Crater Lake Marathon - Race Reviews

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

Like many of the other posts clearly say, you will likely not PR here, it's a challenging 26.2 miles, between the elevation and the hills. But the views are worth the suffering. I recently moved to southern Oregon, so am just starting to enjoy the beauty of this part of the country, and Crater Lake is among the most spectacular places I've been. There was still snow around the road (even in august) and it was actually cold at the start (in the best of ways). The volunteers were great. The only suggestion I would make is put a few more bathrooms (although I understand the logistics may be difficult). Otherwise, I give this race the highest of marks and STRONGLY recommend everyone that is thinking about it run it. I know I'll be back next year (with hopes of beating my time from this year).

If you are looking for a PR, this is not for you. I had also never camped prior to a marathon but I was surprisingly well rested. This course is tough but the view is worth it. Sure, you are running on the highway going around CL and at times, you will not be able to see it, but to the smell of the trees, the fresh air, and the changing scenery are well worth it. The spur out of Cloudcap was breath taking and not all due to the elevation. Volunteers are great. I felt like I was an Olympic champion. They even thanked me for running so they could be outside helping! A bit more description about how family can meet you would be helpful but otherwise a well run event. I loved the no frill! At the end of the race - soda, watermelon (super yummy), and bagel/cream cheese. Perfect for the day and recovery. I gave the spectators a 5 because in this event the spectators are the myrid of trees, the birds, squirrels, and of course the random road bike guy who is loving the course with one way traffic. No need for bands every mile. A huge SHOUT out to the NPS for allowing this. Thanks! I don't care about the quality of the medal or the shirt - I got to run around Crater Lake! I would do this event again.

You will not run a PR here and you won't see people lining the course, but if you want to run a highly challenging and incredibly scenic marathon, this one should be high on your list. The race starts at 7400 feet and, although there is a net elevation drop of some 1500 feet, you will climb over 3500 feet along the way! Just when you think you have crested the last of the hills and are enjoying the downhill from 15 to 22, there is one last 2 mile climb on sandy trails to test your meddle. The volunteers are awesome and race director Bob runs this as a low key, friendly, no frills event.

My wife and I ran the marathon. We have run all the events twice in the past seven years. The course is beautiful and very hard. Both good things in my book. Crater Lake is a marathon you can brag about and whenever you look at the profile of any other marathon it looks like a piece of cake. Volunteers were engaged and helpful. On the negative side the run seems dated. The web site gave very little useful information and was not updated. The metals were the same old cheap boring metals. No marathon souvenirs were available. When you run Crater Lake you want to commemorate the experience. People come from all over the country to have the Crater Lake Marathon experience. No race photographer! Same old cotton shirt. In general, great local race on an amazing course with wonderful volunteers but the race needs to come of age.

Having lived in Oregon most of my life, I have visited Crater Lake many times but I have never driven around the rim. This race gave me the opportunity to view the lake in all its majesty at a slow, leisurely pace. The magnificent views took the pain away and I ran with a smile on my face the entire way. I went into the race knowing it may be the toughest marathon I will ever run, so I took my camera and stopped to take pictures along the way. I finished 30 minutes ahead of my goal and I will recommend this marathon to every runner I meet. I've checked this one off of my "bucket list"; I hope you do too. Definitely worth doing more than once.

After getting into running only a year before this race, I had been looking forward to running this marathon since this is basically my "hometown" marathon. Last time I visited Crater Lake was when I was 6, so seeing the park at 24 allowed me to understand how beautiful the place is. Only downside is the lack of food/energy GU shots at the aid stations. Most people may not know this but with the weekend that this marathon falls on the Perseid meteor shower is in full effect. This made for a nice drive into the park seeing some meteors overheard. This was my toughest marathon so far, especially the 2.2-mile climb before turning back to the finish. But this marathon was also the most satisfying when I finished.

The course was tough and absolutely beautiful. There were not many spectators, but that made it even more of a treat, as we ran as pure runners. The medal is simple and plain, and the shirt is good. It has some of the best views of any marathon....

