Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Race Guide
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run stands as one of the most spectacular and challenging ultramarathons in the American West. This legendary event takes runners through the pristine high-altitude wilderness surrounding Lake Tahoe, offering what organizers describe as “a glimpse of heaven and a taste of hell.” The race typically occurs in mid-July each year, though the 2025 event was cancelled due to major construction projects affecting course access. When operational, this bucket-list race attracts ultrarunners from around the world who come to test themselves against the unforgiving beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The event has been running since 2001 and has built a reputation as one of the best-organized ultramarathons in the country, featuring exceptional aid stations and volunteer support that help runners tackle this demanding course.
Registration and Qualification
Registration for the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 follows a strict qualification system that ensures only experienced ultrarunners attempt this challenging course. All 100-mile participants must meet specific qualification standards verified through official race results on UltraSignup or UltraRunning Magazine. The qualifying requirements include completing either a 50-mile race in under 15 hours, a 100K race in under 22 hours, or finishing any official 100-mile trail race. The qualifying period runs from July 1st of two years prior through the time of registration, giving runners a substantial window to earn their entry credentials. Beyond the time qualifications, all 100-mile entrants must complete eight hours of volunteer trail work between July 1st of the previous year and July 1st of race year, emphasizing the event’s commitment to trail maintenance and community service. Registration typically opens in early December and fills quickly due to the race’s popularity, with entry fees around $325 plus processing fees. The field is limited to approximately 100-150 runners for the 100-mile distance to maintain the event’s intimate atmosphere and minimize environmental impact.
Particular Challenges
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 presents numerous formidable challenges that separate it from other mountain ultras and contribute to its historically low finishing rate. The most significant challenge is the sustained high altitude, with the entire course running between 6,800 and 9,214 feet elevation, causing many sea-level runners to struggle with reduced oxygen availability throughout the race. The opening climb represents another major obstacle, featuring a brutal 4,200-foot ascent over the first 9.5 miles to Snow Valley Peak, immediately testing runners’ fitness and pacing strategy from the gun. The course’s remote backcountry location limits crew access to just two aid stations, forcing runners to be largely self-sufficient for extended periods while navigating technical terrain. Weather conditions add another layer of difficulty, with daytime temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s while nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically, requiring careful clothing and gear selection. The infamous “Red House Loop” section earns its nickname as “A Taste of Hell” due to its steep, technical terrain and energy-sapping climbs that break many runners’ spirits during the challenging middle miles. Finally, the course’s out-and-back format means runners must complete the same demanding terrain twice, with the psychological challenge of retracing their steps during the darkest hours of the night when motivation typically reaches its lowest point.
Course Format
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 follows a challenging out-and-back format that requires runners to complete the same 50-mile course twice, creating unique tactical and psychological elements not found in loop or point-to-point races. Starting and finishing at Western Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada, the course immediately climbs into the high-altitude wilderness of the Carson Range and Spooner Backcountry. This format allows runners to see the entire course during daylight on their outbound journey, then experience it from a completely different perspective during the return trip, which occurs primarily during the night hours for most participants. The out-and-back design creates natural meeting points where runners encounter faster competitors heading in the opposite direction, providing motivation and course reconnaissance opportunities. However, this format also presents psychological challenges, as runners must tackle the same difficult climbs and descents twice, with the knowledge of what lies ahead potentially becoming demoralizing during low points in the race. The course utilizes a mix of single-track trails, fire roads, and sections of the famous Tahoe Rim Trail itself, winding through Nevada State Park land and Toiyabe National Forest. Aid stations are strategically placed to support runners on both the outbound and return journeys, with some stations serving runners multiple times as they pass through at different points in the race.
