Gold Rush AR is BACK! A new 12-hour race in the San Francisco Bay Area

Mareese Keane / 31.05.2026

San Francisco, CA - Even with all the amazing adventure-racing terrain in California, there is a shortage of formal races in the State.  Fortunately, this year the oldest race in the US calendar returns with a new Race Director, Greg Callas, bringing Gold Rush Adventure Racing back to life. The dawn-to-dusk race will also be part of the ARWS North America Series.

Gold Rush AR produced its first race in 1999 and has hosted many annual 24-36 hour challenges and the occasional multi-day expedition race in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains. In recent years, the original Gold Rush team has been looking for some new folks to take up the mantle.  Greg has stepped up with a new team (the Gold Nuggets!), mentored by the original Gold Rush crew, Adrian Crane and Mark Rogers.

Greg has been running informal races and training events around the Bay for the last three years. He’s an experienced racer too, with a gift for getting the most out of every race he enters by frequently being the last full-course finisher over the line!

Two things make this race special: 

First, it is right in the Bay Area, starting and finishing in Sausalito, which is just North of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge. This gives it access to paddling in the Bay near the iconic bridge, and biking/trekking on the world-class Marin Headlands trails. Marin is the birthplace of mountain biking, and the trail views of the City, the Bridge, the ocean, and the Bay are just incredible!  (See photo above.)

Second, this race is perfect for AR beginners, while also bringing plenty of challenges for seasoned racers. The 12-hour format is very accessible for beginners, and kayaks will be provided as part of the race, making the logistics very simple. Greg also promises lots of route options, cannons, tidal races, and plenty of vert, so bring your cardio and your navigation skills to complete the entire course in 12-hours!

September is known for beautiful weather in the Bay Area, but who knows, 'Karl the Fog' might pay a visit and add to the challenge.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, Dawn to Dusk
Location: Sausalito, CA
Event Info and Registration: www.goldrushadventureracing.com
Teams: 1-4 races (4 coed racers for the top AR prize!)