Marathon Details - Crater Lake Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OR > Klamath Falls > Crater Lake Marathon

Crater Lake Marathon & Half Marathon, 6.7 Mile

Klamath Falls, OR USA

August 10, 2024

http://www.craterlakerimruns.com

More Info:	News
Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Bob and Beverly Freirich
Address:	Crater Lake Rim Runs, 5830 Mack Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Phone Number:	(541) 884-6939
Fax Number:	(541) 883-8407
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 3.6

Spectators 2.6

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Number of comments: 51 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Ian Douglas from New York (8/27/2021) "Tough course in a beutiful setting" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This race is 3 in one. A 10k, half and a full. The race peaks at 7600ft and 3500ft is considered high altitude then you should know what you are in for. There is virtually no flat part of the course, it's either up or down hill. To finish is an accomplishment and the finishers medal can be hung proudly. It's the first race I ever ran in when there were no bathroom lines at the start. The communication prior to the race could have been better but at least the organizers try to answer your emails. Try to scout at least part of the course the day before. Even though they provide bus pickup and drop-off at a couple hotels I would recommend to drive to the start if possible as it took me 4 hours to get back to the hotel after I was done, that was really uncomfortable after a hard race. If you stay at the Shilo Inn meet the bus outside 10 minutes before pickup time. They do not come up to the reception area. You could miss it. California's forest fires almost impacted the race in 2021 but the air cleared 2 days prior allowing the race to be run. Temperatures for 2021 were in the mid 60's but warmed up quickly. Hey its the middle of summer!
M. B. from Michigan (8/23/2021) "Beautiful Destination Run" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 By far this is one of the most beautiful runs I have run in the many races I have completed, at least in the top 5 most beautiful locations I have run in my attempt to run in all 50 states. As most reviews go this is a tough race with lots of hills, little fanfare, cheap medal, not a great shirt ... but this is not why I run The good: Around every turn there is a beautiful view whether it is of the lake, a cliff face, tall trees it is just an amazing run... worth any of the bad just to get to do this run. The not so good: OK, I will be frank, the website sucks! No information, course map is really not even a course map is just a picture that is difficult to read. No real information on bus schedules or how and where to park to catch a bus to the start. I was pretty stressed about making it to the right place the morning of after spending so much on flights and lodging ... that turned out to not be a big deal. The best information is mailed in snail mail and even that was not great info. It would take very little effort and cost to update the site and put just the basic information in there.
Stephen James from Colfax, Indiana (8/28/2019) "A extraordinary place to run" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't begin to impress upon you the gloriousness of this race and this destination. You can't worry about your time: it's irrelevant, you can't worry about altitude, everyone must deal with it; just let the run take you around that beautiful lake. It's limited to 500 runners, and with the option of a 6.6 and also a 13 miler, you must choose wisely. I didn't drive 2300 miles to run a half! The weather turned cold and rainy in the early morning hours leading up to the start, with thunderstorms a possibility. Lighting could cause multiple headaches for officials and rangers, not to mention the hardy runners. The race director even offered a deferral to the 2020 race, if any runner wanted to skip the bad weather. I'm not sure anyone took him up on his sympathic gesture, as the starting line crowd overwhelmed Watchman Overlook parking lot, with a sea of shivering runners dressed for warmer climes. And now we are off on an absolutely beautiful run!! YOU MUST DO THIS RACE!!
David Weiss from Cleveland, Ohio (8/4/2018) "Spectacular Scenery, difficult but worth it" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Read an article somewhere boasting "15 most difficult marathons in the World"....Crater Lake was listed as #10....; needed Oregon on the way to 50 states so decided to go for it. -appreciated the director emails keeping runners updated about fires in the area and possibility of race being cancelled because of them - at 4am or whatever it was, it was difficult to figure out the right spot to park to catch the bus to the start -SPECTACULAR sunrise and views while waiting for the start...a little chilly waiting, so know that going in -very very tough course, high elevation and lot of ups downs and hilly. Somewhere in those first 10-11 Miles here was about a 5 mile stretch of continuous uphill. The views the entire course, absolutely sublime! Bare bones as far as aid stops, but to be expected. Very tough near end, where you actually go by the finish line at about mile 23ish going downhill, and then that last grueling 1 1/2 Miles is slogging back uphill absolutely exhausted. Brutal, but then so great to get to the finish. Very understated finishline, but that's ok in my book. Thought finishers medal for so tough a race, could've been better. Overall, out of 49 marathons completed for me, it was one of 2-3 most difficult for me (I did #2 on that difficult races list, Pikes Peak, and this race was NOWHERE close to being as difficult as that.) race was well worth it. Spectacular nature.
