Lake Tahoe Marathon

Elite '09

323

691

Wilhelm Y.

San Francisco, CA

8/23/2008 2 photos

I ran this race way back in October 2001.  Race Director Les Wright likes to describe his race as "a Sunday run you will never forget"; I for one will not argue that statement.  Back in 2001 there was a certain camaraderie among the participants as it was just one month after the tragedies of September 11.  I got caught up in the spirit of things and started out far too fast for the first few miles, and I paid dearly for that mistake later on.

The course is one of great beauty with striking views of Emerald Bay and its clear green waters below.  It is also one of the most challenging I've ever taken part in.  Only a marathon that I ran through the deserts of the Grand Canyon has been tougher.  Although we ran on mostly paved roads, the ups and downs, the altitude and the hot open sun wore me out.  I cramped up around the 17th mile and it took me an eternity to finish the race barely at a walking pace.  Thank goodness for three of my running friends who circled back and accompanied me to the finish line.  My finishing time at that race still stands as my poorest marathon finish ever.

Course support was sparse at the time with water and aid stations too far apart.  Ultimately it was my fault for I had not sufficiently trained to take on the challenge of that course.  I told myself back then that there would be a day I would return to attack the course once again.  

If my training continues to go well that day will be coming up fast.  If anyone else is planning to run this race and has not done so in the past do use the excellent course narrative on the website which lets you know exactly where the toughest portions of the course occur.

Judging from information posted on the website support hasn't improved.  It might be a good idea to have fluids and gels with you to keep going.  There is a small running expo usually held in the lobby of the Horizon Casino Resort.  There is a unique sunset pasta feed cruise out on the lake as well.  For you racing diehards there is also a 72 mile ultra marathon, an option to run three marathons in three days and a triathlon to also consider.  Those of you less than gung ho about trying a full marathon can participate in a 20 miler, a half marathon, a 10K or a 5K.  There are kids runs as well as a corporate team relay.  Les Wright does his work well in taking care of his participants as he has finisher's medals for everybody and free-flowing beer for the big kids at the finish line.

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