Welcome to 3 days of running, swimming, and kayaking. We have something for your whole family, club or group of friends at one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. Our competitors range from toddlers to octogenarians, and our venues are breathtakingly beautiful. Sunday’s Marathon is the original …
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Welcome to 3 days of running, swimming, and kayaking. We have something for your whole family, club or group of friends at one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. Our competitors range from toddlers to octogenarians, and our venues are breathtakingly beautiful.
Sunday’s Marathon is the original Lake Tahoe Marathon, and is the 3rd marathon of the Triple Marathon. The Lake Tahoe Marathon starts south of Homewood, CA with an optional Early Start at 7am for over-6-hour finishers. The Early Starters are not elgible for any age division awards. The finish line is at Lakeside Beach, about 6 blocks from the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. If you get into town too late to go to the expo, you may pick up your shirt at the finish line and your race number at your start line race morning. Travel bags are only distributed at the expo. The back of your race bib will have the bus schedule and a lot of other important information.
The new starting point for the Emerald Bay Half Marathon is near Inspiration Point at the top of Emerald Bay, providing a downhill race. This new course has eliminated the dreadful “Hills from Hell.” It now departs at the same spot where Meg Ryan bikes down the narrow spine of the ridge overlooking Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, and Lake Tahoe in the movie “City of Angels.” This may be the most beautiful run you ever do.
The first 3 miles are all down hill, until you reach Taylor Creek Bridge where you will cross over the spawning fire cracker red Kokanee salmon (pictured left), by the Pope and Valhalla Historical Estates, by Camp Richardson, continue on into Tahoe Keys and the city of South Lake Tahoe and run the bike paths all the way to Lakeside Beach just past the Casino corridor. A cold beer, hot dog, finishers medal, and music await you on our beach side finish line. There are aid stations every mile to cheer and pamper you. Pick up your included travel bag and long sleeve t-shirt at the expo, only
On Friday and Saturday, you can run two other marathons or half marathons each day; Cal-Neva Marathon & Carnelian Bay Half Marathon on Friday, and the Nevada Half Marathon & the Lakeside Marathon on Saturday. Run them a la carte or with the Tahoe Triple Marathoners or Tahoe Trifecta Half Marathoners.
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Beautiful beautiful course
I think the organization of so many races can be a bit confusing, but we had a great experience here for our first half marathons. Altjough they say they are … MORE
I think the organization of so many races can be a bit confusing, but we had a great experience here for our first half marathons. Altjough they say they are very strict with the bus leaving and coming etc, they were flexible and picked up people who were late. We live at sea level, so the elevation was a bit crazy and the oxygen was definitely thin, but the views made up for it, and the medal was big and beautiful too. We also got a technical shirt and a license plate holder. In terms of swag, we prefer the hoodies that we bought, though (: the first 3 ish miles are the prettiest, and I would recommend getting your hotel near the finish line. Also, for me, the course was closer to 14 miles.
They saved the best for last
This is the third race (and in my opinion, the best) of the Lake Tahoe Trifecta. We started at the top where there were scenic views and a group playing … MORE
This is the third race (and in my opinion, the best) of the Lake Tahoe Trifecta. We started at the top where there were scenic views and a group playing alpine horns. Then a person playing bagpipes led us down to the start. This was definitely a great downhill to mostly flat run. The first mile or two were downhill, and the rest was mostly winding routes on the bike path. Again, just some gorgeous views! We also crossed over where the red salmon were spawning. Lots of water stations… at least twice as many as the other two races… and treats at those stations too. Lots more crowd support than the previous days, and there were at least twice the number of participants. This one ended up being my best time even though it was the third half of the weekend. It ended at the beach, where there was live music and treats for sale. The homemade Popsicles were awesome! I did the Lake Tahoe Trifecta, so we had a special medal and a license plate cover to pick up. I didn’t see any signage indicating where to go for that and had to ask someone. Overall a great race though.