D. Z. from Pittsburgh, PA (3/27/2016) "Simply Amazing! (and painful!)" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Breathtaking scenery! (but maybe that's a bad thing since the elevation is already doing that?) I've done many marathons, but none more scenic than this one. Depending on your running ability, plan on adding at least an hour to your regular marathon time for this one. The volunteers were very enthusiastic and friendly. One even gave this smelly, sweaty runner a hug a mile 24! That takes guts! Did I mention the views? Very low key start and finish, but appropriate for this race. The only two things that could be improved are the bathrooms need to be opened early at Mazama village. Hard to wait for the buses to the start when it's 40 degrees and nowhere to pee. The other thing would be better finisher medals. I don' necessarily run for the hardware, it's mostly about the experience. Still, considering the difficulty of this race, something a little less generic would be nice. Overall, more than worth the effort and pain for this race! There's nothing else like it!
c. r. from memphis, tn (8/18/2015) "Amazing Scenery, good course, nice people," (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran the half marathon, and it was the most fun and challenge I have had. (raced 10+ halves) The elevation, and hills made it a great challenge. The race was not super organized, but well put together and the water stops and food at the end was quality. Great shirt, great fun, I will go back and do the full marathon! Almost no spectators, except friends/family of the runners
B. C. from Long Island, New York (8/27/2014) "Why not list results of ALL finishers?" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Okay - maybe we aren't the fastest runners on the planet, but why were the times of the last dozen or so finishers of the Crater Lakes Marathon left off the official results page? The finishing clock was still timing, the official took our names and numbers down - but anyone finishing this very challenging marathon after a time of 6:30 was left off the list of finishers. In 2014 that was about a dozen people. And looking at the results of previous years, that seems to be the annual pattern. If someone toughs through this marathon to the end (like the courageous 87-year-old man who finished last - but FINISHED!) , he or she deserves to at least have their name listed on the list of finishers. What would it cost the organizers to type in a few more names and times?
M. C. from San Francisco, CA (8/19/2013) "Challenging! Stunning! Worth it!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The Crater Lake Rim Runs 2013 (I ran the marathon) were graced with perfect weather conditions from pre-race to finish. As for the pre-race morning chill? There may be no better way to spend the last moments before a race than huddling up for warmth on the rim of Crater Lake, watching the blazing sunrise as dozens of marathoners grab a final snack, stretch, warm-up, etc. However, it is a good idea to pack layers to mitigate discomfort from the morning cold. As for the course? It was breathtaking and challenging in nearly equal measure. The entire length presented a variety of challenges (challenging hills, running at elevation, cambered road, and a dusty, moderately technical, insult hill at mile 22). But who cares about the challenging course when you have an environment of such stunning natural beauty to spend your morning running through? For Crater Lake, forget trying to run a PR race, focus instead on establishing a Personal Course Record. I established my PCR this year and I hope to break it at next year's race! Race organization was good enough, though not necessarily on par with other races of this size. I understand that leadership had changed hands this year, so I am hopeful that new blood will lead to a review and update of some of the race organization (web site, communication with runners, clear shuttle service schedule, timely posting of results on web site or via e-mail - & perhaps a new medal design for the bling collectors). As for race support: I have nothing but praise for the many volunteers who graciously refilled my water bottle, rang bells, and offered encouragement. I was always happy to see them! As this race really doesn't afford the best opportunities for throngs of spectators - and it's a small race, in an inspiring location, so why should it? - my above star rating reflects the combination of support/spectators.
C. B. from Arizona (8/12/2013) "Personal" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This event isn't for those who need constant attention. This is a race for those who wish to run a beautiful, natural, scenic course and have the mental fortitude to persevere one haggard course. I read reviews for years about this marathon and hoped it would be a challenge - it lived up to my expectations because I knew what to expect. In my opinion, the volunteers and organizers were flawless. Personal, yet flawless.
S. R. from Washington State (11/30/2012) "Lacking" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 This marathon was a disappointment. The lake is beautiful but you can go visit Crater Lake, take a day hike and have a more pleasant experience. The trouble begins before you get to the course because the website is so vague about getting to the start. There really isn't much in the way of places to stay nearby unless you are booked at the National Park so for us that meant a two hour drive the morning of the event from Bend, after driving five hours to get to Bend the day before. That coupled with confusing instructions sent in the mail made simply getting to the start more stressful than it needed to be. While the site provides an elevation profile of the course, it fails to mention the roads are canted pretty much the whole time for the first 20 miles. The line about gatorade at the aid stations is laughable. It's more like water, and tinted water. All that was available at the finish was a can of pepsi and a slice of water melon. The medal looks like something out of a gumball machine. The shirts are cotton and with a cheesy, iron on looking print. For what is being charged and for the effort it requires to even show up (let alone finish) this run, people who make the trip deserve better. I won't hit them for lack of crowd support, you can't expect that here. The volunteers are great. Lord knows how long their day must have been to set up a remote course. The organizers however, need to either step up their efforts for the runners or, if they are burned out, hand over the reigns to somebody else.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