Elevation Profile
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 presents a relentless elevation profile with approximately 17,000-22,000 feet of total climbing spread across the 100-mile distance, making it one of the more vertically challenging mountain ultras in the United States. The course starts at Western Nevada College at 4,888 feet elevation, which represents the lowest point on the entire route. From there, runners face an immediate and sustained climb of 4,200 feet over the first 9.5 miles to reach the course’s highest point just below Snow Valley Peak at 9,214 feet elevation. This opening ascent sets the tone for the entire race, with most of the course running between 7,000 and 9,000 feet elevation throughout the remainder of the route. The notorious Red House Loop section drops to approximately 6,800 feet, creating the course’s low point and requiring runners to climb back out of this valley twice during the race. Major climbs include the initial assault on Snow Valley Peak, the challenging ascent to Diamond Peak, and the grinding climbs between Tunnel Creek and various ridge sections. The elevation changes are aided by switchbacks in many sections, but several climbs are steep and sustained enough to force most runners into a hiking pace. The out-and-back format means runners experience each major climb and descent twice, effectively doubling the psychological impact of the course’s vertical challenges while testing their ability to maintain climbing strength late in the race.
Terrain Breakdown
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 course consists entirely of unpaved surfaces, with approximately 80% running on single-track trails and 20% on dirt roads and jeep roads. The single-track sections provide the most technical and scenic portions of the race, winding through dense forest, across exposed ridgelines, and around alpine lakes and meadows. These trails feature typical mountain conditions including roots, rocks, occasional stream crossings, and varying surfaces from soft pine needle paths to harder packed dirt and rocky sections. The remaining 20% of dirt roads and jeep roads typically offer faster running surfaces and are often used for connecting different trail sections or accessing remote aid stations. The course terrain breakdown shows approximately 53% shrubland, 42% forested areas, and 4% developed or open terrain. Runners encounter a variety of surface conditions throughout the race, from the soft, runnable single-track through pine and aspen forests to more technical rocky sections along exposed ridgelines. The altitude and mountain environment mean trail conditions can vary significantly based on weather, with dusty conditions common during dry spells and potentially muddy or slippery surfaces following precipitation. Most experienced runners recommend gaiters due to the dusty conditions, especially during dry summer months when the course can become quite powdery underfoot.
Time Limit and Cutoffs
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 operates under a 36-hour time limit, with the race starting at 5:00 AM Saturday and requiring all finishers to cross the line by 5:00 PM Sunday. This generous cutoff time reflects the course’s challenging nature and high altitude, allowing most prepared runners adequate time to complete the distance even with the significant climbing and technical terrain. The race features multiple intermediate cutoff times at key aid stations to ensure runner safety and proper race management. The first major cutoff occurs at the Stonehenge (50-mile) aid station with a 10:30 PM Saturday deadline, requiring runners to complete the first half in 17.5 hours. Diamond Peak aid station enforces two critical cutoffs: 4:30 PM on the outbound journey (mile 30) and 9:00 AM Sunday morning on the return trip (mile 80). Additional firm cutoffs include Tunnel Creek at 11:00 AM Sunday morning for mile 85 runners. These cutoffs are strictly enforced to ensure adequate time for course cleanup and to prevent runners from becoming stranded in the remote backcountry after dark on Sunday night. The cutoff structure follows a progression that allows approximately 21-minute-per-mile pace for the second 50-mile loop, recognizing that runners typically slow down significantly during the night portion of the race. Race directors emphasize that these cutoffs are firm and designed for both runner safety and operational necessity, with no exceptions granted regardless of circumstances.
Aid Stations
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 features seven fully-stocked aid stations strategically positioned throughout the challenging 100-mile course, with some stations serving runners multiple times due to the out-and-back format. The aid stations include Stonehenge at mile 16, Hobart at mile 23, Tunnel Creek at mile 28, and Diamond Peak at mile 39.5, with runners revisiting these same stations on their return journey at miles 84, 77, 72, and 60.5 respectively. Only two aid stations allow crew access: Stonehenge (Spooner Lake) at mile 16 and Diamond Peak Resort at miles 39.5 and 72, making crew support extremely limited compared to other 100-mile races. Drop bags are permitted at Hobart, Tunnel Creek, and Diamond Peak aid stations, with strict size restrictions of no larger than 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall by 20 inches long and weighing less than 20 pounds. Each drop bag must be clearly labeled with the runner’s name, bib number, and desired aid station, with no ice chests or coolers allowed and pacers prohibited from having their own drop bags. The aid stations feature exceptional volunteer support with diverse food options including typical ultra fare, hot meals during nighttime hours, smoothies at Hobart, and full medical staff at both Tunnel Creek and Diamond Peak stations.
