Jed Smith

Welcome to the Jed Smith Races, set for February 6th, 2027! Whether you're aiming for personal bests or tackling an ultra-distance challenge, this event offers something special. Nestled along the American River near Sacramento, California, the race features fast and runnable trails that draw runners from all over.
The atmosphere is relaxed and grassroots-oriented, with a friendly community spirit where participants feel more like running companions than competitors. The course winds through scenic trails alongside the river, offering both flat stretches and challenging ascents across levees and bridges. With two aid stations well-stocked with essentials including water, sports drinks, snacks, and other ultra-friendly fare, runners can focus on their pace rather than worrying about logistics.
Parking is available at AR Parkway – Watt Ave. River Access Park (8713 La Riviera Dr., Sacramento, CA 95826), free of charge for all registered participants. Additional parking spots are also provided in the shopping center behind Dutch Brother Coffee if needed. Carpooling is highly encouraged to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Packet pickup takes place on race day from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Start/Finish line area, located at the far west end of the parking lot. Race-day registration will be handled in one of the tents set up for this purpose.
Start times vary depending on your chosen distance:
- 7:30 AM - 50 Mile
- 8:30 AM - 50K & Marathon
- 9:30 AM - 30K & Half Marathon
The course itself is a mix of paved paths and dirt trails, with runners starting at the west end of Watt Ave. River Access Park before heading east along the riverbank for an out-and-back segment to Guy West Bridge. Here, participants cross over to the north side via CSUC Campus, running on top of the levee until reaching Howe Avenue Bridge where they descend into a gravel road and continue through Watt Ave.
The loop course features two aid stations: one at the Start/Finish line area and another approximately 3 miles in along the route. Runners will pass through Watt Ave parking lot multiple times throughout their race, allowing them to set up personal mini-aid stations for convenience.
Local rules dictate that runners must stay on the left side of the bike path while cyclists use the right lane. Single-file running is recommended to avoid blocking paths and ensure safety when sharing space with local neighbors using the trail during the event.
Join us at Jed Smith Races for an unforgettable day out in nature, surrounded by like-minded individuals pushing their limits along a picturesque course. See you there!