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Ian Douglas from New York (8/27/2021) "Tough course in a beutiful setting" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This race is 3 in one. A 10k, half and a full. The race peaks at 7600ft and 3500ft is considered high altitude then you should know what you are in for. There is virtually no flat part of the course, it's either up or down hill. To finish is an accomplishment and the finishers medal can be hung proudly. It's the first race I ever ran in when there were no bathroom lines at the start. The communication prior to the race could have been better but at least the organizers try to answer your emails. Try to scout at least part of the course the day before. Even though they provide bus pickup and drop-off at a couple hotels I would recommend to drive to the start if possible as it took me 4 hours to get back to the hotel after I was done, that was really uncomfortable after a hard race. If you stay at the Shilo Inn meet the bus outside 10 minutes before pickup time. They do not come up to the reception area. You could miss it. California's forest fires almost impacted the race in 2021 but the air cleared 2 days prior allowing the race to be run. Temperatures for 2021 were in the mid 60's but warmed up quickly. Hey its the middle of summer!
M. B. from Michigan (8/23/2021) "Beautiful Destination Run" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 By far this is one of the most beautiful runs I have run in the many races I have completed, at least in the top 5 most beautiful locations I have run in my attempt to run in all 50 states. As most reviews go this is a tough race with lots of hills, little fanfare, cheap medal, not a great shirt ... but this is not why I run The good: Around every turn there is a beautiful view whether it is of the lake, a cliff face, tall trees it is just an amazing run... worth any of the bad just to get to do this run. The not so good: OK, I will be frank, the website sucks! No information, course map is really not even a course map is just a picture that is difficult to read. No real information on bus schedules or how and where to park to catch a bus to the start. I was pretty stressed about making it to the right place the morning of after spending so much on flights and lodging ... that turned out to not be a big deal. The best information is mailed in snail mail and even that was not great info. It would take very little effort and cost to update the site and put just the basic information in there.
Stephen James from Colfax, Indiana (8/28/2019) "A extraordinary place to run" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't begin to impress upon you the gloriousness of this race and this destination. You can't worry about your time: it's irrelevant, you can't worry about altitude, everyone must deal with it; just let the run take you around that beautiful lake. It's limited to 500 runners, and with the option of a 6.6 and also a 13 miler, you must choose wisely. I didn't drive 2300 miles to run a half! The weather turned cold and rainy in the early morning hours leading up to the start, with thunderstorms a possibility. Lighting could cause multiple headaches for officials and rangers, not to mention the hardy runners. The race director even offered a deferral to the 2020 race, if any runner wanted to skip the bad weather. I'm not sure anyone took him up on his sympathic gesture, as the starting line crowd overwhelmed Watchman Overlook parking lot, with a sea of shivering runners dressed for warmer climes. And now we are off on an absolutely beautiful run!! YOU MUST DO THIS RACE!!
David Weiss from Cleveland, Ohio (8/4/2018) "Spectacular Scenery, difficult but worth it" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Read an article somewhere boasting "15 most difficult marathons in the World"....Crater Lake was listed as #10....; needed Oregon on the way to 50 states so decided to go for it. -appreciated the director emails keeping runners updated about fires in the area and possibility of race being cancelled because of them - at 4am or whatever it was, it was difficult to figure out the right spot to park to catch the bus to the start -SPECTACULAR sunrise and views while waiting for the start...a little chilly waiting, so know that going in -very very tough course, high elevation and lot of ups downs and hilly. Somewhere in those first 10-11 Miles here was about a 5 mile stretch of continuous uphill. The views the entire course, absolutely sublime! Bare bones as far as aid stops, but to be expected. Very tough near end, where you actually go by the finish line at about mile 23ish going downhill, and then that last grueling 1 1/2 Miles is slogging back uphill absolutely exhausted. Brutal, but then so great to get to the finish. Very understated finishline, but that's ok in my book. Thought finishers medal for so tough a race, could've been better. Overall, out of 49 marathons completed for me, it was one of 2-3 most difficult for me (I did #2 on that difficult races list, Pikes Peak, and this race was NOWHERE close to being as difficult as that.) race was well worth it. Spectacular nature.
D. Z. from Pittsburgh, PA (3/27/2016) "Simply Amazing! (and painful!)" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Breathtaking scenery! (but maybe that's a bad thing since the elevation is already doing that?) I've done many marathons, but none more scenic than this one. Depending on your running ability, plan on adding at least an hour to your regular marathon time for this one. The volunteers were very enthusiastic and friendly. One even gave this smelly, sweaty runner a hug a mile 24! That takes guts! Did I mention the views? Very low key start and finish, but appropriate for this race. The only two things that could be improved are the bathrooms need to be opened early at Mazama village. Hard to wait for the buses to the start when it's 40 degrees and nowhere to pee. The other thing would be better finisher medals. I don' necessarily run for the hardware, it's mostly about the experience. Still, considering the difficulty of this race, something a little less generic would be nice. Overall, more than worth the effort and pain for this race! There's nothing else like it!
