Way Too Cool Endurance Race Coming to California

On Saturday, March 2, 2019, more than 800 ultra runners will travel from around the globe to race in the 30^th Annual The Way Too Cool 50K Endurance Run (WTC50K). The 50K race is known as one of the most popular trail and ultra-running endurance events in the U.S. Runners compete at Olympic levels to beat their personal and race record course times.  

“These are some of the world’s top athletes, who come to Way Too Cool 50K year after year to beat their personal bests,” said Race Director Julie Fingar. “The California weather, the course and the people make this event one of the nation’s top 50K’s to compete.”

Starting mile one at 8 a.m., women and men will put their months of training to the test and begin the 50K (view starting line footage from 2017 here). Registered runners are expected to cross the finish line between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This race is sold out within minutes of registration opening each year, and includes advanced runners setting records year after year, in addition to a field of newcomers every year. Registration closes on December 10, 2018. Register today at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=60949. 

Highlights of the Way Too Cool 50K Endurance Run include:

• Bill Finkbeiner will return for his 30^th year in a row

• The women’s and men’s fastest course records were made in 2015

  • Megan Roche (women) – 3:41:56

  • Patrick Smyth (men) – 3:04:48 

• Each runner will recieve a WTC 30^th commemorative Klean Kanteen steel pint cup

• Every 30^th Finisher (30, 60, 90, 120, etc.) on race day will win a WTC commemorative knit beanie 

• A drawing on race day to be entered to win four FREE entries to 2019 NorCalUltras races (AR50/25, She Rocks the Trails, Twilight Trail Adventure Runs, Rio Del Lago 100)

• A drawing on race day to be eligible to win two FREE RYP Wear skirts  

The Way Too Cool 50K Endurance Run promises an amazing course with no two-way traffic, 98% single track trails, breathtaking scenery and views from the Secret Trail, improved spectator access, five well-stocked aid stations and chip timing with split mat at miles 8 and 21. The race begins at the Cool Fire Station on St. Florin Ct. and Hwy 49 where runners will race down paved roads. From mile 8 to mile 13, runners will pass by Pointed Rocks Meadow and head north on the Western States Trail, and from mile 20.5 to mile 26 participants will run from Auburn Lake Trails to Goat Hill. The home stretch from mile 26 to mile 31.1 will follow the well-traveled Wendell T. Robie Trail and back to the Olmstead Loop Trail, retracting the steps taken at the start of the race at the Cool Fire Station.

“Running an ultra takes an unbelievable amount of commitment and physical and mental perseverance,” said Fingar. “This race has continued to attract thousands of veteran and novice runners from all over the world to put their training to the test and cross that finish line, and potentially set a PR.”

After crossing the finish line, runners will be awarded their WTC Finisher’s Medallion. Ultra-runners can recover and get warm with a cup of homemade soup prepared by Chef and Ultra-Runner Tim Ruffino. As always, runners can top off their sweet tooth with the Way Too Cool 50K signature frog cupcake. 

2018 race beneficiaries include California Conservation of Trails and Fit For Girls.