Lake Tahoe Marathon - Race Reviews

I decided to run the LTM after reading positive reviews online, but I have to say that I was super disappointed. It started with poor communications: an outdated website and long, rambling emails with details for the weekend's various events all smashed together in a bulleted list. When they failed to apply for road closure permits in time and had to cancel the Saturday and Sunday races (with a revised course on Sunday), their outdated server didn't reach gmail accounts until 11:45 pm on Friday. Worse yet, what was supposed to be a scenic run around the lake turned into a series of out-and-backs on SLT's public bike trails, shopping areas, and housing developments (not at all scenic). There were no port-a-potties except about 10 at the start line (shared by ALL of the weekend's races), minimal race-appropriate fuel at the aid stations (even though the volunteers were super sweet), and then a party-size bowl of pretzels at the finish line (unless you wanted to drop more cash at the vendors). The swag was also pretty sad. Prior years' cool duffels have been replaced by cheap string backpacks, and they ran out of race-specific swag finish line. This was just such an all-around disappointment. I think it was a great race in prior years, but this year was a total flop. I get that the permit issue was a huge wrench, but Les also never took accountability, and instead lambasted Caltrans in all of his communications. Given all of the other chaos of the weekend, you can't blame the state for everything.

This year was a little different with the road closures. Les did a great job keeping everyone notified and he was flexible with the resolution proposed by the ultra runners. We don't run Tahoe to be fast, we run it for the gorgeous scenery and the awesome people. We are definitely coming back in 2018. Thanks. Eric and Jen Johnson

The course was absolutely gorgeous, aid stations were plentiful and had great people working them, and everything felt very organized. But for the machine glitch, causing results to be delayed, everything was perfect.

I can't say enough good things about Les and the Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend. Obviously, the setting is unbelievably gorgeous, but the whole run has a nice small town feel. The swag is awesome, it is well organized, and the people are super friendly. We make the trek out there from Minneapolis- this will be out 7th year. Wonderful run, well worth the trip.

I ran this race primarily because of its location: it sports a beautiful course and I needed to run a race in California. That being said, the event didn't let me down. This is probably one of the prettiest courses I've run on. Organization was fantastic. The buses were on time and there were ample bathrooms at the start. Race director's emails were entertaining and informative. The race is a small affair for marathoners, so it has a cozy feel. Course support was better than expected: I found aid stations more often than advertised (every 2 miles but they were closer to every mile or so). They were all amply stocked with hydration and happy volunteers (who deserve massive praise). I wasn't terribly pleased with the sports drink (Ultima). It lacked calories and wasn't my favorite taste. I got used to it though. Pack your own gels. There are some spectators on the course but there isn't massive amounts of them as you would expect at a major event. I did receive encouragement from way more people than I expected though. The course is absolutely stunning. I found myself stopping and taking an occasional picture of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. The course is challenging  with the altitude and the rolling hills. My gripe about the course though is that there was some traffic when marathoners caught up with the half marathon walkers. I didn't lose any time here but there were more people at the end of the race. Also the final miles are along the main drag of town. You are running by driveway entrances to businesses. I had a time or two where I had to double check to make sure a car was going to let me cross. Many of the major intersections were manned by volunteers or police. Mile markers were also fairly accurate, up until the last mile or so. Props also for the free race photos. I would recommend this race to others. The course isn't fast but the scenery certainly makes up for it.

The course is great with rolling hills and SPECTACULAR scenery. Organization is exceptional - easy and convenient packet pickup as well as simple, well organized transportation to the start. I thought I'd be alone for most of the course, but there were plenty of other runners, spectators and very well-manned aid stations. The finishers medal is GREAT! I love it! The race director was very informative prior to the race and responsive to my communications after the race. This race is now one of my favorites and I wish I lived close enough to run it every year!

Location, course and organization make this to one of my favorite running events worldwide. The new course, ending on Sunday at South Lake Tahoe City was a great improvement.