c. r. from memphis, tn (8/18/2015) "Amazing Scenery, good course, nice people," (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran the half marathon, and it was the most fun and challenge I have had. (raced 10+ halves) The elevation, and hills made it a great challenge. The race was not super organized, but well put together and the water stops and food at the end was quality. Great shirt, great fun, I will go back and do the full marathon! Almost no spectators, except friends/family of the runners
B. C. from Long Island, New York (8/27/2014) "Why not list results of ALL finishers?" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Okay - maybe we aren't the fastest runners on the planet, but why were the times of the last dozen or so finishers of the Crater Lakes Marathon left off the official results page? The finishing clock was still timing, the official took our names and numbers down - but anyone finishing this very challenging marathon after a time of 6:30 was left off the list of finishers. In 2014 that was about a dozen people. And looking at the results of previous years, that seems to be the annual pattern. If someone toughs through this marathon to the end (like the courageous 87-year-old man who finished last - but FINISHED!) , he or she deserves to at least have their name listed on the list of finishers. What would it cost the organizers to type in a few more names and times?
M. C. from San Francisco, CA (8/19/2013) "Challenging! Stunning! Worth it!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The Crater Lake Rim Runs 2013 (I ran the marathon) were graced with perfect weather conditions from pre-race to finish. As for the pre-race morning chill? There may be no better way to spend the last moments before a race than huddling up for warmth on the rim of Crater Lake, watching the blazing sunrise as dozens of marathoners grab a final snack, stretch, warm-up, etc. However, it is a good idea to pack layers to mitigate discomfort from the morning cold. As for the course? It was breathtaking and challenging in nearly equal measure. The entire length presented a variety of challenges (challenging hills, running at elevation, cambered road, and a dusty, moderately technical, insult hill at mile 22). But who cares about the challenging course when you have an environment of such stunning natural beauty to spend your morning running through? For Crater Lake, forget trying to run a PR race, focus instead on establishing a Personal Course Record. I established my PCR this year and I hope to break it at next year's race! Race organization was good enough, though not necessarily on par with other races of this size. I understand that leadership had changed hands this year, so I am hopeful that new blood will lead to a review and update of some of the race organization (web site, communication with runners, clear shuttle service schedule, timely posting of results on web site or via e-mail - & perhaps a new medal design for the bling collectors). As for race support: I have nothing but praise for the many volunteers who graciously refilled my water bottle, rang bells, and offered encouragement. I was always happy to see them! As this race really doesn't afford the best opportunities for throngs of spectators - and it's a small race, in an inspiring location, so why should it? - my above star rating reflects the combination of support/spectators.
C. B. from Arizona (8/12/2013) "Personal" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This event isn't for those who need constant attention. This is a race for those who wish to run a beautiful, natural, scenic course and have the mental fortitude to persevere one haggard course. I read reviews for years about this marathon and hoped it would be a challenge - it lived up to my expectations because I knew what to expect. In my opinion, the volunteers and organizers were flawless. Personal, yet flawless.
S. R. from Washington State (11/30/2012) "Lacking" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Crater Lake Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 This marathon was a disappointment. The lake is beautiful but you can go visit Crater Lake, take a day hike and have a more pleasant experience. The trouble begins before you get to the course because the website is so vague about getting to the start. There really isn't much in the way of places to stay nearby unless you are booked at the National Park so for us that meant a two hour drive the morning of the event from Bend, after driving five hours to get to Bend the day before. That coupled with confusing instructions sent in the mail made simply getting to the start more stressful than it needed to be. While the site provides an elevation profile of the course, it fails to mention the roads are canted pretty much the whole time for the first 20 miles. The line about gatorade at the aid stations is laughable. It's more like water, and tinted water. All that was available at the finish was a can of pepsi and a slice of water melon. The medal looks like something out of a gumball machine. The shirts are cotton and with a cheesy, iron on looking print. For what is being charged and for the effort it requires to even show up (let alone finish) this run, people who make the trip deserve better. I won't hit them for lack of crowd support, you can't expect that here. The volunteers are great. Lord knows how long their day must have been to set up a remote course. The organizers however, need to either step up their efforts for the runners or, if they are burned out, hand over the reigns to somebody else.

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Marathon Details - Crater Lake Marathon