How do I enter the Lake Tahoe Marathon?

Registration is open to all runners on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular distances tend to sell out months before race day, so sign up as soon as registration opens in spring.

What is the elevation like on the course?

The course runs at altitude, averaging roughly 6,200 to 6,800 feet above sea level. While the net elevation change is nearly flat, the course rolls consistently with close to 1,800 feet of cumulative gain and a matching amount of loss. Expect the altitude to affect your effort level compared to sea-level races.

What is the typical race-day weather in October?

Expect a cold morning start with temperatures that can approach freezing, warming to the mid-60s by midday. Layering is essential, and the high-altitude sun can be stronger than it feels.

What is the course format?

The Lake Tahoe Marathon is a point-to-point course running along the western shore of Lake Tahoe from Homewood to the finish at Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Shuttle buses are provided from South Lake Tahoe to the start line.

How do I get to the race?

The closest major airport is Reno International (RNO), about 60 miles and roughly 1.5 hours by car from South Lake Tahoe. Shuttle buses run from the Beach Retreat Hotel and Safeway area in South Lake Tahoe to the start line in Homewood on race morning.

Sun, Oct 18 · 2026South Lake Tahoe, CASince 1976

Lake Tahoe Marathon

The Lake Tahoe Marathon runs a point-to-point course along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, at an elevation where the thin air and rolling terrain make every mile feel earned. It is a race you run for the experience as much as the clock.

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LAKE TAHOE · US

Lake Tahoe

SUN, OCT 18

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1976

The Lake Tahoe Marathon runs along the western shore of the lake from Homewood down to South Lake Tahoe. You start with a shuttle ride up to the start line, which gives you time to take in the surroundings and remind yourself you are running at altitude. The course rolls the entire way. There is no long flat section to lock in a rhythm and cruise. The lake sits right beside you for most of it, and in mid-October the light on the water is genuinely something. But the altitude at nearly 6,500 feet average elevation is not a backdrop detail. It will affect you. Don't go out at your sea-level goal pace.

This is not the race you pick for a PR. The rolling hills and thin air make that honest math. It's the race you pick because you want a marathon experience that feels different from a city road race. Registration is open, but the popular distances do sell out well before race day, so sign up early once registration opens in spring. The finish line is at Lakeside Beach, which is a good place to end a day like this. Bring a warm layer for the start corral. A 27-degree morning low is no joke.

Field size

—

BQ rate

—

BQ rate not available

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:31:28

Joe Fejes

2019

Women

2:52:11

Candice Cane

The Course

1,785 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑1,785 ft

Total descent

↓1,775 ft

Net elevation

↑10 ft

Highest point

6,838 ft

Lowest point

6,185 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

The course runs point-to-point along Lake Tahoe's western shore at roughly 6,200 to 6,800 feet, so altitude is a real factor. Net elevation is nearly flat, but that hides nearly 1,800 feet of gain and matching loss spread across the full distance. Expect rolling terrain throughout with no long flat stretches to coast. The altitude alone can add several minutes to your expected finish time, so go out conservatively. Footing along the lake road is generally solid, but watch for uneven sections on trail segments. The back half mirrors the front in character, so pacing consistency matters more than surging on descents.

DIFFICULTYMOUNTAINOUSPR-FRIENDLYNO

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

27°F

High

65°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Mid-October at Tahoe means a cold start. Morning lows can dip close to freezing, so plan on throwaway layers or a bag check and don't skip them. By midday it warms up considerably, often into the mid-60s, so the back half of the race will feel much warmer than the gun. Dress in layers you can shed early. The altitude also means more sun exposure than you'd expect, even when it feels cool. Hydrate from mile one.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration. Popular distances sell out months early—sign up as soon as registration opens in spring.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

RNO

41 mi

from the start

≈ 65 min transferManageable drive

What to expect

Reno International Airport (RNO) is about 60 miles away, approximately 1.5 hours by car. Shuttle buses from the Beach Retreat Hotel/Safeway in South Lake Tahoe to the start line in Homewood. Stay near South Lake Tahoe for easy access to the finish line at Lakeside Beach.

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