This was my third LTM and 2015 was the best yet!!! The course was tricky this year with the 'start' set out a bit further making the inclines closer. I went out a too fast and my finish was not as strong as I wanted, but the finish was good and the party at the end was GREAT!! It was still my best time of the three LTM's. Thank you Les!

1st time running in Tahoe and my 1st Trifecta. Feel proud! and awesome!. The medals are the another highlight to display in my showcase. My wife did 2 half marathon and my daughter first Pumpkin Fun Run. So far my best course in my total running events.

I had a wonderful time, but being from a sea level flat land training location, I was not ready for this beautiful race. It was tough and rewarding. A must do for runners who desire a challenge.

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite marathons. The course travels through a natural setting that blows you away with every glance. I love the greenness everywhere, small streams that we cross over, the tall trees, and sweeping views. And when you finally make the climb up the hill from Hell and enter Emerald Bay, the experience is surreal with its vastness and beauty. All of the aid stations add to the overall experience. They are well prepared and very attentive. I love that they are staffed by kids who energize you with their enthusiasm. Thank you for putting together such a memorable event. I hope to run it every year!

This was a very enjoyable marathon. The first 19 miles were gorgeous but the last 7 wind their way through normal urban sprawl in South Lake Tahoe (sprawl with mountains behind them to be sure but sprawl nonetheless). The organizer and organization was great. His flurry of emails for the C+ students with never ending direction were a welcome source of amusement as the day approached. There are not many people up there this time of year so don't expect huge fan support and if you happen to be running past the cars being held up for the start of the half marathon, be ready for some not so nice comments but you can live with that. Next year I am aiming to do the triple (they have a marathon scheduled each day Friday, Saturday and Sunday allowing you to circumnavigate the lake).

This Marathon course and weekend were absolutely beautiful. From the organized and funny race director to the great volunteers at aid stations to the absolutely fabulous course, I would highly recommend this event! I only graded spectators a 2 because most of the course was a 'closed course' and there weren't many areas for spectators to gather. This event weekend is a 5 star in my mind!

Great Time.

Was everything perfect? No Did I expect perfection? No Did I have a wonderful time? Absolutely!

This was my first time running this race. The course had beautiful scenery and was challenging. I enjoyed the gentle slope of the inclines with the quad burning downhill into South Shore. This was a well organized race with plenty of aid along the way. Definitely a do again.

I have run 20 marathons in various states and the Tahoe Marathon is one of my favorites. It offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe on a challenging but fun course, extremely friendly support crew, and a well organized post race venue on the beach. I highly recommend this event to locals and those visiting the Tahoe area.

I would like to first thank the race director and all the volunteers. They were very hospitable and made the entire experience enjoyable. I'll agree the organization wasn't up to par with major marathons but I ran the race for the course itself and if there's a more scenic race in this country, I haven't seen it. The start began as the sun began peaking the mountains which made for a beautiful start. Yes, the sprinklers went off but I simply stayed away from them. No big deal. The early miles were fairly flat and not of concern. They were just filled with Lake Tahoe beauty. The hills past mile 14 were a challenge, no, let me correct myself, they were BRUTAL but they shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. I think there were enough water stops, even for a high altitude race. The volunteers holding down the stations were great. I was surprised to have to run on the shoulder of the road as we were told the lane we'd be running on would be closed. Not a huge deal because the race is small and the runners spread out very quickly. The last couple miles on the bike path were a little irritating. You had to compete with morning walkers, hikers and families out for a Sunday bike ride. Not really something I look forward to from mile 24-26. Still, not a huge deal as this isn't a PR course. The Expo - nice shirt, duffle bag and they had a lot of 'vintage' stuff from past races and were selling it dirt cheap. The host hotel was very expensive but fortunately, the South Tahoe area is filled with options if you take the time to investigate. The finisher's medal is very nice. Looking back, I'll probably never run this race again as it's a trip half way across the country but it was a bucket list race for me. The course will likely always be one of my favorites! Thanks Tahoe.

