Coolest Ride and Tie and Equathon

The Coolest Ride and Tie and Equathon returns to Cool, California on June 6th, offering runners and equestrian enthusiasts a unique blend of endurance challenges through the scenic trails of Auburn State Recreational Area and Olmstead Staging Area. This event, hosted by AllWeDoIsRun, invites participants from across the country to experience the beauty of the Central Coast with its stunning fire roads and shaded single-track paths.
Cool’s landscape in early summer is a mix of vibrant greens and golden hues, as wildflowers dot the trails alongside mature oak trees providing welcome shade. The day usually starts cool enough for morning dew on the grass but warms up quickly under clear blue skies, making it an ideal setting to explore both by foot and horseback. As runners and riders make their way through the course, they’ll feel a sense of camaraderie among participants who share a love for trail running and equestrian sports.
Since its inception in 2007, AllWeDoIsRun has been dedicated to fostering connections within communities passionate about outdoor adventure. The Coolest Ride and Tie event is no exception, with past editions seeing hundreds gather to compete and celebrate their shared interests. Each year brings new stories around campfires and a sense of tradition among returning participants who enjoy the competitive spirit alongside its laid-back atmosphere.
The course for this year’s Coolest Ride and Tie features two distinct categories: Ride & Tie events where pairs alternate riding and running on a 21-mile or shorter route, and Equathons that combine both disciplines with separate start times. Participants navigate through rugged terrain marked by fire roads and single-track trails leading to breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Starting at Olmstead Staging Area in Cool, participants will find a well-organized setup complete with portable restrooms, water troughs for horses, and running water stations along the way. The event includes pre-vetting sessions on Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM or Saturday morning before sunrise at 6:30 AM. For those taking part in longer courses over ten miles, mandatory vetting is required both before and after.
In June, expect temperatures around the mid-20s Celsius with a slight chance of early-morning dew giving way to dry conditions throughout most of the day. Trails are likely to be hard underfoot due to minimal rainfall but still offer good footing for horses and runners alike. UV levels can reach very high so sunscreen is recommended.