Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend is my favorite weekend of the year! It was my first ever marathon in 2016, making 2019 the fourth time I ran this beautiful course. Weeks before heading to Tahoe, you’ll receive email notices from the race director (aka “nags from the ring leader”) in which you become well informed not only about the weekend events but also what’s happening in the area, such as the best spots to see the fall foliage, where to witness salmon spawning, etc. Race weekend itself is full of events starting Thursday with another marathon as well as shorter distance races and ultras. Although there are many races to choose from, each has an intimate feel. Lake Tahoe Marathon has about 200 finishers from year to year, although you may meet up with other runners from the half marathon or the ultra marathon depending on the timing. Since, the weekend consists of boutique races, the expo is quite small. In fact, it has gotten smaller over the years. But the size of the expo is canceled out by the amazing swag you receive-usually a duffle bag, long sleeved shirt, large, beautiful medal, and license plate holder! Plus, more goodies if you place in the top 25 or place in the top 3 of your age group. I usually grab some chicken and pasta the night before at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. But the RD will also send a list of other restaurant options. I recommend lodging at the Grand Residence (Marriott) or Timber Lodge (Marriott), both located within walking distance of the finish line and the busses to the start. In 2019, I took the bus to the start without issue. Remember to bring throwaway clothes with you as it is very chilly at the start especially if it’s windy since there’s not much to block the wind coming across the lake. There’s a bag drop and port-a-potties at the start but no timing mat. The RD shoots a gun to officially get the race underway. Once you start (did I mention the lake is at 6,200 ft elevation?) , you’ll begin to climb about 100 feet right off the bat. You’ll be running on roads, sidewalks, and bike trails. The first 8 miles are rolling hills, then the work begins. Over a mile of steep grade incline takes you to 6,800 ft before you head down into Emerald Bay. As you marvel it’s the gorgeous vistas you’ll be distracted until you climb another steep grade to mile 12.75. Reach the halfway mark and the “worst” is over! You’re now rewarded with a run down the most scenic course in the west. By mile 17 you’ll back at lake level and will run small hills just to keep it interesting until the finish. The crystal clear, blue lake water beckons your legs at the beach finish. And a fabulous finish line celebration is in full swing! Lots of refreshing drinks, beers, wine, snacks, hot dogs, granola bars, etc. Photo opts, free pictures of runners crossing the finish await, music, and awards. Aid stations on course are fully stocked every few miles, first aid tents at the halfway point, along with assistance from bike volunteers. On course photography is included with registration. Total elevation gain/loss is around 2,500 ft. With the elevation and hills I’d add about 15 minutes to your flat course, marathon time. I highly recommend this race for its beauty!

The Santa Rosa marathon takes place in wine country during August. Since I paid to have my bib mailed to me, I didn’t attend the expo. I drove to Santa Rosa (about an 80 mile drive) early race morning and had no problem finding the start area or parking. There were only short lines at the portapotties and the runners gathered in a square field until lining up to start. The weather was cool and the race had an early start so as to beat the August heat that was sure to come later. Management did a great job with everything from registration to timing. The first ten miles have a slight decline. It was quite foggy and the wet air felt great (although my hair had never been so knotted lol). Most of the race takes place on a bike path with the exception of running through a winery and a few miles on back roads. I remember there being hills around mile 12-14, then a slight incline on the last 8-10 miles. It got pretty hot by mile 16-17 and by mile 20 I’m pretty sure a volunteer handing me a ice pop saved my life! :) The volunteers were great and the aid stations were fully stocked. In addition, locals set up there own tables in front of their houses with refreshments and fuel!! One had cold water with lemon that was sooo good! Photographers were at various places on course, especially at the winery. The finish area was festive with all kinds of snacks (watermelon was the best), drinks, pancakes, beer, etc... I collected my free beer glass to sample libations from the beer festival that coincided with finishing. I also loved all the swag from this race! Customized wine bottle, running jacket (rather than another shirt), and beautiful medal. I recommend this race if you don’t mind a little heat. The course and swag definitely make it worth a little sweat.

