Sunset & Cider Trail Races

About

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11, 2026, and join us in Auburn, CA, for the next edition of the Sunset & Cider Trail Races, set against the dramatic backdrop of the American River Canyon. Choose your challenge with the 50K, Half Marathon, or 5-Mile distances, each offering a chance to push your limits or simply soak in the golden-hour views as the sun sets over the canyon. After the finish, the celebration continues at Ponderosa Cider Company, where every runner will enjoy two complimentary cider pours, a custom Sunset & Cider trail hat, and a commemorative cider glass to mark the occasion. Come for the miles, stay for the community, and leave with memories (and cider) worth savoring. Presented by Bad Luck Run Club & Ponderosa Cider Co.

50K

The 50K has two unique out and and back segments along the smoothest sections of the American River with a total of 3760 ft of climbing. All of it is quite runnable with a very short neighborhood road section and tons of single track trails. Aid stations will be at miles: 3.8, 10.5, 17.0, 20.9, 25.6 with water, sports drink, light snacks, and fruit. 50K time limit is at 7:00PM (19:20 min/mile pace), due to to available light.

Half Marathon

The 13.1M has two unique out and back loops with a total of 1890 ft of total climbing. All of it is runnable with a very short neighborhood road section and majority single track trails. Aid Stations will be available at miles: 3.8, 4.8, & 8.7 with water, sports drink, light snacks, and fruit. 13.1M time limit is at 7:00PM (22:00 min/mile pace), due to available light.

5 Miler

The 5M has one out and back loop with a total of 704 ft of total climbing. This course follows the first 5 miles of the 13.1 mile course. All of it is runnable with a very short neighborhood road section and majority single track trails. There are no aid stations on this route. Walkers are welcome, time limit is at 7:00PM.

Awards and Swag

All participants will score a free commemorative 16oz Cider Glass and one free Ponderosa Cider pours for those 21+ only. The first 200 participants will score a free BOCO trail running hat with registration. Age group awards will be given for those in 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.

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 and prior to event date(s).