I absolutely loved this marathon! Wow, a tough course but a great, scenic and spiritual experience that I will never forget! The course has lots of views of Crater Lake along the rim. Smoke from the extreme Northern California fires this year blew up to Oregon and Crater Lake. I was amazed how thick the smoke was when I drove through Oregon to Crater Lake from San Francisco the day before the race. It was so thick that you could hardly see Crater Lake at the rim the night before the race. Runners were so lucky that the wind shifted the night before the race, and by morning it was hazy but not really bad. There were lots of views from the rim that were awesome! This was a marathon that I wanted to do for the past ten years and I was so thrilled to cross the finish line. The volunteers were extremely enthusiastic and the opportunity to run through a gorgeous national park and the roads completely closed to traffic is an experience I will never forget. The butterfly migration was incredible. Kudos to the organizers and the National Park Service for allowing a group of runners to enjoy such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The director of the race was awesome. If you want a pure marathon experience, this is a must-do - at least once! You will not regret it! Train hard and go for it!

I will start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of this race, and although I was disappointed by the layout of course itself, I still think this is worth the trip. While you may be envisioning a grand tour of the crater rim, with unending views of blue lake and sky, for the most part there are only a few (although extremely breathtaking) quality views of the lake. The rest of the course is run down often heavily-wooded service roads in the National Park. In addition, these roads have serious sharp-angled embankments at times, to the point where you feel like your one foot is a few inches lower than your other. You cannot prepare yourself for the experience of running up the midpoint and 22 mile hills, even if you think you know what you're getting yourself into. They're TOUGH, but you'll find a way through it if you've come all this way.... There are very few spectators, so don't count on that. Water stations are readily available and miles are clearly marked, although I am certain a few were out of place. So with all that said, here's why I still think this is a great race to run: - The organization is well done, and the volunteers clearly take pride in offering a good race experience. - Not every course should be a chance for a PR. We flatland-loving marathoners need a good slap in the face once in a while to keep us humble, while reminding us what a special thing it is we're doing. - If you're going to have only a day in your life Oregon, then this is the one place I think you should be. It is a fantastic national park and an amazing site to see. We spent several hours touring the crater rim after the race was over, and the views were much better in the afternoon than in the morning, due to the early morning haze. - A small crowd of runners that enjoy - wait for it - running! No one shows up to this thing for the fancy medal or the t-shirt. This was my Oregon race for my 50-states goal and I would recommend it as everyone's. If you don't mind a six- or seven-hour drive the day before and after, you can spend time in Portland or San Fran too....

Great marathon to bring the family along and see the sites. It's a small marathon (about 100 people in the full marathon, 400 more in the accompanying 13- or 6.7-mile races). Things to note: each of the 3 races share a start line but have separate finish areas and it's tough if not impossible for someone running the 6.7 or 13 to run and then go over to see the marathon finish. All of the 6.7 and 13 milers are on paved roads, and only the last 4 of the marathon are on dirt. You're bused to the start and from the finish back to one of the two villages. Finish line for marathon was in a campground with very few spectators and just warm water, Gatorade, and watermelon. After the marathon you have to stand around and wait for a bus to fill up to leave, which can be a long wait. There is no expo or check-in - they mail you your number and give shirts at the finish. The medal is pretty cheap/unattractive. The course is tough. The elevation, 5800 to 7800 feet, is noticeable but still allows you to run. The hills are brutal. The first 8 miles aren't bad, but after that there's a 6-mile-long hill. It's not overly steep, but it goes on endlessly and really saps your strength. There are some steep downhills after that and you can get moving pretty well if your legs will allow. The last 4 miles are an out and back on a dirt road - 2 miles up, and 2 miles down a winding, somewhat steep hill. It's a real sole-crusher. The weather is usually cool and dry. I recommend this marathon for the scenery, relaxed atmosphere, and challenge. If you're looking for a fast course and spectators, you won't find that here.

The course is amazing. I was glad I had arrived a few days early (from FL) to acclimatize and learn how to breathe at 8,000 feet! I believe that if I hadn't seen Crater Lake before the race, I simply would have stopped running to stare at the beauty all around me. The hills were challenging for this flatlander - there were virtually no flats; it was all ups and downs. The volunteers were attentive and helpful at the aid stations and throughout the race. Mile markers seemed to be off a bit, which didn't bother me until I reached mile 26. I swear it was a half mile to do that last .2, but maybe that was just me! The 3 big hills were killer (put Heartbreak to shame). The 2-mile, off-road, 500' elevation gain beginning at mile 22 made me dig deep. It was the 2 miles back down though that were even more remarkable - as my quads reminded me a day or two after the marathon... (but I'd do it again in a heartbeat).

