The Ultimate Guide to the Best Trail Runs and Races in Truckee and Lake Tahoe

Truckee and Lake Tahoe are world-class destinations for trail running and racing. If you’re visiting the Truckee Tahoe region, these races are a great opportunity to explore new terrain while staying safe with a support crew. Check out our local running club, the Donner Party Mountain Runners, and become a member to take part in high elevation training runs and get more familiar with the area.

Canyons Endurance Runs

• April 24 & 25, 2026
• Auburn, CA
• 100M, 100K, 50K, 20K

Register here

Participants will experience some of the most scenic and challenging sections of the iconic Western States Trail as they cover up to 17,000’ passing by the river crossing at Rucky Chucky then through the Canyons to visit the infamous Devil’s Thumb and Swinging Bridge. Your limits will be tested, and your finish will be hard fought as this is the most rugged and difficult section of the Western States Trail.

Along the trail, runners will behold panoramic Sierra vistas, descend into intimate canyon gullies filled with vibrant ferns and fauna, and gaze up into lush canopies of Oak and Pine. You’ll dip your toes into the rushing waters of the historic American River and cross mountain streams and old wooden bridges through historic settlements from California’s gold rush days. You might even hear an echo of old prospectors and mules on their quest for the mother lode as you follow the same trail they did over 150 years ago.

Silver State 50/50

• Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno, NV
• 50M, 50K or Half Marathon

Register here

This is the 41st running of the Endurance Runs and the 18th for the Trail Half-Marathon. The 50/50 has a rich history as one of the oldest trail runs on the West Coast. Created as a way to bring the ultra communities of northern Nevada and northern California together for a day of adventure on Peavine Mountain.

The 50/50 offers a wide variety of terrain for all types of runners, with plenty of climbing and descending. The course has enough dirt, rock, pine trees, excellent single track, altitude and exquisite views of the Sierra Nevada and the Truckee Meadows to satisfy the demands of runners who yearn for a fun, challenging day. Both the 50-mile and 50-kilometer races are considered excellent trainers for the Western States 100-miler and the Tahoe Rim Trail 100-miler. The trail half-marathon provides 13.1 miles of single track, with climbing and descending through some of the most memorable country in the West.

Tahoe 200 Endurance Ultra

• June 12 – 16, 2026
• Tahoe City, California
• 200.2M

Sign up for the 200M waitlist here

The Tahoe 200 is an incredible journey around the largest alpine lake in North America. The route traverses the Tahoe Rim Trail with views of the sparkling, clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe, while occasionally detouring off the TRT to explore aspen meadows, rock gardens of giants, small impossibly blue lakes, thick canopied forests, and long ridge lines with stunning views. The route is nothing less than magical.

At this time, the 2026 Tahoe 200 will be run on the same out and back route as 2025 due to the continued forest mitigation work on more remote sections in the Eldorado National Forest. 

The Broken Arrow Skyrace

• Friday, June 18 – Sunday, June 21, 2025
• Olympic Valley USA
• Iron Face, Ascent, 11K, 18K, 23K, 46K

Register here

The Broken Arrow Skyrace is a four-day, six distance event held at world-famous, Palisades Tahoe. Elite and recreational participants alike experience an unforgettable trail running experience “where the mountains meet the sky.” The Broken Arrow consists of nine iconic distances (plus a kid’s race) that showcase the beauty of Lake Tahoe, the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada.

Designed in the vein of classic European Skyraces, the Broken Arrow Skyrace represents a unique style of mountain running, characterized by off-trail scrambling on steep terrain with massive amounts of vertical gain and loss at altitude….with exposure, hand lines, a ladder and dramatic (up to 40 degrees) snow slopes thrown in for good measure!

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run

• Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28, 2025
• Olympic Valley, CA to Auburn, CA
• 100M

Learn about the competitive entry process here

Western States 100 Mile Endurance run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. It starts in Olympic Valley, California, and ends 100.2 miles away in Auburn, California. In the decades since its inception in 1974, it has come to represent one of the ultimate endurance tests in the world.

Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend nearly 23,000 feet before they reach the finish line at Placer High School in Auburn. In the miles between Olympic Valley and Auburn, runners experience the majestic high country beauty of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, the crucible of the canyons of the California gold country, a memorable crossing of the ice-cold waters of the main stem of the Middle Fork of the American River, and during the latter stages, the historic reddish-brown colored trails that led gold seeking prospectors and homesteading pilgrims alike to the welcoming arms of Auburn.

Western States is the pinnacle of 100-mile ultramarathons. You’ll need to enter a lottery in advance to get a spot in this race and demand is high. Consider yourself lucky if you earn a spot in this race! Join in the fun with an early morning run to the escarpment hosted by the Donner Party Mountain Runners.

Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run

• Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Carson City, Nevada
• 100M, 100K, 50K, 23K

Register here

2026 sees the return of the 100m and 100k distances along with the 50K and 23K races.The 100 Mile has long been a qualifier for Western States, but the 100K offers a new qualifying opportunity for sub-20 hour finishers. The 23K was a popular distance during the 2025 Alt-TRTER during the Marlette Lake Dam reconstruction backcountry closures, and they have added it to the regular line up. Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs take place on high elevation alpine and sub-alpine forest single track trails and dirt roads in the Carson Spur of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Mountain Tiger Donner Summit

• July 25, 2026
• Soda Springs, CA
• 12M

Register here

Mountain Tiger Donner Summit is back, celebrating its second year on Donner Summit. It is a point-to-point mountain trail race on Donner Summit in Tahoe. The 12 mile race features singletrack, technical trails, smooth fire roads, and four summits in Sugar Bowl's iconic ridgeline with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. The race begins at an altitude of 7,000 feet and features plenty of challenging terrain for both new and seasoned runners. With a generous 5 hour cutoff time, it is open and welcoming to all runners.

Lost Sierra Endurance Race

• July 25, 2026
• Downieville, CA
• 100K, 50K, 25K 

Register here

The Lost Sierra Endurance Race is a thrilling endurance experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Buttes. Navigate the scenic Third Divide Trails, Pacific Crest Trail, and Lakes Basin Trails a traverse with awe-inspiring views of lake valleys, alpine ridge lines, and river canyons to then finish in downtown Downieville.  Choose your challenge with our 25K, 50K, and 100K races, each offering a unique journey through the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  Expect a raw, remote, and wildly scenic adventure that will push you to your limit. Stick around after your finish for a celebratory post-race party at the finish line.

Point Mariah Trail Marathon

• Aug 1, 2026
• Soda Springs, CA
• Marathon, Partner Marathon, 5-person team Marathon 

Register here

Join DPMR for the 5th annual running of the Point Mariah Trail Marathon! With immense gratitude to the Truckee Donner Land Trust, the course will primarily run through the protected Royal Gorge land near Soda Springs, CA. Special thanks to the other land use partners at the Soda Springs Ski Resort and the U.S. Forest Service.

Point Mariah offers expansive views of the Granite Chief Wilderness, the Pacific Crest between Sugar Bowl and Olympic Valley, and the breathtaking Royal Gorge of the North Fork of the American River (one of the deepest canyons in the western US).

Mountain Tiger Heavenly

• Aug 22, 2026
• South Lake Tahoe, CA
• 9M

Register here

Building on the success of last year’s Mountain Tiger Donner Summit, the race directors are taking the same rugged short course ideology to the south side for the inaugural running of Mountain Tiger Heavenly. It’s your opportunity to run steep all while catching views from the other side of the lake. Signup for both Mountain Tigers to get the full Tahoe experience. 

Emerald Bay Trail Run

• Sept 12, 2026
• Emerald Bay, CA
• 7 mile

Register here

Nestled between the stunning peaks of the High Sierra and the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, the Emerald Bay Trail Run is a must-do event for trail running enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The 7-mile point to point race starts at Eagle Point and makes its way around Emerald Bay ascending the Rubicon trail and finishing at D.L. Bliss State Park. The route features mostly single-track trails with moderate climbs and descents amongst breathtaking scenery. With every twist and turn, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of one of the largest, deepest and purest alpine lakes. 

Great Trail Race

• Sept 26, 2026
• Truckee to Tahoe City
• 34K

Register here

The Great Trail Race is an exciting point-to-point event between Truckee and Tahoe City, CA. Participants can choose to gravel bike, mountain bike, or trail run on this stunning course. If you love singletrack, join this September race for an unforgettable experience! Choose one of two-course options: Elite or Classic. Take on the Elite course for more technically challenging terrain and distance or keep it classic for shorter distance and smooth cruising. Regardless of the course, set your own pace and enjoy a beautiful ride or run through the Sierra. 

The Great Trail Race is a fundraiser for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue on a similar course to the Great Ski Race. Check out the event website for more details.

Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon

• October 11, 2026
• Susanville, CA
• 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K

Register here

The Bizz Johnson Trail begins at Mason Station and travels through scenic Lassen National Forest. The first few miles of the course climb 280 feet through the forest to Westwood Junction, then it’s downhill to the finish at Susanville, with a 1300-foot descent over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the route of the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, built in 1914. The course passes orange cliffs and crosses the river ten times on picturesque wooden railroad bridges and about four miles from the finish, you’ll pass through two former railroad tunnels before you finish at Hobo Camp recreation area.

The Marathon course is a USATF certified course and a Boston Qualifier. All races are Trail Sisters approved.