This was a great marathon, my 90th. The scenery lived up to expectations, but I would have liked a wind-shirt that fits me. I took an XS and it was far too big, and I am an average-size female. At an expensive race, I would have liked something better.

However, the marathon was what I traveled from Australia for, not the shirt, and it was memorable. I didn't expect the huge climb at mile 15, and it was quite an experience, and so was the sight of those elite half-marathoners skipping up the hill as if it were easy peasy.

I stayed at Mont Bleu because I didn't like the reviews I read of Horizon. Mont Bleu is just as convenient, not too expensive, and my room was great. I got the shuttle van to and from Reno Airport. The only problem was arriving at Reno at the same time as the Street Vibrations Harley Davidson festival, so the place was jam packed with bikers - not the best way to see a place. I was going to stay a night in Reno but I packed up again and shot through to Tahoe straight away. Marathon runners should be made aware of this clash of events.

Course:
Very scenic; be ready for tough climbs and altitude if your coming from sea level. Awesome views of the Lake.

Organization:
Great aid stations.The crowded start and finish area really needs to be moved to the street for the beginning. It was almost dangerous.

Excellent aid stations with outstanding themes. The finish needs more stuff at the corral - a cup of water or two. Come on, people; give out H20 bottles. We runners are green and will recycle them. There may have been more stuff on the beach, but my legs did NOT want to walk around.

Spectators:
They were good to go where they were, but very sparse in many areas.

This is NOT A PR marathon or a must-do, but it is a good event with lots of accommodations in the area and things for the family/friends to do.

Yes,I would run this event again. I give it a B (84 points out of a 100).

This marathon is a great California marathon, and it's really scenic. I would definitely run this marathon again and again. I never get tired of it. The support is great! Train for altitude and enjoy the scenery.

This was on my list of marathons to complete and it lived up to my expectations. Lake Tahoe is amazing and the mountains are spectacular. The packet pickup was a bit confusing and super crowded. Excellent support at the water stops. The weather was beautiful and the post-race party at the lake was an event I hope I never forget.

The scenery was FANTASTIC! Definitely the most beautiful course I've done. I am a 6+-hour marathoner, I was disappointed that the course was opened to traffic about 6 hours in. This despite the advertisement that the course was open for 7 hours. The last 1 - 2 miles was a descent on a narrow road with little to no shoulder. Dangerous! Especially with oncoming traffic.

My wife and I traveled from Australia and ran the half-marathon. We had a great time, even though I was glad to see the finish when it finally came. It was a challenging and memorable course, with a friendly atmosphere. We camped at Camp Richardson, which was perfect. Thanks for some great memories.

Very tough course. Beautiful scenery.
Nice people at the water stations.

This was the most beautiful run. I was nervous because it was my first marathon, and when I told people about it, I was told this will be a tough one. But the beauty of the mountains and the view of lake Tahoe seem to help me forget the big hills. Thank you, Chelsea and Hailey, for running my first marathon with me. I love you girls, and congratulations in getting first place in your divisions. Thanks to Les for telling me eight months ago on the phone that I could run this marathon even if it was my first - you really inspired me. We will be back next year. Congrats to the three-day marathon runners!!!

I try to not miss this because it really is a beautiful and rejuvenating walk/run. It is also well organized and pleasant. If you have to choose just one, make this that one.

I've run many marathons and this is by far the most beautiful I have ever run. The course is challenging, but well worth the effort. As I ran around Emerald Bay, "Up to the Mountain" by Patty Griffin just happened to come on my iPod. The scenery, the music, the exhilaration of running - it was one of the most moving experiences I've ever felt. If I had to pick my all-time favorite marathon, this would be it.