This was my 34th marathon in 12 years. Worst organization ever!! After 4 days, still no results have been posted, nobody knows who won the event, and runners are wondering in what position they finished. No bid number pick-up available on the race day, even if the event is quite small (<400 people). Starting line was in a field, where sprinklers were working non stop, and most of the runners got wet. Nice, considering the terrible draught we are in...Finish line was chaotic, with marathoners, 1/2 marathoners and 10k runners finishing at the same time. Logistic is complex, as every runner has to take shuttles to starting line and from finish line (impossible to park your car). Beautiful views on the lake, and very nice volunteers, but next year, please try to resolve some of the issues runners have to face, or the number of participant will drop even further. Thanks

I know Tahoe well and was drawn to this race by the opportunity to run around Emerald Bay with no car traffic. Anyone coming to Tahoe for the first time might not appreciate how special that is. I did the early-start, which had only about 50 runner/walkers. What I haven't seen mentioned is that even the regular-start marathon doesn't have a lot of runners - fewer than 400, I think. As far as I was concerned, I liked not being part of a mass of people. Finally, I will mention that you're not limited to staying on South Shore near the expo/hotel and catching the (very early) shuttle to the start line. You can also stay on the North Shore nearer the start line and not have to wake up as early before the race. They offer shuttles back to the start line after the race in addition to those back to South Shore locations. Check the shuttle schedule against your predicted race time. I think some depart late enough to accommodate even the slowest runners.

A very scenic course around Lake Tahoe. Not one to do for time, but to just experience it. Very hilly. Bring a camera with you for some gorgeous scenery. The aid stations have some of the best volunteers around. Saw one of the best sunrises I have ever seen at the start of the race in Tahoe City, overlooking the Lake as a bagpiper was playing. WOW! Most people who run this come from sea level, so don't let the altitude scare you. Just go a bit slower and enjoy! Kudos to Les Wright and his crew!

This was a unique, beautiful race, although I think potential marathoners should be aware of a few things (noted below). Probably the best part of the marathon is the unique running culture of the entire weekend. Partly because there are so many events over the weekend, partly because the race director is fantastic, and partly because it is a remote, destination marathon, the experience is incredibly memorable and enjoyable. The vast majority of runners are out-of-towners, so you'll meet some great running enthusiasts in a location where most, if not all, participants are in good spirits and on vacation. The medal is really cool with an image of Lake Tahoe, the host hotel is excellent and in the center of South Lake Tahoe, the expo is conveniently located at the host hotel, and shuttles drop you off at the start lines and bring you back from the finish line to the host hotel. I had no experience running at high elevations but did not discern any difficulties, although my time was significantly slower than previous races. Note this is a tough course with two very large hills at miles 15 and 19. I actually found the last four miles to be the least hospitable because the beautiful scenery ends and you run in what looked like a straw field and had no spectators. I think the website needs a lot of improvement; even though it contains the necessary information, it's diffused over so many pages and links, it's difficult to find (although again really appreciated the course director's help!). I came from New York and unfortunately there are no direct flights to Reno, so the trip may take East Coast folks a while. Finally, I would have liked to have known that the shuttle to the start line is about an 1 hr and 15 minutes. Overall, I had an awesome experience! The hills are worth it for the scenery and you'll have a lasting memory of a location distinct from the more common urban marathons.

This was my first full marathon though I have run the half twice before. The organization is outstanding, particularly given the sheer number of events taking place over the weekend. Fans are few and can be far between but very enthusiastic. The course is breathtaking and beautiful with a relatively easy flat start from Tahoe City to about Meeks Bay. The course then becomes quite steep which affords tremendous views of the lake. The last 3 miles or so are also pretty flat, good for a last burst if the hills have left you with any energy. Very friendly vibe throughout, lots of aid stations and cheerful volunteers (I'll never forget a hs orchestra at Vikingsholm at e top of a grade playing Led Zeppelin's Kashmir last year). My only complaint is that the post race food is a little scant. Looking forward to running this event as long as I am able!