Mandatory Gear
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 does not publish a specific mandatory gear list like some international ultramarathons, but race management strongly recommends essential safety equipment due to the remote high-altitude environment and extreme weather variability. Runners are advised to carry warm clothing including layers for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the low 30s even in July, with exposed ridge sections commonly experiencing strong winds throughout the night. A functioning headlamp with extra batteries is essential given the race’s 5:00 AM start and the likelihood that most runners will be on course after dark, with race officials specifically recommending an extra flashlight and backup batteries be left in drop bags at aid stations runners plan to visit during nighttime hours. The high-altitude desert environment requires adequate hydration capacity, with most experienced runners carrying at least two liters of fluid given the long stretches between aid stations and limited crew access points. Emergency shelter such as a space blanket is recommended due to the remote backcountry location and potential for sudden weather changes at altitude. While not explicitly required, many seasoned TRT runners also recommend gaiters due to dusty trail conditions, electrolyte replacement systems beyond what aid stations provide, and appropriate layered clothing systems to handle the dramatic temperature swings between hot daytime conditions and cold nighttime mountain weather.
Crew and Pacing Support
Crew access at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 is extremely limited compared to most 100-mile ultramarathons, with runners and their support teams able to meet at only two locations during the entire race. The Diamond Peak aid station provides the primary crew access point, serving runners at miles 39.5 and 72, with strict parking restrictions requiring crews to use only the lower parking lot and avoid any roadside parking that could block resident access. Stonehenge at Spooner Lake offers limited crew access at mile 16, though parking requires a Nevada State Park fee of ten dollars for Nevada vehicles and fifteen dollars for out-of-state vehicles. Crews are strictly prohibited from supporting runners outside of designated aid station areas, with violations resulting in immediate disqualification of their runner, and race management emphasizes this rule is non-negotiable due to environmental and permit restrictions. Pacers are allowed beginning at Diamond Peak aid station at mile 39.5 and again at mile 72 during the return visit, with only one pacer permitted at a time and no physical assistance or “muling” of supplies allowed except during medical emergencies. All pacers must check in at Diamond Peak aid station and receive an official pacer bib number to ensure proper identification by aid station staff and adequate food planning. The remote nature of most aid stations means crews cannot access their runners at Tunnel Creek, Hobart, or other stations, forcing runners to be largely self-sufficient for extended periods while relying on drop bags and exceptional volunteer support.
Course Navigation
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 course is well-marked with traditional trail marking methods including ribbons, reflective markers, and directional signage at key junction points throughout the route. The race utilizes a combination of established trails including sections of the famous Tahoe Rim Trail itself, single-track wilderness trails, and connecting dirt roads that are clearly marked to prevent navigation errors in the remote backcountry setting. Given the technical nature and remote location of much of the course, race management provides GPS tracking devices to all participants for safety monitoring, with live tracking available for family and friends through Adventure Enablers’ system at live.enabledtracking.com. While GPS devices are provided primarily for safety and tracking purposes, many experienced ultrarunners recommend carrying personal GPS units or smartphone apps with downloaded course maps as backup navigation tools, especially for the nighttime sections when visibility is reduced. The course follows primarily established trail systems that are generally well-defined, but some sections through the Nevada State Park Spooner Backcountry can be challenging to follow in darkness or adverse weather conditions. Race officials conduct thorough course marking in the weeks leading up to the event, with particular attention paid to confusing junction points and areas where runners might accidentally leave the designated route. The out-and-back format provides some navigation advantages, as runners see the entire course in daylight during their outbound journey, helping them recognize key landmarks and potentially confusing areas for their nighttime return trip.
Historical Finish Rates
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 has historically maintained one of the lower finish rates among established 100-mile ultramarathons, with completion percentages typically ranging between 60-75% depending on weather conditions and field strength. Recent race results show that in 2024, 112 runners finished out of a field that likely started with approximately 140-150 entrants, suggesting a finish rate around 75-80% which represents an improvement over earlier years. The 2023 event saw 115 finishers, while 2022 had only 71 finishers, indicating significant year-to-year variation often influenced by weather conditions, particularly heat during summer months. The race’s challenging reputation stems from several factors that contribute to the lower finish rates: the sustained high altitude throughout the entire course, the brutal opening climb that can break undertrained runners early, limited crew access that requires greater self-sufficiency, and the psychological challenge of the out-and-back format where struggling runners must retrace difficult terrain during the night. Weather conditions play a major role in finish rates, with hot summer days significantly increasing dropout rates due to heat-related issues, while cooler years typically see higher completion percentages. The race’s 36-hour cutoff is generous enough that most properly trained and paced runners can finish within the time limit, but the combination of altitude, heat, and sustained climbing creates a perfect storm that has historically challenged even experienced ultrarunners.