This is a great marathon due to the course. The volunteers are also extremely pleasant. Some updating would be nice, such as energy gels at the aid stations, a better post-race spread (only watermelon and bagels) and post-race transportation plan. If you finish near the top, you have to wait an hour or two before the bus hauls you back to your car. If you care about T-shirts, medals and awards, you will likely be disappointed. It's a great small-town marathon and one I'd do again.

Crater Lake Rim Runs is the most challenging, most difficult marathon course I've attempted. From the perspective of a Floridian, there is no flat; it's all sharply up or sharply down. But two things more than make up for that. First, this course is as scenic as I've had the privilege to drink in. The course allows numerous views of Crater Lake, which is uncommonly beautiful. Second, the race staff and volunteers showed me the ultimate in patience, encouragement, and care. (I must insert here that I finished last, and nearly 30 minutes behind the next to last person.) My thanks go to race director Bob Freirich; the courteous paramedics who gave me supplies on the course; the man at about mile 21 who walked with me with a second cup of water; the couple in the sag wagon who never rushed me; the lady in the straw hat at mile 22 who also walked with me with a second cup of water, and offered encouragement in the face of my big lag behind the next participant; the gentleman who patiently waited at the mile 24.3(?) turnaround for me and cheerfully reported that I was on my way back down to the finish; and, last but not least, the volunteers at the finish who treated me as if I had won. I've never received such generosity of spirit from a race team.

With all the great trail runs out there these days, it takes something special to get me to do a road marathon. This one is something special. The scenery is gorgeous - truly spectacular - and the course is closed to vehicular traffic (except for race vehicles) so you can actually enjoy the scenery without worrying about your safety or having to breathe car fumes. The race organization was, admittedly, awful, and there was no food or gel at any of the aid stations. But for me, the scenery more than made up for it. If you want a fast, flat well-organized run with lots of spectators, this is not the race for you. But if you want a challenging road run with spectacular scenery, you won't do better than this one.

Well, after saying this is a crappy race, I have to say I'm very pleased with the race organizer taking the time to look for my lost sweatshirt. He not only found it but mailed it back! I'm very happy & will do this race again!!!!

Considering the potential this race has, the organizers can do so much more to make it a destination race. I was not running with blinders on...for the most part, it felt like I was on a regular training run & I couldn't tell there was a majestic lake on the other side of the hill. Of course, the hill can't be moved. It's better to visit that to race it. Also, as a die-hard runner/racer, get the mile markers right!

Great, must-do race if you like tough, scenic marathons. Tough course: thin air (5980-7850') and 3 big climbs: a short one, a long one, and a brutal one (2-miles up 500' at mile 22). But hey, marathons aren't supposed to be easy, are they? I love quiet, low-key marathons like this (not the chaos of big-city crowds, traffic, and noise). This was worth all the time, money, and training to get here and do well. It felt absolutely great! I found a couple MM to be off, but the course is so hilly and high, you can't run based on your watch anyway. The hills and thin air alone make your splits erratic. I was handed Gatorade at every aid station in the marathon. At the end, it was relaxing to wait a bit as we chatted and took turns sitting in a cold, mountain stream. All my pre- and post-race emails were answered. I couldn't be more inspired by the incredible scenery. This is one gorgeous place and I'm already making plans to return. It's amazing that the NPS closes the main road through this park on a Saturday during the peak of tourist season so we can run carefree around the lake. Kudos to everyone who made this a great event. Thanks for special ordering perfect weather (40s and breezy at the start; 60s and sunny at the finish)!