If you are looking to run a true 'Destination Marathon', this is the race for you. The course for the Sunday marathon starts in Tahoe City and goes straight south on highway 89 to South Lake Tahoe. The views on the course are stunning during miles 19-22. The course follows Emerald Bay with absolutely spectacular views. The course is not a PR course by any means. The starting elevation is 6200 feet with a climb of over 600 feet during the race, including 500 feet climb in miles 16-18. At the top of the final climb, a bagpiper is playing for all the runners. Race Director Les Wright does a great job of juggling numerous events over three days. Very good organization during the check-in and race day. This is a very challenging course but worth it. I am a from the midwest who did no training at elevation. Expect to run slower than normal but the views on the course are worth it.

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places I have ever laid my eyes on. I didn't expect to make a PR; at an average altitude of 6500 feet, including a 'hill from hell' that steadily and unrelentingly climbs to over 7000 feet, my goal was just to not run out of air. The priorities of the organizers were problematic; I was told by a friend that getting on the bus to the start line was chaotic. And the start line was merely a chalk line on the pathway and a traffic cone! Skip the license plate holder next time guys, and yet another duffel bag, and give me a good experience - including more protection from traffic in the first half of the run.

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:13:26. The Lake Tahoe Marathon was my twenty-second 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: starting temperature of approximately 46 degrees with 70 percent relative humidity (decreasing rapidly), 6 mph wind from the SW, and cloudy. We started at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. At 7 am, Ring Master Les Wright (no relation) started the race with a shot from his rifle and the bagpiper sent us on our way. We alternated between SR-89 and the lakeside bike path for the first eight-plus miles traveling southbound on the west side of the lake in Placer County. As such, we had many views of the lake and we even had the opportunity to cool off in it; in fact, one barefoot runner did exactly that! Relatively flat here. As we entered El Dorado County near mile 9, we remained on SR-89 for the next 14 miles. We encountered more noticeable inclines and declines although none were of significant duration. Lakefront changed to forest for a while as we set foot into Ed Zberg Sugar Pine Point State Park, but we had another opportunity to see big water, as the Washoe referred to it, at mile 11 as we entered Meeks Bay. Leaving Rubicon Bay at mile 14, we turned inland again; the easy descent gave us no clue about what we were to encounter in a mile or so: The Hill from Hell. Starting at 6300 feet, this 500 foot climb over approximately one and a half miles gave us no relief, just a constant, uphill slog. As we reached the crest, we were greeted by the lone piper and a sign that said 6800. HEAVEN Leaving The Hill from Hell at mile 17, we were given a bit of relief for the next mile before we started to go downhill as we began to round Emerald Bay. Our 200 foot decline was matched by a 200 foot incline as we headed toward Inspiration Point Vista, our second 6800 foot crest, at mile 20. From here on out, it was either downhill or flat. It took us two and a half miles and four hairpin turns to go down the hill on our way to Camp Richardson, where we would finally part with SR-89 onto the bike path. At approximately mile 24.5, we turned on Heritage Way toward the Tallac Historic Site, summer home of three prominent San Francisco families at the turn of the prior century. We returned back to the bike path alongside SR-89 to Pope Beach Road, which took us to the finish line at Pope Beach, where upon after receiving our finisher's medal and license plate holder, we soaked our feet in the cool water of Lake Tahoe. Finish time weather at 1:53 pm: 65 degrees with 32 percent relative humidity, SSW wind of 9 mph with gusts up to 21 mph, and few clouds. ORGANIZATION: A conflict between directions made it unclear whether we were able to pick up our bibs on the first night of the expo or had to wait until Saturday morning. It turned out the bibs were available two hours into the expo. Although small, the expo was larger than other marathons of similar size. As for race merchandise, it was the Walmart of expo purveyors: a wide selection at rock bottom prices. For example, a long sleeve navy LTM logoed sport shirt was to be had for $10; 100 percent cotton or cotton/polyester polo shirts of a wide variety of colors and logo designs were available for $15. A 72 mile counterclockwise circumferential bus tour around the lake was available for a fee the afternoon before the marathon. We stopped at Commons Beach and at Inspiration Point Vista. And while our guide provided us with interesting geographical and historical facts about the lake and environs, she was not knowledgeable about the course specifics. On race day, bus service was provided from Horizon Casino in Stateline to Tahoe City for the start and from the Pope Beach finish line back to Horizon Casino. No school buses here, but comfortable coaches hired out of Sacramento. Excellent course support by the water stop volunteers set up roughly every two miles. Some stops had themes; the most memorable being the last one at mile 25 in front of Valhalla, the Heller family retreat in Tallac Historic Site. The volunteers were dressed in period costume and there was a sign that read GO BACK IN TIME. I inquired if it meant that if I drank the Ultima Replenisher at their stop, 15 minutes would be taken off my finish time. They were amused by the query, but alas, such was not the case. FANS: Some residents showed up outside their houses in the early part of the race, and spectator buses stopped at three different locations to cheer on friends and family. Also, some of the runners had their own private support group providing aid every mile or two as we were progressing south on SR-89. CONCLUSION: Big water, big elevation, big hills, big vistas. It was the biggest little marathon in the world. Well done, Lake Tahoe.

