Run. Rock. Recover. The Rock Tahoe Half Marathon returns on Sunday, June 14, 2026, starting at Spooner Summit and dropping over 800 feet as it winds down Highway 50 along the stunning east shore of Lake Tahoe to the finish line — this year at the water's edge. Finish with a complimentary beer (21+), live music, and a poolside post‑race party in Stateline, Nevada. Tech shirt, finisher medal, and transportation to the start included.
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
7:30 AM start • Spooner Summit start → Lake Tahoe shore finish • Net downhill (800+ ft drop)
The Course:
- Start at Spooner Summit (Highway 50, elevation approximately 7,200 ft)
- Finish at the shore of Lake Tahoe (elevation approximately 6,200 ft)
- Stunning views of Lake Tahoe, pine forests, and the Carson Range
- Course follows Highway 50 — closed to traffic for the race
- Well‑marked with mile markers, aid stations approximately every 2 miles
- Pacers provided by Beast Pacing (for runners targeting specific finish times)
- Transportation to the start included — buses depart from the finish area before race start
What's Included:
- Chip timing with official results
- Custom Rock Tahoe tech shirt
- Finisher medal — year‑specific design
- Complimentary beer for runners 21+ (valid ID required) — craft beer, local brand
- Post‑race pool party with live music at the finish line venue
- Professional race photography — free digital downloads
- Transportation from finish to start (shuttle bus)
- Aid stations with water and electrolyte drink
- Medical support on course and at finish
- Bag drop at start (transported to finish)
Schedule:
- Friday, June 12 — 4:00 PM bib pickup at Reno Running Company (Summit Mall, Reno, NV)
- Saturday, June 13 — 12:00 PM Pre‑Race Expo and bib pickup at Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe (Stateline, NV)
- Sunday, June 14 — 7:30 AM race start • 10:00 AM post‑race pool party begins
Logistics:
- Buses to the start: depart early Sunday morning from Stateline (exact times emailed to registered runners). Don't miss the bus — plan to arrive early.
- Parking at the finish area (Stateline) — free lots or paid garages. Return to your car after the race via shuttle or walking.
- Accommodation: Book early — Lake Tahoe hotels fill quickly in June. Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe is the official host hotel (expo location).
- Altitude: The course starts at 7,200 ft and finishes at 6,200 ft. Runners coming from sea level should arrive at least 24–48 hours early to acclimatize.
- No dogs allowed on course (service animals excepted).
- Strollers not recommended (downhill road race — safety risk). Check with organizer for specific stroller policies.
- Wheelchair athletes welcome — contact organizer for start line accommodations and vehicle support.
- No headphones? Check event rules — Highway 50 course may have traffic considerations, but many half marathons allow bone‑conduction headphones.
Post‑Race Pool Party:
- Live music (local bands or DJ)
- Beer garden (complimentary beer for runners; additional drinks for purchase)
- Pool access — bring your swimsuit
- Food vendors (additional cost)
- Finisher photos and medal engraving (if available)
Pacing & Support:
- Beast Pacing provides official pacers for target finish times (e.g., 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00). Look for pacing signs at the start corral.
- Aid stations every 1.5‑2 miles with water and electrolyte drink. No gels or solid food — carry your own nutrition.
- Portable toilets at start and at each aid station.
Refund & Transfer Policy:
- No refunds. This race sells out every year — early registration strongly recommended.
- You may transfer your entry to another runner (name change) via the "Transfer" link on the event page. Deadline: check event website.
- Deferrals to next year may be available for a fee (check policy).
Charity Information:
- A portion of proceeds benefits local Lake Tahoe environmental and recreation programs (specific charity not listed — check event website).
