Races

Canyons

Auburn, CaliforniaApril

China Wall to Auburn. The full Canyons hundred. Rucky Chucky. K2. Eighteen thousand feet before Cal Street.

100 mi+11,680 ft-15,429 ft35 hours585 ft to 5,016 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWestern States TrailK2 climbRucky ChuckyWSER qualifierAprilRunning Stones · 4 stones
Distance100 mi
Gain+11,680 ft
Loss-15,429 ft
Altitude585 ft to 5,016 ft
Technicality5/10
Air45°F to 90°F
Gradient profileOfficial UTMB race GPX
  • Start5,016 ft
  • High5,016 ft
  • Low585 ft
  • Finish1,267 ft

Field, 2026 · 4-year samplescraped

Starters243
Finish rate63%
Median31:06
Sub-2418

Geometryderived

Steepest drop1,329 ft-11.9% over 2.1 mi
Night miles38 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxK2 climb out of No Hands Bridge and the Cool loop on tired legs (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Canyons runs 100 mi through Auburn, California. +11,680 ft gain and -15,429 ft loss. Surfaces skew 85% trail / 10% dirt road / 5% paved. K2 climb out of No Hands Bridge and the Cool loop on tired legs. High point near 5,016 ft. Low near 585 ft. April temps run 45°F to 90°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for 11,680 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 35 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.

Kit

April in Auburn, California: plan for 45°F to 90°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 35 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 85% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. K2 climb out of No Hands Bridge and the Cool loop on tired legs near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Results

Canyons finish lines.

Canyons

100MAuburn

Sources (2)

Canyons