This was the hardest yet most gratifying marathon I have ever run. The course is beautiful as you start out in Tahoe City and end at some beach near Camp Richardson. Along the way you will encounter the breathtaking beauty of the high Sierras.

Let me warn you though, this is a very tough run. The first 13 miles are relatively flat w/ a few small inclines, but when you hit mile 13, the real work begins. You begin a steady climb until you hit mile 15 and then climb the Hill of Death (that?s what I called it) for about 2 miles. You then have a very needed downhill stretch that is scenic around Emerald Bay. You go up one more mile-long climb until you hit mile 20, and then it?s downhill to the finish line.

My one complaint about the run was the last few miles. Around mile 24 you had to do some trail running and backtracking of what you just passed. The directions were sparse and more than a few times I kept asking myself, "Am I going the right way?" (Maybe I couldn't think straight because of the oxygen deprivation). Other than that, the race was awesome. If you want a beautiful but tough race, do Tahoe.

You?ll feel like you can conquer anything after that run!

My first marathon - I wanted a challenge and, believe me, it was. I trained in Ohio, so that says it all. I really enjoyed the views and they helped to keep my mind off of the steep upward climb. But at a certain point, it was all downhill (couldn't have come sooner). The weather was cool at the start and it ended up being a great day to run. The only problem was that since I'm a slower runner, there was no water at the stations toward the end where I really needed it. I got some from a fisherman along the roadside. The support at the end was very good, especially at the first aid tents. The Tahoe area had a lot of things to do and I enjoyed it immensely. Wouldn't mind running this one again.

My dad and brothers did the Ultra 3 day marathon while I helped and did the half marathon on Sunday. As for the previous comments, Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe were beautiful. I took the bus ride to the half start line. It was all right. The hills are huge and it goes up and down, up and down. But, it is worth your time and travel. The weather was great. It was sunny and cold most of the time but perfect for running. I totally suggest this one to anyone.

This was my first marathon and it was a wonderful experience. The view at the 20 mile mark is of Emerald Bay on your left, Fallen Leaf Lake on your right and Lake Tahoe straight ahead. It's almost enough to erase your exhaustion! It's mostly downhill from there. This is a small marathon and very friendly and well-organized. I stayed at Tahoe City, to avoid the long bus ride to the starting line. The weather was perfect, 30's at the start and mid-50's at the finish, slightly overcast with a light breeze. It was very, very hard work, but worth it.

I was promised 'the run of a lifetime' by the race director. Well, it was, and I would like to share my experience. The weather was a perfect 50F at the start after a 1-hr. bus ride retracing the route to North Tahoe. The Women went first at 8:05 and the men at 8:30. The start is at 6200ft. but I didn't really notice any altitude effect. The first 5 miles or so has the road paralleling a bike path, so you had a choice. There was no real climbing till about 8-10 miles. Each mile has a sign which is easily seen plus water and Ultima every 2 miles. You run past beautiful hamlets, chalets, vistas of Lake Tahoe, and with a real sense of serenity. The real work starts at about Mile 15, where you seem to go straight up for 2 miles. But you are rewarded by going around Emerald Bay for about 2 miles. I couldn't keep my eyes on the road, it was so lovely. Then you climb 1 more big hill; you are at 20 miles, and it is truly all down hill. You hook up with a bike trail near 23 miles, and finish at Pope Beach, by the water. Ample food and drink and a bus back to Casino Centre in Stateline. My only gripe is the late start for the Half-Marathoners at 10 am, forcing us to run through a great crowd of people from halfway on. P.S. Take the boat cruise the evening before. It is worth the $28 just for the view of Emerald Bay at dusk.