrians to use the left side and bicycles to use the right side. The course has been the site of several USA and Canadian age group records.

There are two aid stations: the main station at the start/finish area and a secondary station near the Howe Avenue Bridge about three miles away. Aid stations will supply water, soda, GU sports drink, single serve candy, gels, salty snacks and other ultra food. Limited cups will be available and runners may set up a personal aid station at the Watt Avenue parking area.

Online registration closes January 28, 2026 and the race field is capped at 250 entrants. All registered runners receive a long sleeve technical shirt and all finishers receive a hand-crafted wooden medal. The event is held rain or shine and there are no refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 mi
50 Miles
50 km
50 K
26 mi
Marathon
30 km
30 K
13 mi
Half Marathon
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail runs at Granite Beach beside Folsom Lake offering 10 mile and 5K courses with multiple aid stations, finisher medals, and age group and overall awards. Pre-sale shirts are available.

Trail runs at Granite Beach on well marked single track with scenic lake views and stocked aid stations. Distances include a 5K and a half marathon, with finisher medals, race shirts for preorder and age group awards.

Join the Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge & Runs for a chilly community plunge and scenic runs. Pick a timed 5K trail or a 1 Mile fun run, fundraise for Special Olympics Northern California and even register as a 'chicken' to stay dry.

Trail races at Falcon Crest Parking Lot in El Dorado Hills on March 28, 2026 offering 5K, 10K, 8 Mile and Half Marathon on dirt single-track with rolling hills, marked aid stations, and a commemorative finisher medal.