Race Information

Welcome to the 2027 Jed Smith Races! Whether you’re chasing a PR, tackling your first ultra, building toward a bigger goal, or simply looking for a great day on the trails, we’re glad you’re here. Jed Smith has its own unique character—fast, runnable trails along the American River, a relaxed grassroots atmosphere, and the kind of friendly, supportive community that makes you feel like you’re running with friends rather than just racing against a clock. There will be good miles, tough miles, and hopefully a few stories you’ll still be telling long after the finish. So settle into your rhythm, enjoy the trail, and have fun—we’ll see you out there!



Parking:
Free parking (covered w/ race entry) in the AR Parkway – Watt Ave. River Access Park. (Address: 8713 La Riviera Dr., Sacramento, CA 95826) Additional parking, if needed, in the shopping center behind Dutch Brother Coffee, 8700 La Rivera Dr. Watt Ave, River Access Park entrance is across the street. Carpooling is always recommended and encouraged. With this year’s large entry carpooling is more important to fit everyone in.

Packet Pick Up:
Pick up is all done Saturday morning, from 6:30AM-*9:00AM in the Start/Finish line area. (NO Early packet up!) Look for the U-Haul truck and tents at Start/Finish Line area, at the far west end of the parking area,

Race Day registration will be available:
Go to the Packet Pick Up tent to race day registration.

Start times:
7:30AM - 50 Mile
8:30AM - 50K & Marathon
9:30AM - 30K & Half Marathon

Aid Stations
There will be two, the main one at Start/Finish line area and the other, about 3 miles away, on the north side of the river next to the Howe Avenue Bridge. Aid Stations will be well stocked with soda, water & GU sports drink, single served candy, gel, salty snacks and other Ultra grub. We will have limited cups available and encourage runners to bring their own.
Note: With our loop course setup, you will be running through the Watt Ave parking lot several times and are welcome to set up your own chair or table, off to the side, for a personal mini aid station.

American River Parkway Bike Trail Local Rules:
Runners and pedestrians use the LEFT side shoulder or lane, and bikes use the RIGHT side lane. Do not run-in groups that block a line, single file is best. Remember the bike path will not be closed for the Jed Smith race, you will be sharing the Bike path with the local neighbors, and we/you need to be courteous to others and diligent of your surroundings during the race, so we don’t lose the privilege of using it.

The Course

Course Description:
All races start at the west end of the parking lot and do a 2-4 mile out-and-back heading east through the parking lot and continuing upstream along the south bank of the river, then turning around and coming back to the start/finish line. Where you will start running the 4.9-mile loop course. On the south side of the river, you will run along the bike trail. The bike trail will not be closed for the Jed Smith race, you will be sharing the Bike Trail with the local neighbors and we/you need to be courteous to others and diligent of your surroundings during the race. So, we don’t lose the privilege of using it. (See ARP Bike Trial Local Rules below for more information)
At the Guy West Bridge, next to CSUC Campus, you will cross to the north side of the river.
On the north side of the river, you will not be running on the Bike Trial. You will use the paved road on top of the levee from Guy West bridge to Howe Ave. bridge. There you will go down under the bridge to the 2nd Aid Station. From there you will continue on the gravel and dirt road at the bottom of the levee to Watt Ave. Cross under the bridge and go up to the sidewalk and cross over the river. Careful coming down, very steep, into the southside parking lot and continuing to the Start/Finish line to complete the loop course. Then repeat 3 to 12 times depending on the distance of your race.

Event's current local time: 10:35 AM PT