CDA Marathon

The CDA Marathon turns the Coeur d’Alene waterfront into a scenic, well paced tour of North Idaho lake views. You start near McEuen Park, then settle into paved paths and quiet residential streets that track the shoreline, where your surroundings matter as much as your splits. With a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K on the schedule, you can race hard or simply move at your own rhythm. We suggest planning a post finish walk through downtown for an easy meal near the water.

You can expect a high energy, well managed morning, with long stretches on the wide pavement of the Centennial Trail. Early light on Lake Coeur d’Alene is a highlight, especially along the lakefront segments where the course opens up and the water stays in view. Spectators concentrate at McEuen Park and near the downtown finish, so you will get steady support without the chaos of an overbuilt spectacle. The marathon draws competitive runners, while the shorter distances tend to bring families, couples, and casual walkers.

For smooth logistics, arrive about 45 minutes before your start to park in downtown lots or the structure by McEuen Park. Prices typically rise as race day nears, with the full marathon often starting around 95 dollars and the 5K around 45 dollars, so early registration helps. Dress for contrast, since lake air can feel cool at the start even when the afternoon warms, and consider a light windbreaker. If you can, use Saturday expo pickup to skip the Sunday morning line, and carry a reusable bottle for the finish while relying on frequent aid stations en route.

If you want the simplest weekend, stay downtown so you can walk to the start and avoid morning traffic. For a quieter base, look at Fort Grounds or along the Spokane River, and use Lake.com to compare homes and short stays. The event runs rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe, and stroller policies usually apply to the 5K and 10K, so confirm current rules if you plan to bring one. Finisher medals are typically awarded across distances, and early starts are often available for full marathoners who need extra time before the afternoon cutoff.