Cycling & running events in Sacramento, 2026

Sacramento Base Miles, Folsom Climbs

Running: Locals run the American River Parkway when they want easy base miles without thinking too hard. The trail is 7 km and gives you marked miles, fountains, and bathrooms along the way. There's an 84 mile dirt loop around the golf course. Buffalo Chips Running Club carries the old-school scene, while 9Run6, Claimstake Run Crew, Fleet Feet Run Crew, and Golden Valley Harriers keep the week social. California International Marathon is the anchor event here.

Cycling: Locals ride the American River Bike Trail like it is the main line through town. The trail connects into Folsom's 45+ miles of paved trails, so Z2 days can roll through greenbelts, open space corridors, native oaks, creeks, streams, lakes, and rivers. The Folsom Lake Loop is 8 km with 526 m of gain. Cycle Folsom owns a lot of the group-ride energy, while Sacramento Bike Hikers, Sacramento Wheelmen Bicycling Club, Team City Sacramento, and Women Cycle Sacramento fill the calendar. Folsom Lake Loop is where the climbs show up.

Season: May brings ideal weather, but locals train here all year. Summer running and riding happen early, and the serious bike crowd treats 6 AM as normal for about 5-6 weeks. The mornings stay cool enough that intervals, long runs, and gran fondo prep still fit before work. Winter mornings feel cool but very rideable, and 7 AM or later usually works better than a dark 5 AM roll-out. Lake Natoma keeps gravel bikes busy, Folsom Lake keeps road legs honest, and the American River Bike Trail stays useful every day of the year. Locals just shift the start time and keep the streak alive.