Super views and a fast downhill start
Race was mostly downhill, maybe 80%, first 2-3 miles definitely, rolling small hills after that, along with running on a bike path very nice scenery. Race starts at 10:30am and … MORE
Race was mostly downhill, maybe 80%, first 2-3 miles definitely, rolling small hills after that, along with running on a bike path very nice scenery. Race starts at 10:30am and was a little warm for that time of year. Once the course approaches town off the roads and onto the bike paths. Great crowd support and a good amount of eater stops/hydration/snacks, no vest needed today. Nice swag, beet and popsicles for purchase were great.
Beautiful Course
Great way to complete NC and CA in the same trip. The course was amazing and we had a fantastic trip. There was no real expo just a bib pick … MORE
Great way to complete NC and CA in the same trip. The course was amazing and we had a fantastic trip.
There was no real expo just a bib pick up at a store which was a little dissapointing
The Views.... Enough Said!
You would think, after 10 years of running races, I would know better. I had the bright idea that running a half marathon downhill would be the best decision ever. … MORE
You would think, after 10 years of running races, I would know better. I had the bright idea that running a half marathon downhill would be the best decision ever. I was WRONG! I was not prepared for miles of downhill running.
I chose to run the Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend. This series has a lot of varying distances to intrigue anyone. 3 half marathons, 3 full marathons and one crazy distance around the entire Lake Tahoe. Pick your poison well 🙂
Both this race and the Nevada race were the same. They are run by the same person that does the Maui Oceanfront. His communication is spot on and very informative. Not always on top of responses to questions (at least for Maui), but I had no issues for the Lake Tahoe series. He gives recommendations to places to go and stay, though I cant always afford where he recommends. We found that the Casino that was recommended to stay at was dicey in regards to conditions and reviews of the hotel were off. We found a place a couple of blocks away that had a hot tub and was nice (except for using the stairs!)
Pre Race/ Packet Pick up: Packet pickup for this race was at the casino. It was a little delayed and lots of people were in line due to all the races. It did take some time to get through the line to get what I needed. (The Nevada race had packet pick up at a local Running store on the Thursday – so it also made for a little confusion)
Race: This race is the Sunday race in the weekend, so it was my 2nd one in 3 days. It is best to have them bus you to the start line as there is no parking at the top. One good point, there are flush toilets at the park near where we started. However, since there were only 1 per gender, plan ahead and try to go with enough time to get to the start. People had to rush to the start line (many guys just went into the woods – but I prefer not to do that…) The views were amazing while waiting for the start of the race. The start line…. OMG!! We were all getting pictures of the views as we started the race. The first 3 miles of the race is all downhill – with switchbacks due to how steep it was. No issues with traffic as (I think) the road was closed where we were at. Once at the bottom of the mountain, it leveled out and ran through some beautiful areas. Lots of nature! No sightings of bears while running through the parks – but they were there as we had seen them around while just doing touristy stuff. Plan accordingly! The final 3 miles or so was running through South Lake Tahoe – not bad, but not as beautiful as the start. The finish was amazing as you enter through the back of the park in South Lake Tahoe and finish steps from the beach. The water was cold – but I saw quite a few people walking into the water to enjoy the cold. The race support was good – no issues with running out of supplies (I was in at the 2:30 mark, so many of the runners had already finished by the time I did…)
Post Race – there was decent food items, though I had things in the car that I knew I would want. We got a chance to walk around and there was a little entertainment at the finish.
Race Swag: This series does have some serious swag. The medals are awesome (all similar with slight variations due to the races). The big thing was the Tito’s race duffle bag. It was given out at the casino with the other races – but that bag is awesome. Probably one of the best things to be given (besides the Brooks running jackets I got elsewhere) and something I still use today to go to the gym – and any smaller trips! I think there was a shirt, but maybe not…. I cant remember and I never wear it if there was 🙂
Overall, I highly recommend doing both the Emerald Bay and Nevada half races – especially if you plan to do the 50 states. You will not be disappointed!!
Mixed bag...