First of all, I would like to compliment the race director, Bob, for covering my entry fee. I had entered the marathon race twice previously, but never ran due to military commitments. (The field is limited to 500 runners for all three events, (6.7-mile, half and full marathons), so one has to enter early. I was honored that he covered my entry, and I recommend you consider this race seriously as there are few race directors out there like that. The course is challenging and accurately described by others. It is also extremely aesthetically pleasing/scenic and your views are earned. I am in diagreement with the runner that expected to see views of the immediate rim and lake the whole run. First of all, due to the nature of Crater Lake's Rim Road, that's impossible. Secondly, did he have a blindfold on, or did he not like 500 year-old Douglas Fir trees in the Willamette forest of the Cascade Mountains, which could be seen extending for what seemed like one hundred miles in the almost limitless visibility? As to spectating, my brother was able to view the race from the 19-mile point - this is one of the few small sections where marathon runners can be observed on-course as it's presently designed. I found the last 4 miles to be a true test of will, since the 22.2-mile point is co-located with the finish line. Running past others who had finished long before was pretty crushing, knowing a very difficult 4 miles remained. The pre-race informational flyer was accurate, and I expected watermelon and Pepsi products, but probably not in such genrous portions! Speaking with past participants, huge strides have been made on the (cotton) shirt which was a gorgeous blue, and complimented well the lake pictured on it. Considering what a challenging accomplishment it was, the medal was disappointing. It is a slightly larger than a 50-cent piece, flanked by stars, with a sticker denoting the 31st Crater Lake Rim runs on the front. Runners of all distances receive the same medal (front) - with a small plaque on the back which distinguished the marathon.

The scenery takes your breath away! Or is it the 6,000 to 8,000 feet of altitude? Or is it the l-o-n-g climbs? The course is both beautiful and challenging. My wife and I are glad we did it! This could be a fabulous race if the organizers paid more attention to details. The website was out of date (2005 info). The elevation profile omitted several hills and distances were not accurate (unless the 'out' portion of an out-and-back is 1/2 mile longer than the 'back'). Mile markers were just plain unreliable. Shuttle bus 'assignments' were not enforced. There were no fruit or gel shots on the course. The absolute 5 1/2 hour time limit (which caused some friends to cancel) was ignored. The awards 'ceremony' started before most winners finished. Baggage was left unsecured in a public area. The results don't show age groups or sex, just overall. Spectators? The roads were closed, so there were was no one but the wonderful volunteers.

Being a first-timer, my conclusion was disappointment. After all the hype about the scenery, challenging course and fun, I came away disappointed. I ran the half & these are my comments: -The mile markers were small orange cones w/ tiny numbers on them. -Speaking of mile markers, they were off by maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 mile! I'd run a 7:15 one mile then drop to 9-10 min/mile pace! I ran the uphill mile #13 in 8:39 when I'd run the previous flatter mile in 10 min. -The organizers probably can't do anything about this but lots of waiting at the finish and for the results. Only watermelon, Gatorade & water available. -At a water station, the runners had to reach for the water cups sitting on the table instead of someone handing it to you. When you're racing, this is incovenient. -The bus ride back took forever! Prepare for a 15-mile bus ride back and also plan on losing your warm-up clothing. -Pre-race emails were never returned. -Post-race emails have not been returned. -If I run this again, I'll run the 6.7. Less waiting, feels more like a race & more spectator-friendly. -The scenery is over-hyped. For most of the course, there is a hill that comes between the lake & the course but once in awhile you'll catch a glimpse of the lake. It's better to just visit than to race if you want to enjoy the scenery.

If you are going to do this race, please read the comments of other racers. They are very helpful. Notably: 1. It is cold at the start 2. No Gu along the race, and the Gatorade is watered down. Bring some Gu. 3. It is rarely flat. Six miles uphill followed by sox miles downhill. Combined with the altitude, expect to walk a good bit and add 45 minutes or so to your normal time. 4. The camber of the road can be tough on the feet. 5. Zero spectators. 6. Top-notch mind-blowing scenery. In general, this shouldn't be your first marathon, but it is well worth the trip. Food and lodging are limited around the park. I would recommend eating at the new Annie Creek Restaurant near the south entrance and village. They have an all-you-can-eat pasta buffet. Also, we stayed at Wilson's Cottages, a mere 15 minutes from the village, and there were still rooms available. I would recommend checking it out.

I ran this marathon again after 13 years. I had forgotten how tough the hills were. Probably a good thing. Its a very beautiful course, breathtaking. The aid stations are plentiful and everyone is very friendly. I would expect this marathon to take most people about 40 minutes more than they are used to. I ran with a GPS this year, the cones were off a little at times, but at 6.7, 13.0 and 26.2 that part is perfect. Mile 12 cone was at mile 12.3 but 13.0 came up at the right place, so you get to feel fast for mile 13. The cone for mile 24 had been moved up the hill a bit, so the uphill mile seemed to go on forever, but mile 25 came up quicker so it ended up okay. I would recommend this run for anyone who enjoys marathons and wants a view that can't be beat. When you get your medal from this event, it means more because after 26.2 miles of Crater Lake, you've definitely earned it.

