When is Big Chief 50K?

Big Chief 50K takes place on Jun 28, 2026. That's in 1 month.

Where is Big Chief 50K located?

Big Chief 50K is held in Truckee, California, United States.

What distances are available at Big Chief 50K?

Big Chief 50K offers the following distances: 50K.

What is the typical weather for Big Chief 50K?

Based on historical data, you can expect temperatures between 37°F and 84°F on race day. There's approximately a 2% chance of precipitation.

Big Chief 50K (50K) - Jun 28, 2026 | Truckee, CA

Prepare for an unforgettable challenge at the Big Chief 50K, an iconic ultra-trail race set for June 28, 2026, in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Truckee, CA. This demanding 50K loop course, primarily starting and finishing in the Village at Northstar Resort, plunges runners into the heart of the scenic Tahoe National Forest, offering a blend of exhilarating singletrack and robust fire roads. Runners will traverse elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, accumulating a significant climb of approximately 3,000 to 4,500 feet over the course of the race.

The Big Chief 50K is renowned for its stunning scenery and formidable terrain. Expect to navigate through towering pine forests, conquer rocky summits, and be rewarded with spectacular, breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, particularly after mile 7. The course features technical sections with granite, small rocks, and jagged shale, requiring focused footing, especially in the later miles. While early sections offer some welcome shade, be prepared for exposed climbs, particularly a challenging ascent around mile 25 that can be fully open to the sun. Typical race day conditions in late June bring highs around 84°F and lows around 37°F, with a low 2% chance of precipitation, meaning runners should be ready for potential heat and varying conditions.

Multiple well-stocked aid stations, typically five to seven, spaced strategically along the course (including an early one at mile 3 and subsequent stations around miles 11, 17, 23, and 27) will keep you fueled with water, electrolyte beverages, fruit, and salty snacks, with some even offering refreshing watermelon and coke. The Big Chief 50K is celebrated for its well-marked trails and exceptional volunteer support, creating a challenging yet highly rewarding experience. Finishers can look forward to a well-earned medal, cold beverages (including beer), recovery food, and a technical race shirt, celebrating their accomplishment on this "beautiful, challenging" route that truly showcases the best of North Tahoe's rugged beauty.