Marlette 50K Race Report 2019
The Marlette 50k is a 31-mile loop on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe with over 6,000 vertical feet of climbing. Racers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Spooner Lake, Marlette Lake and Lake Tahoe, as they crest the ridgeline at 9,000’. It’s the smooth single track and in-bloom wildflowers that make this race unforgettable. The Marlette 50k encapsulates everything that I love about trail running in Lake Tahoe, the location, the community, and the spirit of the outdoors.
As a local resident of Tahoe City, I have had the good fortune of calling this place my home for the past year. I have found myself exploring these trails on both foot and bike in between my time as a Physical Therapist at Tahoe Forest Physical Therapy. The trails on the east shore have some of the smoothest single track that Lake Tahoe has to offer, a trail runner’s dream. Switch backing single-track trail makes the 6,000’ vertical gain a little less painless. The race would not be possible without the support of the race organizers, volunteers, and Nevada State Parks.
Big Blue Adventure does an amazing job with the race organization. From online registration all the way through the awards ceremony at the end, the event ran flawlessly. There are volunteers at all six of the aid stations with words of encouragement, and a variety of options to refuel with. On the day of the race, I was fortunate enough to be met with cheers and cowbells from friends, family, and my Tahoe community. With energy levels low and about 6 miles left to go I was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Alain with a banner strung over the Flume trail and the biggest swiss cowbell I have ever seen. This gave me the energy to make the final uphill push into and out of Marlette Lake.
I find peace, tranquility, happiness, and fulfillment with my time spent in the outdoors. The Marlette 50k gave me the opportunity to spend five beautiful hours in the Nevada wilderness. With how hectic life can be, it’s important for me to spend time in the woods to recharge. My time in the wilderness is my opportunity to disconnect from technology, social media, and life’s chores. I finished the Marlette 50k with tired legs but a recharged mind.
Tahoe continues to inspire and grow my love for the outdoors. I can not thank Big Blue Adventure, all the volunteers, Nevada State Parks, trail workers, and friends and family for making this race what it was.
Jane McClelland
