Lake Tahoe Marathon Weekend of Events

Three Days of Racing Around the Lake

October 16-18, 2026, Lake Tahoe hosts a running festival that spans three days and includes races for every ability—from a 5K and half marathon to a full marathon and the legendary 72-mile Tahoe Triple (three marathons in three days around the lake). The events showcase different sections of Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline, with courses offering stunning water views, forest trails, and the kind of fall scenery that makes you forget your legs are burning. Friday evening kicks off with shorter distances; Saturday features the marathon and half marathon; Sunday brings more halves and the conclusion of the Triple. Each race finishes with medals, timing, and post-race food, while the weekend atmosphere turns the basin into a celebration of endurance, community, and the perfect October running weather.

Who Should Go
Runners of all levels will find a distance that fits—the 5K welcomes beginners, while the 72-mile Triple attracts ultrarunners chasing one of the West’s toughest challenges. Families can split up with some racing and others cheering from scenic spots around the lake. Non-running partners often use the weekend to explore Tahoe, hike to see fall color, and meet their runner at finish lines with celebration and warm layers. If you’ve been training all year and want a destination marathon with world-class scenery, this is it.

Race Weekend Logistics
• 5K and other short races: Friday evening (times vary)
• Full marathon and half marathon: Saturday morning (start times typically 7-8 AM)
• Additional half marathons and relay events: Sunday morning
• 72-mile Tahoe Triple runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (three separate marathon courses)
• Registration opens in spring and popular distances sell out months early—sign up as soon as registration opens
• Entry fees range from $60 (5K) to $300+ (72-mile Triple); includes timing chip, finisher medal, and post-race food
• Courses circle different sections of the lake; check the event website for exact routes, start locations, and parking details
• Shuttle buses transport runners to start lines; parking is at finish areas
• Aid stations every 1.5-2 miles offer water, electrolytes, gels, and medical support
• Mid-October weather is ideal for running: temps from the 40s°F at start to the 60s°F by finish, clear skies, and stunning fall light
• Pack layers, warm post-race clothes, and sunscreen; mornings are cold, afternoons can be warm

Fall Running at Tahoe
October is peak fall color around the lake—aspens glow gold, the air is crisp, and the crowds have thinned to locals and serious outdoor enthusiasts. After your race, recover with lunch at Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay (open since 1996, known for lakeside dining and their famous Wet Woody cocktail). Spend the next day walking the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path on the South Shore, where fall foliage frames Taylor Creek and the lake sparkles through the trees. Book your marathon weekend on Lake.com, where properties around the entire basin give you options for staying near your race start, finish, or simply the part of the lake where you want to recover with water views and mountain quiet.