55K DETAILS

The Tahoe Rim Trail 55K Endurance Run takes place on high elevation alpine and sub-alpine forest single track trails and dirt roads in the Carson Spur of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The event is located on the east side of Lake Tahoe. All distances begin and end at the Western Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada, which is at 4,888 feet. The highest point of the event is just below the 9,214-foot Snow Valley Peak (which also provides one of the best views on the course). The low point of the alpine portion of the course is at the bottom of the, now “infamous”, Red House Loop (A Taste of Hell) at approximately 6800 feet. The course is marked with highly visible fluorescent orange flagging with a highly reflective tip.

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THE START at Western Nevada College immediately jumps on a single-track trail leading to Ash Canyon Road. There will be a water only stop towards the top of Ash canyon (Kick Ash water stop). From there you will use an old jeep road leading you to the top of Snow Valley Peak A/S. The distance to Snow Valley Peak AS is approximately 9 miles and 4,200 feet of climbing.

From there you will head down the zig-zag service road, go across North Canyon road to the Marlette Lake Trail – a few meters across. The Marlette Lake Trail descends about ½ mile to the shore of tranquil Marlette Lake.

Upon reaching Marlette Lake (7823 feet) veer right and continue around the lake and climb on dirt roads to connect onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. About a ½ mile further you will come to the Hobart A/S at 8120 feet and approximately 13 miles into the race. Get ready for a trail running party at this aid station. Famous for great food, smoothies, and a walk-up bar.

After leaving the Hobart A/S the Tahoe Rim Trail climbs past Marlette Peak (Photo Opportunity alert!) before descending on an awesome single track to the Tunnel Creek A/S 18 miles into the race. This is a huge aid station with an amazing array of food choices, a medical staff and medical tent.

Pay attention to the directions from the aid station staff at this aid station. Tell the aid station staff you are a 55K runner! It is your responsibility to be familiar with the course instructions. Be sure you know where to go!

At the Tunnel Creek A/S, you will turn back towards the Hobart A/S. You are being spared the Red House loop and ‘taste of hell’…Hobart aid station mile 23. Be sure to let the staff there know that you are returning from Tunnel Creek and you are a 55K runner. Pay attention to the directions from the aid station staff at this aid station. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the course instructions. Be sure you know where to go!

Leaving Hobart A/S for the final time, you will drop to the left onto the single-track Sunflower Hill trail. At the bottom a sharp left then at the Y continue left downhill onto Tanks Road. Continue on Tanks Rd for approximately 5 miles. This road ends at Hobart Road, go left and stay on this road for a mile and half leading you to Pipeline A/S. Upon leaving this aid station you will make a sharp right onto Secret Trail. It is still 6 miles to the finish, do not leave this aid station without topping up your fluids, mid to back of pack runners will encounter temperatures in the 90’s! You will be on single track trail on your way back to Carson City and the finish.

In all this new course totals 34 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation gain and similar elevation loss.

You must rely on these amazing aid stations. You will be amazed at the food they will have for you and the level of support you will find. Remember there are no areas for crew to take care of you and no drop bags for the 55K runners.

Keep in mind this course averages about 8,000 feet of elevation. Temperatures up high will be the mid-70’s to mid-80’s. But also keep in mind the finish line is in Carson City – in mid-July the afternoon temperatures will be in the mid-90’s!!!  Also, the air is very dry, normally less than 10% humidity. Follow the best guidelines from the Sports Medicine Science and drink to thirst. We will have plenty of water and First Endurance EFS electrolyte drink. Face coverings are optional in aid stations—Wear a mask or Buff if it makes you more comfortable.