calendar_today 24 Apr, 2026 – 25 Apr, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell $179.00 – $515.00
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 2026 is a premier mountain ultra-marathon event taking place from April 23 to 26, 2026, in Auburn, California. Known as the "Endurance Capital of the World," Auburn serves as the gateway to the Sierra Nevada foothills and the historic Western States Trail. The event is a critical qualifier for the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix and the Western States Endurance Run (WSER). Notably, the 100K distance acts as a "Golden Ticket" race, where the top three male and female finishers earn direct entry into the prestigious Western States 100.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Auburn, CA (Gold Rush Country) |
| Elevation Gain | Up to 17,000 feet (approx. 5,180m) |
| Notable Landmarks | Rucky Chucky, Devil’s Thumb, Swinging Bridge |
| Qualifiers | UTMB World Series Finals & Western States 100 |
| Charity Program | UTMB Cares US (Ironman Foundation) |
Auburn is a historic town in Placer County with a population of approximately 13,800 residents. The town's demographic profile is roughly 79.4% White, 13.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% identifying as multiracial. The median annual household income for the area is approximately $77,000. Geographically, the race follows the rugged canyon system carved by the American River, featuring steep technical climbs and descents. The climate in late April is often characterized by a "green" but warm spring; average temperatures range from a low of 8°C (46°F) to a high of 21°C (70°F), though canyon bottoms can experience significantly higher temperatures during mid-day.
Participants in the Canyons Endurance Runs experience the most difficult sections of the Western States Trail, passing through historic gold-rush settlements and crossing old wooden bridges. The event emphasizes environmental stewardship through the UTMB Cares US program, which has provided significant funding for the restoration of the Western States Trail in partnership with the Tevis Cup. Registration typically offers a "Charity Bib" option where half of the fee supports local non-profit initiatives. For those seeking a Golden Ticket or a finish in one of the world's most iconic trail environments, the 2026 event provides a direct connection to the heritage of mountain ultra-trail running.
Apr 24, 2026
Distance — 161K
Type — Running
12:00
$515.00
Apr 24, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
16:00
$179.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
05:00
$389.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
07:00
$289.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Auburn.
Learn more about the host city, Auburn.
Auburn is a small city in Placer County on Interstate 80 in California.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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