This was my 59th marathon and it was one of the best events I have ever participated in. The course is just beautiful with many breathtaking vistas to take your mind off the hills (I'm from flat, sea-level Houston, TX. From the excellent race organization, to the wonderful pasta dinner cruise and well-stocked aid stations with very friendly and well-trained volunteers, the event left me wanting to come back and do it again or maybe try one of the ultra distances.

I did the triple, and I'm having a problem picking out major problems with this race(I'm also having trouble walking right now). If you come to Tahoe expecting anything but hills, shame on you. Read all the info on the race site carefully and you will know what you need to know. It's a laid back atmosphere. Race-wise for the first two days each marathoner needed his own support crew(as advertised). By the end of the first day everyone was helping everyone else, as it should be. My wife ended up providing for many runners who didn't have crews, and I was helped out by many others, especially the folks from NJ with the silver Charger. It was like one big family out there. RD Les, and Angel were both awesome. Don't know how they managed so many events, but they did. I recommend this race to anyone who wants a laid back, but challenging race, or races.

I had a great time running/walking this marathon. My friend who ran this marathon the previous year said it wasn't easy but more of a casual, enjoy-the-scenery marathon - and she was right! Great course and the runners, walkers and volunteers were so cheerful and friendly. Plan on doing this marathon again! P.s. I ended up with altitude sickness, extreme headache and nausea - but it was worth it! Lol!

I signed up for this race after a friend raved about how beautiful the courses (bike/run) were, and boy am I glad I did! The course is STUNNING - easily the most beautiful course I've been on. I'm from Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York, so I was nervous about how my body would react with to the elevation. I read that drinking 6-8 liters of water a day and staying away from caffeine and alcohol were suggested to avoid elevation sickness. It worked! I drank a gallon of water throughout each day and night and I didn't have any problems ~ no headaches or gasping for air. This vacation/event was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life! I chose the 3 day triathlon. This was my first half marathon. I was relieved that walkers were very welcome in the events. Finisher's medals are given to all of our finishers, and an event windshirts to all of our registered athletes. Volunteers were enthusiastic and well-prepared at the numerous aid stations. You saw the same spectators over and over as they navigated down the course with you - a very friendly atmosphere. If you want a beautiful, low-key marathon, put this on your list. I will definitely be back again. I didn't care for staying at the Horizon Hotel and would not recommend them. Since this was the "host" hotel I thought we would be right in the middle of things. That was definitely not the case. Walking through the lounge and casino with an event like this going on, I expected allot more life in the place - but there wasn't and there were no signs advertising where and when things were happening regarding the marathon events. Nobody working there knew anything about the event. Our room was just "ok" - my boyfriend had to fix the toilet when we arrived and when I made reservations I asked NOT to be near the elevator and my room was right across from them. Finally, the food/service at the buffet was average. It's definitely nothing to write home about there. I'm glad we got to change hotels for the rest of our vacation....