Special Features and Awards
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 offers finishers one of the most coveted buckles in ultramarathoning, featuring unique designs that often commemorate special anniversaries or local significance, such as the special Nevada 150th statehood anniversary seal featured in recent years. The race provides what organizers describe as “a glimpse of heaven and a taste of hell,” referencing both the spectacular Lake Tahoe vistas throughout most of the course and the infamous “Red House Loop” section that has broken many runners’ spirits over the years. One of the race’s most distinctive features is its location entirely within Nevada State Park lands and Toiyabe National Forest, creating a true wilderness experience with minimal road crossings and exceptional scenic beauty throughout the journey. The event operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with net proceeds benefiting multiple local organizations including the Tahoe Rim Trail Association trail maintenance program, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks backcountry mountain bike patrol, Carson City High School cross-country team, and Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, having donated over $300,000 in recent years. The race’s volunteer support is legendary within the ultramarathon community, particularly at Hobart aid station which is famous for its walk-up bar, smoothies, and party atmosphere that helps lift runners’ spirits during the challenging middle miles. The finish line celebration takes place at Western Nevada College’s baseball stadium, providing a unique venue for the awards ceremony and creating a memorable finish experience for successful runners.
Previous Winners and Course Records
The men’s course record for the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 is held by Bob Shebest with a time of 17:38:35, while the women’s record belongs to ultramarathon legend Nikki Kimball at 20:18:00, both representing exceptional performances on this challenging mountain course. Recent race winners include Grant Hotaling who won the 2024 men’s division in 18:31:01, followed by Leonardo Santillana in 20:29:30 and Eric Neill in 21:15:38, while Maria Guy claimed the women’s title in 24:06:50. The 2023 men’s winner finished in 20:35:08 with the women’s champion completing the course in 25:17:49, showing the year-to-year variation in winning times often influenced by weather conditions and field strength. Historical winners include Annie Rutledge who claimed her first 100-mile victory in 2015 with a time of 22:27:12, finishing sixth overall in what was described as a breakthrough performance for the rookie 100-miler. Other notable past champions include Ernesto Duran who won the 2015 men’s division in 20:49:05, Paolo Castiglioni who placed second that year in 21:14:24, and Shannon Howell who has been among the top female finishers in multiple years. The course has also attracted international talent, with runners from Japan and other countries regularly competing and placing highly in the overall standings, demonstrating the race’s growing reputation as a bucket-list destination event. The competitive depth has grown significantly over the years, with winning times generally becoming faster as the event has attracted stronger fields of elite mountain ultrarunners seeking to test themselves against this demanding Sierra Nevada course.
Official Contact Information
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs is directed by George Ruiz who can be reached at TRTER100@gmail.com or by phone at (775) 721-0750. The race headquarters mailing address is P.O. Box 1483, Carson City, Nevada 89702, serving as the central contact point for all race-related inquiries and registration information. Angela Sullivan serves as a key race organizer and can be contacted at trtgoddess@gmail.com or the same phone number (775) 721-0750 for additional race support and information. Medical director Dr. Andy Pasternak, MD, MS, handles race medical protocols and can be reached at avpiv711@sbcglobal.net or (775) 853-9394 for medical-related questions or concerns. Volunteer coordination is managed by Kati Bell at trtvolunteer@gmail.com, serving as the primary contact for those interested in supporting the event through volunteer opportunities. The race maintains an active online presence through their official website at trter.com, which serves as the primary source for registration announcements, course information, and race updates throughout the year. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the event operates with transparency regarding its charitable mission and community benefit programs, with all official communications and financial information available through these established contact channels. Race management emphasizes that these contact methods are the official channels for all race-related business, with response times typically within 24-48 hours during active registration and race preparation periods.