Join the Ultimate Loop Adventure in the Heart of Trail Country!
Mile Madness is more than a race—it's a vibrant celebration of endurance, community, and personal triumph. Set against the stunning backdrop of Auburn, California, this looped trail event invites runners of all paces to push their limits (or simply enjoy the journey) on a meticulously designed 1-mile course, mainly paved bike path, blending a beautiful pond, shaded paths, and much more for an unforgettable experience.
Event Details:
Dates: September 18-21, 2026
Friday:
9:00 am 72 Hour Run and 72 Hour Team Relay
6:00 pm: 48 Hour Run and 48 Hour Team Relay
Saturday:
9:00 am 100 Mile Race
Noon: 12 Hour and 24 Hour
6:00 pm: 6 Hour Glow Run
Location: Regional Park, 3770 Richardson Dr, Auburn, CA 95602
Race Options: Choose your challenge from 8 timed events, ranging from a beginner-friendly 6-hour run to the epic 72-hour ultra. With exceptionally long cutoffs and no strict time pressures, whether you're walking, running, or crawling, there's space for everyone to shine and even earn one of the coveted Mile Madness Buckles.
Course Highlights: A compact 0.85 mile loop means continuous laps with easy access to aid stations, festive decorations, and upbeat music to keep your spirits high. Aim for that first ultra milestone or chase elite goals—many of our runners discover untapped potential here. The course will be professionally measured prior to the race.
Why Mile Madness?
Inclusivity for All: We had runners from ages 10 to 82, with a balanced mix of 52.8% male and 47.2% female participants. In 2024, we welcomed 115 runners with a remarkable 72% buckle completion rate (applies to 48- and 72-hour runners); 2025 was 140 strong, and we're projecting 200-250 for 2026. Beginners who've never run an ultramarathon often surprise themselves with distances they never imagined.
Top-Notch Support: Fully stocked aid station featuring a rotating menu of hearty meals, electrolytes, all the typical aid station food, and endless encouragement from what might be the best volunteers in trail running. Other amenities include on-site massage therapists, family cheer zones, glow run, food trucks, and more...
Bling & Bragging Rights: Earn the coveted Silver 100-Mile Buckle (35 awarded in 2024, many to first timers!) or challenge yourself for the stunning Gold 150-Mile Buckle or the brand new 200-Mile buckle. Plus, a 100% rollover policy up to 24 hours before race start means zero risk if life throws a curveball.
SWAG: Every registered runner will get a race shirt or jacket. Our current plan is to provide gender-specific, packable, puffy jackets. We cannot guarantee sizes for registrations after 9/1/26, but we will do our best to accommodate requests. All runners will also get additional SWAG that will be announced closer to race weekend.
Bib Raffle: We will hold a bib raffle at regular intervals during the race. Registered runners will be entered into the raffle. It's a bonus: you might walk away with fantastic prizes, including shoes, handheld bottles, an antichafe stick, and more. Why should podium winners get all the bling?
Family & Community Focus: Bring your crew! Our expansive 20x30 Cheer Zone offers shaded comfort, music, free snacks and water, games, festive decorations, S’mores, and a DIY sign-making station to fuel the fun. Come solo or with friends—you'll leave with new bonds, shared stories, and memories that last a lifetime. Runners rave: "The highlight of my year!" (Summer W.) and "My favorite race ever!" (Shawnee).
Worry-Free Guarantee: We will roll over your race entry to the next year if you can't run due to injury or training challenges. We want you to enjoy the race you pay for, and we understand that life happens.
Extra Perks: Plenty of clean restrooms, and a commitment to giving back through the Run Free Foundation, whose mission is to empower at-risk youth and runners facing financial barriers by providing access to quality running gear and race registration scholarships, enabling them to pursue their athletic dreams and enhance their well-being.
Mile Madness isn't just about the miles—it's about the madness of joy, grit, and connection that turns strangers into trail family. Whether you're chasing a PR, your first buckle, or just the thrill of the loop, we're here to support you through every step. We may have the best volunteers in the business.
Relay Option: We have a 72-Hour Relay and 48-Hour Relay
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Each relay team can have 4-10 runners. Each runner will register and pay a separate registration fee (which covers food, SWAG, and more) and select their relay team. Each team will share a single team bib with one runner at a time on the course. Other team members can use a Pacer bib to support their team member running with the team bib.
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Podium awards will go to the top three teams.
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Relay runners are not eligible to earn a 100-mile buckle (relay laps should be shared somewhat evenly between team members, so achieving 100 miles per runner is unlikely).
Ultra Lounge: The family cheer zone is getting a more fitting name. We are borrowing the Ultra Lounge name and will have our 13x26 wedding tent with fun activities that will keep your crew going so they can keep cheering you on. We will have food and water, a poster-making station, a glow party, cornhole, and more...
Referral Rewards: We want to reward you for referring other runners to Mile Madness. When you register, you will get a referral code to share. Have your family, friends, or social circle use that code, and you will receive a refund for every referral.
Earn $10 for any 6-Hour or 12-Hour referral. Earn $20 for each referral to the 24-Hour or longer races. The refund will happen automatically, and the referral code must be used by the person registering.
Questions? Email Race Director Brian Goldman at [email protected]. Let's make 2026 your most memorable madness yet!