[Author’s Note: This is the second article in an 11-part series celebrating legendary aid stations. You can read about the series here.]
After a long day of running over jagged mountains and heat-soaked canyons, runners at the Western States 100 arrive at the Rucky Chucky river crossing of the American River, mile 78 of the race. It is one of the most iconic places in ultrarunning, and each year, it provides runners with an experience they won’t forget.
Women’s champion Ruth Croft at the Rucky Chucky river crossing at mile 78 of the 2022 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
The river crossing is divided into three sections spanning approximately 50 meters of the course. On the “near side,” where runners arrive first, is a full-service aid station hosted by volunteers from California’s Tamalpa Runners club. On the “far side,” there is no aid station, but a drop bag service is provided for runners wishing to change into dry shoes and gear after getting wet at the river. In between the near side and the far side is the river crossing itself, operated by volunteers in the water, experts in boats on the river, and additional volunteers helping runners get into and out of the river on each side. At night, with lights above and under the water, the area looks like something from the film “Apocalypse Now.” In short, it is an extraordinary undertaking.
During the 2021 Western States 100, Cody Lind is refueled by his crew in the aid station before the Rucky Chucky river crossing at mile 78. Photo: iRunFar/Alex Potter
The American River’s flow varies widely, so how runners cross each year depends on the river’s water level. Some years, runners cross on foot while holding a rope stretched across the river, while other years, rafts transport them across. In the entire 50-year history of the race, boats have been used 12 times, while the rest of the time runners have forded on foot. In my 10 years of running the race, I took the boats four times and crossed on foot six times. My preference was most certainly to cross on foot rather than in a boat, as it allowed me to fully submerge in the life-giving waters of the American River and absorb myself in the full experience of the race.
The Rucky Chucky river crossing during the 2023 Western States 100, a year when boats were used to cross the river. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
Additionally, runners, pacers, and crews have choices regarding the river crossing. Crews and pacers can access the near side aid station via a vehicle shuttle service operated by the event. On the far side, however, if crews want to access their runners, they hike about three miles down the course from the parking area just above the Green Gate Aid Station at mile 80 of the race.
While the hike can be arduous, especially at night, accessing their runner from the far side allows crews to take advantage of one of the unique aspects of the Western States 100. The race allows crews to accompany their runner, along with their pacer, for the entire two-mile stretch between the river crossing and the Green Gate Aid Station.
For spectators wanting to experience one of the most unique aspects of the Western States 100, a trip down to the Rucky Chucky river crossing on race day is a must. And, for the runners themselves, especially those who have waited years to gain entry into the race, the singular experience of Rucky Chucky will likely stand the test of time as one of the seminal experiences of their running lives. I know it has for me.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Moonraker Brewing Company in Auburn, California. Vespers Nine is a delicious milk stout that is sweet and silky with a touch of caramel. Not at all bitter, Vespers Nine is a stout to be savored and best consumed on its own. It’s a perfect stout for a chilly winter evening.
Call for Comments
- Have you been to the Rucky Chucky aid station as crew, spectator, or runner?
- What are your memories of it?
