Tahoe's endless trail system is a mecca for trail runners. With the lake at 6250' elevation, the area provides the additional challenge of running at altitude. For runners looking for Tahoe's best challenges, friendly competition, and to maximize your exposure of our trail network through organized events, we have put together the best trail running, not-to-miss events of the summer. These epic races will reward all of your skill, determination, and perseverance with absolutely stunning views, perfect temperatures, and the best setting possible to celebrate your finish.
Broken Arrow Skyrace - June 15-17
For multi-faceted athletes looking for a true challenge, enter: Broken Arrow Skyrace, whose slogan is literally “where the mountains meet the sky,” which aptly describes how the race takes place. This 52K race (with shorter options available) takes place at the world-famous Squaw Valley. Athletes begin at 6,000 feet in elevation and climb from there. This European- inspired event is characterized by steep terrain, off-trail scrambling, and massive amounts of vertical gain and loss. You may even cross snow! Finish with a satisfying celebration full of craft beer, music, films, and fun family activities.
Adventure Sports Week - June 15-24
Looking to celebrate everything outdoors? Adventure Sports Week, North Lake Tahoe's sports festival, features not only trail running but all the ways to play outside: mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, and more. Participants are invited to enjoy competition, clinics and demos, activities for kids, and more. During the festival, to name a few events, there’s the XTERRA Tahoe City Triathlon June 16th, Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race June 23rd, and the Burton Creek Trail Run June 24th. The run takes place in the scenic Burton Creek State Park, which follows the creek that drains snowmelt from Mount Watson. After the run, catch the second of the summer concert series at Commons Beach on Sundays.
Western States Endurance Run - June 23
Runners are put to the true test in the Western States Endurance Run 100-mile race. This is the world’s oldest trail race of this length, and it takes runners from Squaw Valley to Auburn, following the Western States Trail. Runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend almost 23,000 feet during the race, which passes through the Granite Chief Wilderness, the canyons of California gold country, and crosses the cool waters of the Middle Fork of the American River, finishing on the reddish-brown dirt trails of Auburn. Running the Western States race is known to be like finding one of the crown jewels of human endurance.
Sierra Crest Ultra Trail Run - August 4
The Sierra Crest Ultra Trail Run run offers three distances: 50k, 30k, and 15k, along Truckee and Donner Summit’s single tracks trails. The run begins at 6,650 feet in elevation and both uphill and downhill sections. The 50k course has an impressive 4,660 foot gain and 4,125 foot loss of elevation, offering a challenging yet fun way to get outdoors and see views of the Sierra Crest, Euer Valley, Frog Lake Cliffs, Donner Lake, Summit Lake, and Castle Peak.
Marlette Lake Tahoe 50K - August 11
The Marlette Lake Tahoe 50K is an adventurous and challenging run beginning at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe Nevada’s State Park, featuring 30 miles of epic views. From the single-track trails, see panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley Range. At mid point, the race dips down towards Marlette Lake, offering runners the chance for a cool plunge. The Marlette 50K is also the Road Runners Club of America’s Western Region Ultra Marathon Championship for 2018, so here’s your chance to claim the title.