I ran the 2006 Crater Lake Marathon yesterday... what a gorgeous route... incredible scenery... but so challenging... miles 10-14 are straight up forever!!! There is a 1,000-foot gain over winding roads... then 14-22 are straight down!!!! But then come the killer miles - 22-24 are straight up a dirt road. I almost gave up with about a tenth of a mile to go on the incline, and then I saw the top and the aid station. The last two miles are all downhill - so tough. Only the tough do the marathon. You will hate it, love it; hurt from total pain and exhaustion; and revel in the victory of finishing. Add 40 minutes to your best marathon - loved it (especially when I finished)... go for it. They have great volunteers, aid stations every two miles with Gatorade and water (every mile the last 6), no spectators (none), the course is closed to the public and virtually impossible to watch anywhere except the finish, but no spectators are needed for this gorgeous battle. There are only pop and watermelon at the finish line. This race is spiritually and physically humbling and exhilarating....

This was my third marathon, and my goodness was it difficult. After a short incline over the course of the first mile, it is mostly downhill until about mile 8.5, where you begin a brutal 1,200-foot climb over the course of 6 miles. This is by far the toughest part of any race I have ever done. However, the good news is that most of the second half is run at a steep decline, although this can sure do a number on your quads. Miles 22.5-24.5 are extremely challenging as well, as you climb 470 ft. on dirt. This race was about as difficult as a marathon could possibly be, yet it was a wonderful race. Although you are required to stay at least an hour away in Klamath Falls, it is definitely worth the drive. I came down from Seattle the day before and was pretty sick of driving by the time we got there, but the race sure made up for it. All of the volunteers were extremely helpful, happy, encouraging, and excited to be out there helping the runners. It was as if they kind of felt what we were going through, and tried to do everything they could to make it easier for us. At the final turn-around point at mile 24.5, one of the volunteers making sure we completed the turn-around gave me his water bottle because I looked tired. It was incredible! It was exactly what I needed! The park rangers did allow cars on the course for short intervals during the race, which was fine, because the cars did an excellent job of staying out of the way, driving slowly, and stopping if need be. It was a chilly start, about 44 degrees, which can be somewhat of a shock to your system in August when you aren't expecting it. However, it warmed up and was nearly perfect during the course of the race, about 55 degrees or so. My only two complaints are that the post-race spread was nothing to jump up and down about (which isn't a big deal to me since I can't eat for a few hours after a race anyway, but to some runners this is a very important part of deciding whether or not to do a race) and the t-shirts were cotton.... Oh well, this was a great race and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a challenge, as well as some great scenery.

Being my first marathon at Crater Lake, I thought it unusual that there were so many repeat runners there. I understood why by the end of the race. Only the bravest and toughest go there. The sense of accomplishment was so rewarding. I counted myself fortunate to be numbered with such elite athletes. Some were the kind you read about in magazines. Others were just every-day people. What an honor. I wish to do it again. I expected huge challenge from the altitude; it effected me but little. I felt that the thin air was as much an asset as a challenge. I noticed that there was less air resistance. It makes a difference over 26 miles. I trained on much smaller hills for the two months previous, and it greatly helped. The sponsors and volunteers were the real heroes. Aid stations were excellent. The registration price was amazingly cheap. God bless you all. I would recommend any seasoned runner to treat his or her self and try this one. Brent Fitzgerald From the low flat lands

This was my 70th marathon and my most difficult so far. It's not a good marathon for first-timers; I recommend having a few marathons under your belt before you tackle this one. It's at altitude and has long vertical inclines. I was running up Greyback Ridge (miles 22-24) and was passed by several walkers, which was a humbling experience. I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really there at the start line at the Watchman; it really was that inspiring. And the scenery throughout Crater Lake National Park was simply breathtaking. This was a fantastic race and I would consider running it again.

This really is way gorgeous, as well a great excuse to see one of our great national parks. I run lots of trail ultras, so thought the hills would be nothing, but combined with the altitude, this was one very tough race (I was 40 minutes over my PR). Even walking up most of the final hill, my head felt like it would explode from the pounding. My wife had a great time waiting with our baby near the finish line hanging out with a very friendly and fun spectator crowd and staff.