Beautiful course. Add about 30 minutes to your normal time if you are a low-lander. Very good organization. Very nicely done race.

I had to drop down to the 1/2 marathon due to injury. The process was very easy. The entire weekend was very well organized and great fun. What a beautiful area to run in! Les and all of his volunteers did a fantastic job.

This was my first marathon in about 15+ years. I am a 12-year pancreatic cancer survivor and decided to lace up those running shoes again. What a beautiful race! I was super glad I moved to South Lake Tahoe a month before so altitude didn't seem to affect me like it could have. Thanks for throwing in those hills (lol) they were fun! And the Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek almost made me forget I had to finish the run! Thanks to the wonderful support, spectators and mostly to my husband and daughter who biked the last half and cheered me on. It was almost spooky how they showed up sitting on rocks, leaning on poles and just being around every corner to encourage me. And I was so happy that our other daughter did the 10K while pushing a baby jogger and my grandson to the finish; and my son-in-law, who just starting running recently, finished the half in the top 25! Wooooo! See you all next year!

I signed up for this race last-minute after my original marathon got canceled, and boy am I glad I did! The course is STUNNING - easily the most beautiful road course I've been on. Don't expect to PR, but you'll love the scenery. Organization was precise and simple, from packet pickup to the finish line (awards ceremony was the one spot where some confusion/time-wasting was apparent). The race went off within a minute or two of its scheduled time, which I consider a pleasant, if rare, event. Volunteers were enthusiastic and well-prepared at the numerous aid stations; the kids who came out to cheer and hand out water were great. Not a ton of spectators, but that's to be expected and shouldn't be why you're running this race. If you want a beautiful, low-key marathon, without the hoopla of big-city events, put this on your list. I will definitely be back again.

Great race, organizers, nutrition stops, water stops, spectators, hotels, restaurants. t-shirts, marathon store, course, awards and weather.

I have run 273 marathons and ultras, so I know scenery, and this is the very best there is. The hills are very tough and it was unseasonably hot this year (no one's fault). There are minor organizational faults as in any race but almost everything is well done. Very few spectators but who cares when scenery is this good?! In all fairness, this race is not a course for a personal best time because of the steep hills. Finally, the race director has a wonderful, cooperative attitude that is a joy.

This is my first venture into ultra running, and it was an incredible experience. All of the participants and organizers were so supportive and friendly, and the organization of the events was great! I participated in the Triple Marathon; I found the first two races to be challenging, beautiful and just a little stressful due to the traffic and lack of closures or escorts. Friday was the worst, but assistance with traffic got better on Saturday with all of the cycling events going on, and of course, the road closure on Sunday was great! Amazing views, challenging, hilly courses each day, and beautiful, unique medals each race, not to mention the cool "Triple Marathon" tank and the Lake Tahoe Marathon windshirt! The VIP lunch was pretty delicious! It was well worth the money spent. I stayed at Camp Richardson, which proved to be ideal lodging, as it is a resort with lots of fun things to do the week before the race, and has a wonderful restaurant as well! Overall, this was an excellent experience. At the end of my race I saw the coordinator of the Triple, and I yelled to him, "Can you believe I finished!?" His heartfelt, "Yeah! I can!" exemplified the support the organizers offered the runners.