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

When: April 25 & 26, 2025 

Where: Auburn, CA 

Distances: 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.

The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB is a dual qualifier for the iconic UTMB® World Series Finals and the Western States Endurance Run. The Canyons is a Western States 100 Golden Ticket Race. Canyon Endurance Runs are a Trail Sister Approved race series. 

Silver State 50/50

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 

Where: Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno, NV 

Distances: 50M, 50K or Half Marathon 

Register here

This is the 40th running of the Endurance Runs and the 17th 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. Our 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 our 50-mile and 50-kilometer races are considered excellent trainers for the Western States 100-miler and the Tahoe Rim Trail 100-miler. Our trail half-marathon provides 13.1 miles of single track, with climbing and descending through some of the most memorable country in the West.

Girls on the run Sierras 5K

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Where: Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, CA 

Distance: 5K

Register here

The 5k is a fundraiser for Girls on the Run Sierras, a local non-profit that helps girls build healthy, lifelong relationships with health and fitness and discover inner strength and confidence through an activity-based curriculum.

Tahoe 200 Endurance Ultra

When: June 13 – 17, 2025

Where: Tahoe City, California

Distances: 205.5M - 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 course for the 2025 Tahoe 200 will be considered the out-and-back version, which is in the runner manual. However, the Forest Service will make a decision this fall on the return of the original loop course in 2025.

The Tahoe 200 is a Western States qualifier race. 

The Broken Arrow Skyrace

When: Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 22, 2025

Where: Olympic Valley USA

Distances: Iron Face, Ascent, 11K, 18K, 23K, 46K

Register here

The Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by Salomon, 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!

The 23K is a part of the Golden Trail Series and the World Mountain Running World Cup; long distance. All races in the series are Trail Sister Approved. 

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run

When: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, June 29, 2025

Where: Olympic Valley, CA to Auburn, CA

Distance: 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, but demand is high. Consider yourself lucky if you earn a spot in this race!

Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run

When: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Where: Carson City, Nevada

Distances: 50K & 14K

Register here

Due to Marlette Dam reconstruction and Flume pipe replacement projects the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs is not able to set up infrastructure in order to fully operate in the Spooner Backcountry. Therefore, we are unable to host the 100 Mile and 100K in 2025.The ALT-50K course will be much like our planned 50K, minus the loop around Marlette Peak. The 14 Miler will be an out-and-back from the baseball stadium up the Ash to Kings Trail to the Waterfall aid station and back to the Finish Line and Ultra Lounge Party. Because this is a one-off year due to the closures, the goal for this year’s race is to offer a great course and have a great time at the finish line Ultra Lounge. On a normal year, our loyal volunteers and aid station captains do not have the privilege of enjoying the finish line party.

Mountain Tiger

When: July 26, 2025

Where: Soda Springs, CA

Distance: 11M

Register here

Mountain Tiger is a point-to-point mountain trail race on Donner Summit in Tahoe. The 11 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 race cutoff of 5:00 we welcome one and all.

Lost Sierra Endurance Race

When: July 26, 2025

Where: Downieville, CA

Distances: 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. To celebrate your finish, join us for a post race BBQ right at the finish line. 

Point Mariah Trail Marathon

When: Aug 2, 2025

Where: Soda Springs, CA

Distance: Marathon

Register here

Join DPMR for the fourth 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 our 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).

Great Trail Race

When: Sept 27th, 2025

Where: Truckee to Tahoe City

Distance: 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. Two options are available: the Elite course and the Classic course.

Do you love singletrack? Join us this September for an unforgettable experience! Choose one of two-course options: Elite or Classic. The Elite course adds in more technically challenging terrain and distance. Make the event the goal of your summer training, then dig deep and beat your age-group rivals. Or set your own pace and enjoy a beautiful trail 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

When: October 11-12, 2025

Where: Susanville, CA

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

Lake Tahoe Marathon

When: Saturday, October 17-19, 2025

Where: Lake Tahoe, CA

Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 72M, 10K, 5K

Register here

Lots to choose from this weekend.  With 11 races and 5 different distances, there is something for everyone and then some. Highlights of the weekend include the 72 Mile Midnight Express and the Emerald Bay Half Marathon, called “One of America’s Most Scenic Trail Runs” by Competitor Magazine. 

And it all comes with the spectacular scenery of Lake Tahoe with Fall colors and the best aid stations you will ever enjoy. Bring your friends for 3 days of running fun.. Bring

Hidden Valley Hammer

When: Beginning of November

Where: Reno, NV

Distances: 5k, 10K

Register here

It is designed to be one of the most challenging 10k's out there. It is steep, slippery, rocky, and exposed. It climbs roughly 1700 ft in the first 4.5 miles. After an amazing view at the top, the trail descends quickly and returns to the start/finish line. There will be sections of this trail where you will be hiking, not running. The less experienced or adventurous can still have fun and contribute to a great cause!

100% of the proceeds go to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.