Hello Runners,
The race will have live timing on Ultra Signup here: https://ultrasignup.com/live/live.htm?dtid=23561
The check points will be at Tunnel Creek when you come out of Red House Loop for all runners. For 50 Mile and 100 Mile runners: there is a check point at Diamond Peak, and again when returning to Tunnel Creek. All runners will check in at Snow Valley Peak. 100 Milers check in at Stonehenge 50 Mile Aid Station, and finally, the Finish. These splits will be live so your crew and family can follow your progress.
After months of planning and preparation and training on your part, the time is finally upon us to put it all into action. The first and foremost concern for everyone is the course condition. As you all know, the Sierra Nevada experienced record snowfall this winter. The good news is the course is in great shape and will be 95% dirt! Yes, there will be snow on the course but it is limited to snowfields on the highest and north-facing segments of the trail.
Our team of Volunteer Course Markers have spent the last four days marking trail and making the snow passages as safe as possible for you to have a positive experience during the race. Steep banks have steps cut into them now but they may not hold up for the duration of the race. With the warm daytime temperatures, we may have very little snow on the course by race day as it is melting very fast. There is water, especially on the Red House loop, so everyone’s feet will get wet.
Keep in mind our course elevation averages about 8000 feet above sea level. Only three sections fall below the 8000 foot level: the start/finish area, the bottom of the Red House loop, and Diamond Peak Ski Lodge. So, when you look at a forecast for South Lake Tahoe, or Incline Village it will be warmer than it will be at 8000 feet or above. The temperatures during the race is an important topic. You can expect daytime temps to be in the low 80’s (fahrenheit) but nighttime and early morning temps to fall in the mid-40’s to mid-50’s. For those of you doing the 100 mile you must consider warmer clothing in your drop bags for the later morning hours. Also, much of our course is on exposed ridge lines, hence the name Tahoe Rim Trail. We often have strong breezes in the late afternoon and early evenings, so a light wind breaker or long sleeve shirt is almost a must. We will have first class Patagonia gear for sale at the Friday packet pick-up and during the event by the Ultra Lounge. Hypothermia is one of our leading causes of 100 mile runners not finishing the race.
Our Race Medical Director, Andy Pasternak MD, MS, writes an informative letter to participants every year. Click Here and Read It. If you haven’t noticed, we have a group discount on Reach Air Medical Services (Calstar) air ambulance and you should have a look. If you were to require a helicopter ride out of the backcountry due to an injury and medical condition it’s a minimum $20,000 to be transported to Reno. Membership to this program is less than the cost of running shoes and it’s good throughout most of the western states.
We also have a new and beautiful race website (thank you Tangerine Design). It is packed with Race Information and all you need to know about the race logistics. Contact shannon@tangerinedesignweb.com if something is missing. She is always happy to help and improve the site. Check it out!
For those of you that are new to the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs, our aid stations are some of the best you will experience at an ultra-distance race. I realize many races say this, however with the nature of our course being a double 50-mile loop for the 100-mile runners our aid stations are set up like small villages in the backcountry. Many food options are available during the daytime with your typical ultra-food options (NOTE: our bread of choice is gluten free). Once the sun begins to set the kitchen is OPEN at all these aid stations and you will be amazed at your food options. Unless you have some very special dietary need you will find just about anything you can imagine at the aid stations. You don’t need to pack food in your drop bags.
I’d like to thank Clif Bar for the on-course Clif Shot Gels, Clif Bar Bloks, and Clif Bars. The electrolyte replacement drink on-course will be First Endurance EFS. This is a very high-end drink that is not sweet at all, it’s very easy to drink. You can read more about it on their website: https://firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-drink.html
100-mile drop bags must be left in their appropriate spots at the Friday check-in at the Nevada State Legislative grounds 401 S. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701-4747. There is a large courtyard where the check-in and mandatory race briefing takes place. We will also have our amazing TRTER merchandise store open and sell the latest running clothing from Patagonia. Friday Check-in Parking is one block west on Curry St. There is a public parking area behind The Fox BrewPub. If your drop bags are not left at this check-in site there is no guarantee they will make it to the aid station of your choice: Tunnel Creek, Hobart, Diamond Peak or Stonehenge 50 mile. These aid stations retrieve them by 3 pm Friday and take them to their locations to set up Friday evening. 50-milers, you are welcome to check in on Friday and leave your drop bags and attend the course briefing for the latest information about the course conditions. 50-mile runners will be able to leave their drop bags for Tunnel Creek and Diamond Peak at the State Park Parking Lot upon arrival at the race. Hobart aid station drop bag delivery will only be available on Friday. There is no drop bag service for 55K runners. However, you are also welcome to come and check in on Friday and avoid the checking in on race morning. Because it’s very difficult to get from the backcountry aid stations to the race start, drop bag returns will not be available until Sunday afternoon. They will be dropped off at the top of the State Park parking lot.
