The Great Folsom Snail Race used to be one of the city’s most recognizable annual events, drawing racers from all over the country and running from 1981 until 2001 (I covered it as a Sacramento Union staff writer in 1983). Organizers — with tongues in cheeks — talked of making it an Olympic event and getting it on ESPN, while it did indeed get regular national attention. 

“The snail race was a part of Folsom’s history for over 20 years in the ‘80s and the ‘90s, and there was lots of talk about the snails,” says Christine Brainerd, the city’s communications director, just before the first heat with nine contestants started.

“We’re celebrating with an old-fashioned city birthday party with lots of nostalgia and activities for families,” Brainerd added. “We thought the 80th would be the perfect time to remember those days of this Great Snail Race.”

The celebration running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. throughout Lions Park featured train rides, games, rotating street performers and dancers, a dunk tank, food trucks, a birthday cake and Mayor Justin Raithel singing Happy Birthday.

But the main attraction was the snail races, which drew big crowds in front of the raceway stand, and seemed to pick up from where it left off 25 years ago.

The 55 entrants in the youth, businesses, and general entry categories paying the $40-$50 fee with a t-shirt, could grab a snail there or bring their own, acquired in home backyards or part of school projects, with proceeds going to the Folsom Athletic Association.

Some entrants came costumed bringing the snails in elaborate boxes, with awards going to the best presented, best named and best dressed snail handler. 

The trick was to coax the adopted snail up the foot-long wooden pole, using attractants like lettuce, or by gently blowing on the gastropod, hoping to get near the 2-minute mark.

Glenn Faite, who served on the Folsom City Council from 1994 to 1998 and was mayor from 1995 to 1997, says seeing the snail races return put a positive spotlight on the city, which has grown from a population of about 52,000 in 2000 to 95,000 today.

“It brings back the past, and the city’s done wonderfully, I think from those days,” Faite says. 

Originally planned as a one-time only shot, snail race planners are now looking at its 2026 success as a springboard to future years, says organizer Tom Handy, depending on how well they can line up sponsors for next year.

“I know that everybody had a good time and that’s what we were looking for,” Handy says.

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