Jed Smith Ultra
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Event
The Jed Smith Ultra Classic is scheduled for January 31, 2026. It is the 48th edition and is held in Sacramento, California, on the American River Parkway. The event is capped at 250 entrants. Distances offered include:
- 50 Miles
- 50K
- Marathon
- 30K
- Half Marathon
All entrants receive a long-sleeve technical shirt in men's and women's sizing. All finishers receive a hand-crafted wooden medal. Registration is open online and closes January 28, 2026. The race is held rain or shine and there are no refunds.
Course and logistics
The event uses USATF-certified courses on a nearly identical, record-setting layout. The course is a 4.85 mile loop that crosses the Guy West Bridge and the Watt Bridge, follows a paved bike path and some wide dirt trails along the American River Parkway, and is described as mostly flat. Local parkway rules require runners and pedestrians to use the left side and bicycles the right side; single-file running is advised so as not to block the path.
There are two aid stations: a main station at the start/finish area and a secondary station near the Howe Avenue Bridge about 3 miles away. Aid stations will offer water, soda, GU sports drink, single-serve candy, gels, salty snacks and similar items; cups will be limited and runners are encouraged to bring their own. Course marshals will be placed at key turns. Free parking is available near the start/finish in the American River Parkway area (8713 La Riviera Dr.). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
