Doomsday Race presents an exhilarating challenge for runners seeking adventure on the scenic trails near Auburn, California. Set to close out 2026, this unique event offers both a grueling 50K and a more manageable half marathon course through breathtaking terrain. The 50K route features over 5,100 feet of elevation gain and loss, winding its way past stunning vistas and challenging climbs. Participants will encounter a series of aid stations strategically placed to provide support along the journey: Knickerbocker Terror at mile 8.88, The Dissent of the Descending Mile 13.9, No Hands Horror twice (mile 21.2 and again near mile 27), Robie Point Resurrection at mile 27.8, and another No Hands Horror station just before the finish line. For those tackling the half marathon distance, there's a single aid station located at Knickerbocker Terror around mile eight, ensuring runners have access to essential supplies without overwhelming them with too many stops. Both courses are designed to accommodate hikers and slower-paced participants, allowing for trekking poles if needed. Registration includes high-quality race shirts featuring striking graphics that capture the essence of this challenging event. Finishers will be rewarded with custom-made medals boasting a significant weight and intricate design. The top three male and female finishers in each distance receive prestigious trophies shaped like iconic elements from the course, adding an extra layer of prestige to their achievements. To ensure everyone has ample time to complete the race, generous cutoff times are provided: 9.5 hours for the 50K route and a more compact five-hour window for the half marathon. These accommodations make it possible for runners of various skill levels to participate in this unforgettable experience. Race day parking is available at designated lots near the starting area; however, participants must purchase their own passes upon arrival or display a valid Golden Poppy Pass if they have one. Early packet pick-up on December 11th offers convenience and flexibility before race morning, where packets can be collected between 5:45 am to 7:30 am at the start line. Detailed course maps are available through ultraPacer, providing GPS files for optimal route planning and pacing strategies. This resource ensures that every runner is well-prepared to tackle the terrain with confidence. Doomsday Race promises an unforgettable blend of physical challenge and scenic beauty, making it a must-attend event for trail runners looking to push their limits while enjoying some of California's most captivating landscapes. Join us this December 12th as we celebrate endurance and camaraderie on the Doomsday trails.
Races Offered
50K
Dec 12, 2026
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Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$129.00
Half Marathon
Dec 12, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$95.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Cool.
thermostatTemperature
4.4° / 13.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
1.1° / 11.5°
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Avg sunshine hours
6h 14m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
7.2 mm
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Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
8.3 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
80.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:14
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Sunset
17:44
About Cool
Learn more about the host city, Cool.
Cool, formerly known as Cave Valley, is a small town in El Dorado County, California, about 40 miles (64 km) from Sacramento, the state capital. Cool is at an elevation of 1,532 feet.