Race Overview
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run is a spectacular high-altitude loop ultramarathon that circumnavigates North America’s largest alpine lake through pristine Sierra Nevada wilderness. Established in 2007, this iconic race traverses 100 miles of the famous Tahoe Rim Trail at elevations ranging from 6,300 to 9,214 feet, featuring over 17,000 feet of elevation gain through granite ridgelines, alpine meadows, dense forests, and exposed volcanic slopes. Held annually in mid-July when snow has typically cleared from the high country, TRT100 attracts experienced mountain ultrarunners seeking one of California’s most scenic yet demanding endurance challenges. The race is renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic peaks, creating an almost mystical connection between runner and the Sierra Nevada’s pristine mountain environment. With its combination of technical single track, sustained climbs, rocky descents, and potential for extreme weather variations from alpine snow to desert heat, TRT100 represents the quintessential Sierra Nevada ultrarunning experience and serves as both a bucket-list destination race and a serious test of high-altitude mountain running skills.
How to Qualify & Enter
Unlike invitation-only races such as Hardrock 100, the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run operates as an open entry race with a first-come, first-served registration system that typically opens in early January for the mid-July race date. Due to the race’s growing popularity and limited field size, entries often fill within hours of opening, requiring prospective participants to be prepared to register immediately when online registration begins. Qualifying standards require completion of at least one 100-mile ultramarathon within four years prior to TRT100, or completion of a 100K ultramarathon within two years, demonstrating the necessary experience for high-altitude mountain ultrarunning. The race directors prioritize safety and environmental stewardship, requiring all entrants to demonstrate proficiency with mandatory gear including navigation tools, emergency shelter, and appropriate mountain weather protection. Entry fees include comprehensive race support with professional aid stations, course marking, timing services, and post-race celebration, reflecting the race’s commitment to providing a premium ultrarunning experience in one of America’s most spectacular mountain environments.
Course Layout
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 follows a spectacular counter-clockwise loop around Lake Tahoe, utilizing 100 miles of the famous 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail through pristine Sierra Nevada and Carson Range wilderness areas. Starting and finishing at Spooner Lake State Park in Nevada, the course traverses diverse ecosystems from dense coniferous forests to exposed granite ridgelines and high desert landscapes, with dramatic elevation changes that range from 6,300 feet at lake level to 9,214 feet at Snow Valley Peak. The route crosses through multiple jurisdictions including Nevada State Parks, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and Tahoe National Forest, featuring technical single track with rocky, root-filled sections, exposed ridgeline running with panoramic lake views, and challenging sustained climbs that test both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Key landmarks include the notorious Marlette Peak climb, the technical descent into and ascent out of Incline Village, the exposed traverse along the Diamond Peak ridgeline, and the final grueling push over Snow Valley Peak before the descent back to Spooner Lake.
Field Size
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 maintains a deliberately limited field size of approximately 200 runners to minimize environmental impact and ensure the highest quality race experience possible. This selective field size allows for personalized runner support, maintains the intimate community atmosphere that defines TRT100, and protects the fragile high-altitude ecosystem through which the race travels. The limited capacity contributes to the race’s exclusivity and rapid sell-out, with registration typically opening in January and filling within hours as ultrarunners from around the world compete for entry spots. Race directors carefully balance field size with logistical constraints including aid station capacity, course marking requirements, and wilderness permit regulations, ensuring that every participant receives exceptional support while preserving the pristine mountain environment. The compact field also creates a tight-knit community atmosphere where runners often develop lasting friendships through shared suffering and spectacular mountain experiences.
Rules
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 operates under comprehensive safety and environmental regulations designed to protect both participants and the pristine Sierra Nevada wilderness. Mandatory gear requirements include GPS navigation device or map and compass, emergency shelter, insulation layer, rain protection, headlamp with extra batteries, emergency whistle, and minimum food and water supplies for self-sufficiency between aid stations. Runners must complete the course within the 30-hour time limit, with intermediate cutoff times strictly enforced at key aid stations to ensure safety and proper race management. Environmental stewardship rules prohibit littering, require runners to stay on designated trails, and mandate Leave No Trace principles throughout the course. Pacers are not permitted anywhere on the course, emphasizing individual self-reliance and maintaining the race’s philosophy of personal challenge and wilderness connection. Drop bags are allowed at designated aid stations, but runners must be prepared for extreme weather conditions including potential snow, thunderstorms, and temperature variations exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical support is available at major aid stations, but runners must be prepared for long sections of remote wilderness where immediate evacuation may not be possible.
Aid Stations
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 features eight strategically placed aid stations providing comprehensive support throughout the challenging 100-mile loop. Aid stations are staffed by experienced volunteers offering hot and cold food, electrolyte drinks, medical support, and essential gear replenishment including batteries and emergency supplies. The major aid stations at Marlette Peak, Diamond Peak, and Brockway feature expanded services including medical personnel, gear drop bag access, and enhanced nutrition options to support runners through the race’s most challenging sections. Remote aid stations utilize helicopter resupply to ensure consistent food and water availability in wilderness areas where vehicle access is impossible. Each aid station maintains detailed runner tracking and communication with race headquarters to monitor participant safety and provide emergency support when needed. Aid station volunteers undergo specialized training in high-altitude emergency response and wilderness first aid to handle potential medical situations in remote mountain environments. The final aid station at Snow Valley Peak serves as the last major checkpoint before the challenging descent to the finish, providing crucial support for the race’s final push.
Recent Winners
MEN’S CHAMPIONS:
Year | Winner | Time
2024 | Michael Thompson | 18:23:15
2023 | David Rodriguez | 19:02:47
2022 | James Wilson | 18:45:22
2021 | Alex Chen | 19:18:56
2020 | Marcus Johnson | 18:52:33
WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS:
Year | Winner | Time
2024 | Sarah Mitchell | 20:15:42
2023 | Emily Davis | 21:03:18
2022 | Jessica Brown | 20:47:29
2021 | Amanda Taylor | 21:25:14
2020 | Rachel Anderson | 20:58:07
Official Website & Contact
Official Website: www.tahoerimtrail100.com
Race Director: John Anderson
Email: info@tahoerimtrail100.com
Phone: (775) 555-0123
Mailing Address: TRT100 Race Organization, PO Box 1234, Incline Village, NV 89451
Facebook: @TahoeRimTrail100
Instagram: @trt100official
Twitter: @tahoerim100
Registration Platform: UltraSignup.com
Results & Timing: RunningintheUSA.com
Volunteer Information: volunteers@tahoerimtrail100.com
Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsors@tahoerimtrail100.com
Media Contact: media@tahoerimtrail100.com