Race morning! For those of you taking the shuttle bus from the Plaza Hotel or Marriott Courtyard in Carson City. The buses are sold out! The 100-mile runners will load buses at 3:15 am at the Plaza (Southside curb) and they will stop at the Marriott Courtyard at approximately 3:30 am. They will take you to the entrance of the Spooner Lake Nevada State Park. When you exit the bus you will proceed down the hill all the way to Spooner Lake where the race Start is. Do not leave your finish line bag at the Stonehenge 50-mile aid station that you will walk past, this is not the finish and you will not have a finish line bag when you want it. Finish line drop bags will be at the Ultra Lounge.
50/55K Runners, taking the shuttle buses from Carson City will board the buses at 4:15am at the Plaza Hotel (southside curb) and at the Marriott Courtyard at approximately 4:30 am. There will be shuttle service to take you back to your hotel after you have finished your race and refreshed yourself at the Ultra Lounge.
Race parking: The racing morning parking will be at the water craft inspection site. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SOHUslf14sGBCe9kZapew39CcNA&usp=sharing
There will be lit highway message sign boards with race parking information. The map here shows you where this is located on Highway 28 by the Highway 50 intersection. There will be 5 shuttle buses to shuttle you into the State Park.
Because we have limited parking space this year no family or crew will be allowed to use this parking area. Family and crew will have to use the Spooner Lake State Park parking. They must pay a parking fee for a permit that will be good all day or they will be ticketed.
Runners with crew members going to Diamond Peak Ski Resort. There is only parking at the lower lot. There is no parking at the upper lodge parking, that is for volunteers only. There is no parking along Ski Way street as it blocks access to the housing beyond the ski resort. Parking there will result in towing at your crew’s expense. There is NO CREWING OUTSIDE OF THE AID STATION. ANY CREWING UP THE ROAD IN TYROLAIN Village will result in disqualification of you the runner! No exceptions! We also have a 9 pm noise curfew at the lodge, please be respectful of those living close to the parking lot. No crew in the parking lot. This is no joke, we have very serious restrictions here and it’s up to you to inform your crew. Violations of these rules will result in your disqualification!
Post-race will be an all-out Fiesta vibe down at the Ultra Lounge. Your race bib will entitle you to one meal at the La Enchilada food truck. Drinks are not included at the food truck but are available in the Ultra Lounge just a few steps away. The one meal is for runners only, pacers and family/crew will need to purchase their food. The food truck takes credit cards or cash. La Enchilada has some wonderful food options including non-meat items and seafood options. The Ultra Lounge will have the cold drinks including Tahoe Beer provided by our beer sponsor The Brewers Cabinet. Music playing, massage on Saturday afternoon by the Bodhi Tree massage school, and then after 5 pm on Saturday the Monsters of Massage will be on site and all-day Sunday to put the hurt on those sore quads. Yes, they take tips so bring some cash!
We want to thank our Sponsors: Patagonia for the amazing clothing and race shirts, Clif Bar, Black Diamond, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Starbucks Roasting Plant, Squirrel’s Nut Butter, Carson City Visitors Bureau, Mars Candy, Brewers Cabinet for Tahoe Beer, Reno Running Company, injinji, Succeed S Caps, Ryp Wear, High Desert Drop Bags, Joe Trailman Gaiters, The Fox BrewPub and Tangerine Design.
We have 10% off coupons for you at the Fox and at Reno Running Company. Click this link to print them and bring them for your deals!
Lastly, there is a meet and greet at the Fox patio Thursday 6 pm.
All of us volunteers work so hard to provide you the best possible ultra-running experience and are looking forward to seeing you this weekend. Be sure to thank or hug a volunteer!
All the best,
George Ruiz – Race Director
Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs
“A Glimpse of Heaven and a Taste of Hell”
(775) 721-0750 Cell
(775) 887-0335 fax
trt-rd@att.net