I love this half marathon! It was my first ever half back in 2016 and I've run it every year since. Let's just say choosing this race as my first probably contributed to my love for racing. Registration, race website, information, and race management is all top notch! Side note: the RD is also the mayor of South Lake Tahoe. I can't say enough about the organizers, from their speedy feedback on SM comments, runners support via YouTube videos, and even a rocking music playlist, they always surpass my expectations!
Pick up your bib at the super fun expo where they have a DJ and live band playing on the concourse in front of the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino (the race recommended/discounted stay hotel)! Don't forget to pose for your free computerized photo in front of the Rock Tahoe sign. Sample all types of freebies from beer, nuun, protein bars, jerky, coffee, and even vodka from one of the many expo booths. Plus, shop for all your running needs and Rock Tahoe Half swag. They have so much merch, I love it!
Race morning take the bus to the start or have someone drop you off (there's no parking at the start) at the point to point race. Plenty of portapotties, more live music and DJ to hype you up, usually free coffee and cliff bars are available too. Wave to the drone as you start, they do a new video each year. Easy does it during the first 4 miles which drop from 7,100 down to 6,400 and expect rolling hills from mile 5 to the finish. There are many aid stations that are well stocked and very lively as each one is competing in a charity contest. (don't forget to vote for your favorite post-race). The scenery? Well, it's Tahoe, the views are to die for! The closed to traffic course is mainly on highway 50, but bears off onto a beautiful bike path around mile 10 before finishing back at the Hard Rock parking lot. The swag is gorgeous! Great prizes for AG winners/overall winners. Well organized, fun, loud, exciting finish area complete with more photo opps, tons of booths with free or for-purchase items, massage tent, food tents, and music. Pick up your free drink cup (with Rock Tahoe logo) and head straight to the pool party! That's right, hundreds of runners attend and hang out in the pool drinking their libations, listening to the live band under the shadow of the snow capped Sierra mountains! Did I mention that you'll be receiving your free race photos almost instantaneously while you're recovering in the pool?!
Such a fun event! If you ever get the chance, do not hesitate to sign up to run this event!

I loved this inaugural event in downtown Napa! Race morning I drove into Napa, parked without issue, and proceeded to pick up my bib. The volunteers were well-organized, there were plenty of portapotties, and the race started right on time. This was a women's event but I believe there were a few men running as well. The course starts off in downtown Napa, then heads off through local neighborhoods. It's scenic and interesting, with rolling hills. Aid stations every few miles offered water and Gatorade and volunteers were great cheer squads too! Local spectators kept popping up on corners to encourage runners which was appreciated. The weather was chilly and sunny, perfect for racing. There were race photographers on course to capture the excitement and you could purchase phots a few days after the event concluded. Finish line festivities were lively, offering snacks, water, wine (a free commemorative glass was included), entertainment, photo opps, and a printout of your finishing time. I PR'd at this race and felt that the combination of chilly weather and rolling hills helped me earn a fast time. The medal wasn't fabulous and the shirt they provided was cotton but the other race details by far made up for the meh swag. I'd highly recommend this half marathon.

I flew into Orlando from CA on Tuesday of race week and stayed at my parents’ house about 10 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. On Wednesday, we headed to bib pickup at Wide World of Sports. With so many helpful volunteers, it’s easy to get directions to your correct pickup location and then continue to the expo. In addition to the expo booths there’s also Disney Marathon merchandise in a separate building. We had such a wonderful time meandering through and stopping for photo opportunities. The next few days I participated in the 5k, 10k, and half marathon as part of the Dopey Challenge. Sunday was the big day, marathon day! My husband drove me to the Epcot parking lot and dropped me off by 3am, before they close the parking lots. It was super cold this year so I brought my Mylar blanket and throwaway clothes. 2018 was the same weather wise. It’s around 30 degrees but feels colder because of the humidity and breeze. There’s an entertainment stage, coffee to purchase, and character photo opps if you arrive early. I take advantage of the porta-a-potties at this area since there’s a lot. Next, head through bag check and walk (about .5 mile) to the corrals. Everything is well organized and the start waves were continuously moving so before you know it you’re crossing the timing mat. I was in corral C and started 7 minutes after the elites/corral A. The first several miles are dark but still fun! I stopped at all the character stops and they were fast, just enough to catch my breath. I like to run down Main Street USA while it’s still dark (mile 5ish), the lights and castle are a real sight! There’s nothing like running through the Magic Kingdom! By mile 7 you’re out of the park, it feels colder but the sun is rising so enjoy that cool air. Not much to see until Animal Kingdom around mile 12-13. Fun but short. In 2018, I used a real restroom at this point! By mile 15 your in the back roads of Disney. Lots of aid stations with water, Gatorade, bananas and sports beans around mile 17. Once you reach miles 19-22 it’s hot! 80 degrees. You can find sponges of cold water in WWOS. Lots of fun characters, bands, and “chear” squads during the whole race. When you get to mile 23, indulge in some chocolate treats as you run through Hollywood Studios and down the boardwalk towards the finish line! So much excitement at the finish, crowds of runners, families, volunteers... Pick up your Mylar blanket (if needed), Mickey ears, boxed snack, challenge medals and head towards gear check in the .25 mile chute. You can meet family at this point, take more character photos, and purchase champagne! Hubby parked close in the Epcot lot and we headed toward the exit with minimal traffic considering the crowds. I love running Disney and would definitely recommend it for beginners as well as experienced runners. The courses are very flat. The price tag is hefty but you get what you pay for. The hardest part of the weekend is the early morning start times (5:30am) which means you’ll be waking up at 2:30. If you’re doing a challenge, that could be four early mornings! Add in the jet lag and tourism and you’ll need a rest when it’s all over. Also, get creative and wear a costume, most people do! Enjoy the happiest race on Earth!