Way Too Cool 50K is a 50km ultra marathon in Cool, United States. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 1,500m D+. Difficulty: accessible (Challenge Rating 21/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 9h. Surface: trail. Established 1997.
Way Too Cool 50K
Cool, California, United States
"50km on Western States trails. The perfect first ultra in California's gold country."
America's most popular first ultra — a runnable, scenic 50K on the same trails as Western States 100.
The Course
A scenic loop through the American River canyon near Cool, California. The course runs on the same trails used by Western States 100, featuring rolling singletrack through oak woodlands and along the river. Well-marked, well-supported, and very runnable.
rolling
loop
6
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
14°C
6° – 22°
50%
25%
Northern California early spring — mild days, cool mornings. Occasional rain but generally pleasant.
Stats & Records
1997
600
06:00:00
03:28:00
Adam Peterman (2022)
04:05:00
YiOu Wang (2019)
Entry
$100
October
instant
Lore & Trivia
The Gordon Ainsleigh 50 is named after the man who invented 100-mile trail running. In 1974, Gordy Ainsleigh's horse went lame before the Tevis Cup endurance ride, so he ran the 100-mile course on foot — creating the sport that became Western States and, eventually, modern ultrarunning. This 50-mile tribute race follows trails in the Sierra Nevada foothills, honouring the man whose stubbornness launched a global movement.
- ▸ Way Too Cool is widely considered the best 'first ultra' in the United States.
- ▸ The course uses many of the same trails as the legendary Western States 100.
- ▸ The town of Cool, California provided the inspiration for the race name.
- ▸ The race sells out within minutes of opening registration — a testament to its reputation.
- ▸ Established in 1997.
Named after the man who started it all — Gordy ran the Tevis Cup course on foot and invented 100-mile running.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
8 MAY 2026
Bandera 50K
Bandera, United States
12 APR 2026
Gorge Waterfalls 50K
Cascade Locks, United States
30 JAN 2027
Waldo 50K
Oakridge, United States
3 OCT 2026
Angeles Crest 100
Wrightwood, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Way Too Cool 50K? +
Way Too Cool 50K is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 1,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Way Too Cool 50K? +
Way Too Cool 50K is rated accessible with a Challenge Rating of 21/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 5%. Runners have 9 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Way Too Cool 50K? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 6°C to 22°C) with 50% humidity and a 25% chance of rain. Northern California early spring — mild days, cool mornings. Occasional rain but generally pleasant.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Way Too Cool 50K? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Way Too Cool 50K? +
The men's course record is 03:28:00 set by Adam Peterman in 2022. The women's course record is 04:05:00 set by YiOu Wang in 2019.
What is the average finish time for Way Too Cool 50K? +
The average finish time is 06:00:00. About 600 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 5%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly