By: Helen Mino Faukner

The Point Mariah Trail Marathon took place August 5th, 2023 and I think this event perfectly highlights what trail running is all about. 

The course itself is 5 segments that take runners through the beautiful trails of Soda Springs/Serene Lakes. The course started and ended at Soda Springs Ski Resort and summited Rowton Peak twice. There are beautiful views, incredible ridgelines, and the wild flowers were going off this year! Participants had the option to run the whole marathon themselves, as a two person relay, or a 5 person relay. Something that is really special to me about the event is the one central aid station. People got to hangout at the aid station waiting for their turn to run, or it was a great place to be able to spectate, and it was SO much fun.  

I ran the marathon by myself and this is one of my favorite trail events to exist. It’s just fun vibes with all the friends. There are little out and back parts of some of the segments and it was a great opportunity to be able to high five and cheer on other runners during the event. I think this event was able to highlight that trail running is about the people and having fun. We all know running is hard, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it a fun time that has a party atmosphere. I don’t know any other sport where there would be a whiskey only aid station, a swing, and everyone is genuinely so excited for one another. I had the joy of getting to spend time on trails with friends and even got to make new friends during the marathon. We are so lucky to have an event like this right in our backyard. 

Thank you to The Donner Party Mountain Runners for making this event happen, to Chris Cloyd for dreaming up this event and being a world class race director, all the reps that took the time to come to the event, Tahoe Mountain Sports for sponsoring the event, and of course all the volunteers. This day came together in such a beautiful way thanks to all the time and energy of these people. This was my second year running the Point Mariah Trail Marathon and I hope to be able to participate in future years! Trail running is the best sport in the world. 

Author: Helen Mino Faukner

Helen loves spending time outside and standing on the tops of things. She spends most of her time outside during the summer trail running and mountain biking here and there. During winter, she loves skiing! You can find her downhill, backcountry, and skate skiing.