No Hands Trail Run
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No Hands Trail Run
The No Hands Trail Run takes place January 9, 2027 at American River Canyon Overlook Park in Auburn, California. The event offers multiple trail distances that follow historic and local routes, including sections of the Western States and Pioneer Express trails and a crossing at No Hands Bridge.
Distances include:
- 50K (31.3 miles, 5,550′ elevation gain)
- 35K (20.9 miles, 3,685′ elevation gain)
- Heavy Half Marathon (13.5 miles, 2,800′ elevation gain)
- 8K (4.8 miles, 950′ elevation gain)
Most of the courses run on technical dirt trails with steep hills on the half marathon and 8K. The 50K route crosses Highway 49 to follow the Wendell T. Robie trail and explores the Auburn State Recreation Area. Hiking and trekking poles are permitted.
Courses are marked with colored surveyor ribbon approximately every 200 meters, with heavy markings at turns, laminated signs, and flour arrows at complex sections. Blue ribbons indicate wrong way routes. Aid stations provide a range of foods and beverages such as gels, stroop waffles, trail mix, potato chips, PB&J, soda, water, and sports hydration; general first aid is available. The event is cupless, so runners must carry their own bottle or reusable cup; reusable cups and soft flasks are available for purchase. Organizers recommend carrying at least one 20 oz bottle. Timing is chip based using MyLaps and Race Director with disposable chips on the back of race bibs.
Additional event facts: capacity is 400 runners across all distances; parking at the park and adjacent streets is free; drop bag service is not available. Awards include trophies for the top three overall finishers by gun time, age-group awards by chip time, a pint glass for all 50K finishers, and age-group medals including non-binary categories. Race shirts use a District Perfect-Tri tri-blend fabric; to guarantee a shirt and size, registration must be completed by December 26, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
