Rock Tahoe Half Marathon

Downhill Running with East Shore Views

On June 14, 2026, runners gather at Spooner Summit for the Rock Tahoe Half Marathon, a point-to-point race that drops 1,000 feet over 13.1 miles while hugging Lake Tahoe’s spectacular East Shore. The course follows Highway 28, where granite boulders meet turquoise water, pine forests shade the pavement, and every mile brings views that make you forget your legs are burning. Runners start at 7,500 feet elevation, descend through long, fast stretches broken by occasional rollers, and finish at a lakeside venue where live music, food, and a pool party create the kind of post-race atmosphere that turns painful miles into great stories. Registration typically opens in winter and fills by late spring; entry includes race number, timing chip, finisher medal, and access to the after-party.

Who Should Go
Runners looking for a scenic, mostly downhill half marathon will love this course—it’s fast, beautiful, and forgiving on tired legs. First-time half marathoners often choose Rock Tahoe because the net downhill makes it easier to hit time goals or simply finish strong. Experienced runners use it as a training race, a PR attempt, or an excuse to visit Tahoe in June. Non-running family members and friends make excellent support crews—they can drive the course, cheer at multiple spots, and enjoy the lake while waiting for their runner to finish.

Race Day Logistics
• Race start is 7 AM at Spooner Summit; runners must take provided shuttles from the finish area (shuttles begin loading around 5:30 AM)
• Parking is at the finish line venue near Incline Village; arrive by 5 AM to allow time for shuttle transport to the start
• Registration closes several weeks before race day and typically sells out—sign up early
• Entry fees range from $90-120 depending on when you register; pricing includes race bib, timing, medal, and after-party access
• The course is fully supported with water stations every 1.5-2 miles and medical support along the route
• Highway 28 is partially closed to traffic during the race; expect rolling closures and some delays if you’re driving the area
• Mid-June temps at Spooner Summit start in the 40s°F but can reach the 70s°F at the finish; dress in layers you can shed
• If you’re prone to downhill knee pain, train on hills beforehand and consider compression sleeves or taping

After the Finish
The post-race party includes live music, massage stations, food, beer, and pool access—plan to stick around for at least an hour to recover and celebrate. When you’re ready to leave, grab lunch in Incline Village at T’s Mesquite Rotisserie (open since 1989, known for rotisserie meats and lake views). Spend the afternoon walking the shoreline at Sand Harbor, where the water is finally warm enough for a post-race swim and the granite boulders provide perfect perches for watching the sun move across the lake. Book your race weekend on Lake.com, where Incline Village and East Shore rentals offer quick recovery—hot tubs, lake access, and the kind of quiet that makes every race medal feel a little more earned.