A Dream Takes Shape: Mapping the Yuba River Run

As I prepared for this weekend's Miwok 100k in the Marin Headlands, I got in some good long runs in Nevada County. In doing so, I have finally mapped the race course for the Inaugural Yuba River Run 100k/50k. I am pretty excited to have this most important step behind me. Now I begin the arduous process of identifying stakeholders and agencies which will need to provide support or permission. I have received a ton of interest from friends, acquaintances and readers. While the bulk of my work lay ahead, mapping the course has been just as fun as I hope the race will be.

The 100k course is a loop course beginning and ending in Pioneer Park, Nevada City. We called this quaint mining town home for decades. A natural showcase with great amenities, Broad Street will be a welcome sight on the home stretch.

The course climbs and traverses Banner Mountain before crossing Scotts Flat Reservoir and climbing Harmony Ridge. A long run out the ridge on the Pioneer Trail brings the runners to the Omega/Alpha road descent to the Little Town of Washington. This marks 50k, and the 50k runners will be bused to Washington for their start.

Then comes the gemstone of the race, 18 miles along the South Yuba River Trail. A stout climb up Round Mountain gets the runners out of the canyon, and after a short out and back summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (with views of Nevada City) runners will have less than 5k to the finish.

The 100k course has approximately 8000' of elevation gain. I have not calculated the 50k course yet, but will likely be 4000' +/- 700'. 

Yuba River Run 100k Course Map

100k Course Profile

Interested in running or volunteering? Comment below!