No Hands Trail Run 50k 35k Half Marathon & 8k

January 6, 2024
Auburn
Trail
Distances
Half-Marathon
Starting Time

8:00 AM

Fees

$80+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

1-100
Extremely Difficult
Forested
High: 55°
/ Low: 40°

In the heart of California’s rugged wilderness, a race like no other was about to unfold, challenging participants to conquer both nature’s beauty and its relentless obstacles. It was a celebration of endurance, determination, and the unyielding spirit of those who ventured onto the historic Western States trail, each step a testament to their indomitable will.

The course was a wild adventure that would leave a lasting mark on every participant’s soul. The journey began with a historic pilgrimage along the Western States trail, tracing the footsteps of those who had gone before. Runners would soon find themselves on the iconic “No Hands Bridge,” a passage that would become a defining moment in the race, surrounded by the serene beauty of the American River.

But the true test lay ahead, and it was one for the brave-hearted—the notorious K2 training hill. It was a grueling ascent, one of the steepest in the region, testing the limits of each runner’s resolve. The path then transitioned to treacherous single-track trails, winding along the banks and canyons of the American River, creating a wild and immersive experience.

The half marathon route was a journey of its own, crossing “No Hands Bridge” and ascending K2 before heading towards Cool, California. But even after the relentless challenges of Training Hill, there was no respite. All participants had to tackle the unforgiving Overlook Hill, a punishing climb that led to the finish line, where a mere 50 meters of perfectly flat path awaited, the ultimate reward for their perseverance.
For the most daring, the 50K race extended the adventure, propelling runners over highway 49 to traverse the Wendell T. Robie trail, and then into the vast expanse of the Auburn State Recreation Area. It was an experience that promised to be not just heavy but downright furious, a true test of grit and endurance.
What made this year’s race particularly unique was the course itself, varied and far from monotonous. It allowed runners to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while also pushing past their discomfort. There was something special about the ability to focus on what was enjoyable, the breathtaking views, the camaraderie among participants, and the shared sense of purpose that defined the race.
As the starting line loomed in the distance, the participants knew they were about to embark on an unforgettable journey, where the challenge was as awe-inspiring as the scenery. This was more than just a race; it was an adventure, a testament to the human spirit, and an opportunity to push the boundaries of endurance while reveling in the wild and unpredictable beauty of the trail. In the end, the race was a celebration of the indomitable will that resides in each runner’s heart and the knowledge that, no matter how formidable the path, they had the strength to conquer it.

Overview
In the heart of California’s rugged wilderness, a race like no other was about to unfold, challenging participants to conquer both nature’s beauty and its relentless obstacles. It was a celebration of endurance, determination, and the unyielding spirit of those who ventured onto the historic Western States trail, each step a testament to their indomitable will. The course was a wild adventure that would leave a lasting mark on every participant’s soul. The journey began with a historic pilgrimage along the Western States trail, tracing the footsteps of those who had gone before. Runners would soon find themselves on the iconic “No Hands Bridge,” a passage that would become a defining moment in the race, surrounded by the serene beauty of the American River. But the true test lay ahead, and it was one for the brave-hearted—the notorious K2 training hill. It was a grueling ascent, one of the steepest in the region, testing the limits of each runner’s resolve. The path then transitioned to treacherous single-track trails, winding along the banks and canyons of the American River, creating a wild and immersive experience.

The half marathon route was a journey of its own, crossing “No Hands Bridge” and ascending K2 before heading towards Cool, California. But even after the relentless challenges of Training Hill, there was no respite. All participants had to tackle the unforgiving Overlook Hill, a punishing climb that led to the finish line, where a mere 50 meters of perfectly flat path awaited, the ultimate reward for their perseverance.
For the most daring, the 50K race extended the adventure, propelling runners over highway 49 to traverse the Wendell T. Robie trail, and then into the vast expanse of the Auburn State Recreation Area. It was an experience that promised to be not just heavy but downright furious, a true test of grit and endurance.
What made this year’s race particularly unique was the course itself, varied and far from monotonous. It allowed runners to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while also pushing past their discomfort. There was something special about the ability to focus on what was enjoyable, the breathtaking views, the camaraderie among participants, and the shared sense of purpose that defined the race.
As the starting line loomed in the distance, the participants knew they were about to embark on an unforgettable journey, where the challenge was as awe-inspiring as the scenery. This was more than just a race; it was an adventure, a testament to the human spirit, and an opportunity to push the boundaries of endurance while reveling in the wild and unpredictable beauty of the trail. In the end, the race was a celebration of the indomitable will that resides in each runner’s heart and the knowledge that, no matter how formidable the path, they had the strength to conquer it.

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No Hands Trail Run 50k 35k Half Marathon & 8k Course Map

Distances
Half Marathon
Starting Time

8:00 AM

Fees

$80+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

Train with Runna

Use code HALF for 2 weeks FREE

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