Lost Sierra Endurance Race

About

Welcome to the 2026 Lost Sierra Endurance Race, one of California’s most scenic and demanding trail races, set in the rugged high country of the northern Sierra Nevada. Join us Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Downieville, CA for your choice of 25K, 50K, or 100K, each offering a unique journey through river canyons, alpine ridgelines, and remote singletrack. Stick around after your finish for a celebratory post-race party at the finish line. The flagship 100K is no ordinary ultra, it’s one of the hardest 100Ks in California. This out-and-back route follows the legendary Third Divide, Pacific Crest Trail, and Lakes Basin Trails, climbing thousands of feet from historic Downieville to Johnsville / Blairsden and back. Expect a raw, remote, and wildly scenic adventure that will push you to your limit. The 50K begins at Plumas-Eureka State Park and follows the same stunning terrain back to Downieville, delivering a tough and technical point-to-point experience with mountain lakes, granite ridges, and dense forest trails. The 25K starts and finishes in Downieville, offering a more approachable course through the lower river canyons, ideal for runners looking to sample the region’s beauty without the full ultra challenge. Join us July 25, 2026 for the third annual Lost Sierra Endurance Race, where every mile is earned and every view is unforgettable. Presented by: Bad Luck Run Club

100K

Our 100K distance is an out-n-back course starting in downtown Downieville, traveling up towards the Sierra Buttes then turning north to Plumas-Eureka State Park (PESP), Blairsden, CA where the turnaround is. There are 5 unique aid stations (a total of 9 stops along the course) with three crew access points: Aid #2, Aid #4, and Aid #5. All 100KM participants are required to carry a headlamp, space blanket, and water bottle during the race due to remoteness of the course. Pacers are allowed starting at Aid #5 / Mile 30 or at Aid #2 / Mile 47, there is no shuttle for pacers. Cutoff Time: 20 Hours (1:00AM Sunday) Start Location: Downieville, CA Aid Stations: Mile 5.3 - Lavezzola Road (Aid #1) Mile 15.2 - Golden Valley Summit (Aid #2) Mile 20.1 - Lots O Lakes (Aid #3) Mile 25.6 - Smith Lake Trailhead (Aid #4) Mile 29.8 - Plumas-Eureka State Park (Aid #5) Mile 34.1 - Smith Lake Trailhead (Aid #4) Mile 39.5 - Lots O Lakes (Aid #3) Mile 47 - Golden Valley Summit (Aid #2) Mile 54.2 - Lavezzola Road (Aid #1) Route:

50K & Shuttle

Our 50K distance is an point to point course starting in Plumas-Eureka State Park (PESP) in Blairsden, just outside Graeagle, traveling up towards the Sierra Buttes then turning south to Downieville where the finish is. There are 4 unique aid stations with crew access at Lavazzo Rd (mile 23). Runners will be shuttled from Downieville to PESP to start the race. Shuttle cost is $12 or you may have someone drop you off at the start. Shuttles leave at 6:00AM from Downieville. There are no shuttles from Downieville to PESP after the race. Start Location: Plumas-Eureka State Park, Blairsden, CA Aid Stations: Mile 5.3 - Smith Lake Trailhead (Aid #4) Mile 11.5 - Lots O Lakes (Aid #3) Mile 16.5 - Golden Valley Summit (Aid #2) Mile 24.8 - Lavezzola Road (Aid #1) Route:

25K

Our 25K distance is an looped course starting in downtown Downieville, traveling up through the canyons on the First, Second, and Third Divide Trails. There is a brief water stop at mile 4.2 and one formal aid station at Lavazzo Rd (mile 10). Start Location: Downieville, CA Aid Stations: Mile 4.2 - Water Station Mile 10.9 - Lavezzola Road (Aid #1) Mile 12.0 - Water Station Route:

Cut Offs & Other Items

Cut-Off Times: 50K: 11:00:00 Total Time or 7:00PM at Average 21:30 Pace 100K: 20:00:00 Total Time or 1:00AM at Average 19:55 Pace Mile 29.8 - 3:00PM (19:55 pace) - Plumas-Eureka State Park (Aid #5) Mile 34.1 - 4:40PM (19:55 pace) - Smith Lake Trailhead (Aid #4) Mile 39.5 - 6:30PM (19:30 pace) - Lots O Lakes (Aid #3) Mile 47 - 8:00PM (19:30 pace) - Golden Valley Summit (Aid #2) Mile 54.2 - 11:15PM (19:55 pace) - Lavezzola Road (Aid #1) Mandatory Items: 100KM runners must carry a vest / pack, space blanket, and headlamp for the duration of the race. Sticks & Pacers: All runners may carry and use running poles / sticks. 100K runners may have pacers on the return trip at Aid #5 (Mile 30) or Aid #2 (Mile 47), there will be no event shuttle to/from these locations for pacers.

The Unity Initiative

In response to recent federal aid cuts, The Unity Initiative was created to support vital nonprofits that serve our communities. By donating to one of our partner organizations, participants can receive a future race discount and have their donation matched — up to $40 or 25% of their registration fee. This program aims to restore a sense of unity and compassion, ensuring local organizations continue to thrive despite reduced government support. Together, we can keep our communities strong. Selected Nonprofit Partners: - Placer Food Bank - Sacramento Food Bank - Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Sacramento (CASA) - Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Placer County (CASA) - AcademySTAY - Sierra Club of California - Placer Land Trust - American Civil Liberties Union *Future discounts will be sent upon receipt of proof of donation. Please email donation receipts to [email protected]. Donations must be made in 2025-2026 and prior to event date(s).