Scenic race that will test your endurance, especially on the Hill from Hell, which dwarfs Boston's Heartbreak Hill. Can't say enough good things about the support along the course as … MORE
Scenic race that will test your endurance, especially on the Hill from Hell, which dwarfs Boston’s Heartbreak Hill.
Can’t say enough good things about the support along the course as far as aid stations etc. Don’t expect ‘fans’ lining the course – these are far and few between. At times you’ll feel like you’re the only runner – for miles!
Management was a bit overbearing (“get your shots!”) and indecisive this year due to covid and the Caldor fire. Upped the stress factor.
NEVER stay at a CASINO/resort. Hardrock failed on all accounts; no discount, sleep deprived due to hot rooms (central boiler only had hot water/opening windows invited noise and m-smoke from next door), and gamblers/party-goers yelling and banging doors all night! Not to mention smoke infiltrating from the smoker’s corners. And yet we were instructed to wear masks.
Great race and great destination
South Tahoe was an easy place to get to, fly into Reno and drive 60+ minutes. Many hotels within walking distance and great shopping and scenery. Race was a little … MORE
South Tahoe was an easy place to get to, fly into Reno and drive 60+ minutes. Many hotels within walking distance and great shopping and scenery. Race was a little odd that it starts at 10:30am, but since it was 26F at sunrise and ~50F for the start it was appreciated as you have to wait more than an hour after the bus drops you off to start; you run back to town. Course is blocked roads, paved woods trails, and sidewalk once you get back to town (you have to watch for cars along the sidewalk) and almost all down hill or flat. The elevation and smoke made it more challenging. Plenty of water stops and friendly volunteers.
My complaints include no food (cups of water and oreos was all that was left) left when i finished… and i was near the front of the half, but there were many other races finishing (5k, 10k, kids race, marathon) before I got there. At the start, there were only 6 porta potties and 2 pit toilets and this was probably half what was needed as the wait was 30-40 minutes.
An Awesome Sunday walk
I appreciate that this race allows walkers, which is how I found this race 10 years ago. The organization of the race is A+, and the scenery is amazing! I … MORE
I appreciate that this race allows walkers, which is how I found this race 10 years ago. The organization of the race is A+, and the scenery is amazing! I highly recommend the Lake Tahoe Marathon to anyone thinking of walking a marathon.
The Tahoe Trifecta -Three amazing races
Stunning scenery on all three races (Nevada Half, Carnelian Bay Half and the Emerald Bay half). Lots of great swag (bags, t-shirts) and great daily email communication from race director … MORE
Stunning scenery on all three races (Nevada Half, Carnelian Bay Half and the Emerald Bay half). Lots of great swag (bags, t-shirts) and great daily email communication from race director Les. The aid stations were a little sporadic on Friday and Saturday’s race but well stocked and enthusiastically manned. For Sunday’s Emerald Bay half there was even a wine station!
It was an amazing event but, for me at least, the toll of three consecutive days of running led to diminishing performance. I’ll still be back next year!
Jaw dropping beautiful scenery
If it wasn't for the fact that I was gasping for air, I would really have enjoyed the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It was so beautiful! I participated in … MORE
If it wasn’t for the fact that I was gasping for air, I would really have enjoyed the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It was so beautiful!
I participated in the Marathon Relay starting Sunday morning. The previous day it was a nice Fall day with temps in the 60s, but we woke up to 34 degrees at the starting line. I had the honor of leading my team out, so layers were my friend. Luckily it warmed up as the sun rose higher and higher.
First leg was fairly straight with an uphill at the end, second leg was a brutal combination of two climbs, third leg was downhill and the final leg was flat to the finish. We all enjoyed this race, the vibe, the camaraderie, the medals (we won!), and did I mention, the scenery?
Spectacular Scenery
For a Florida guy, it wasn't as difficult to breathe as I thought. The scenery is unbelievable! Everything was run smoothly, though none of the swag or food was really … MORE
For a Florida guy, it wasn’t as difficult to breathe as I thought. The scenery is unbelievable! Everything was run smoothly, though none of the swag or food was really above average. A nice event, in a beautiful location.