Race Preview: 2014 Lake Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon and Half Marathon (and 10k)

Last year I got sent to Lake Chelan for work. Before that trip I had never heard of Lake Chelan and was amazed by its beauty and charm. The small-town of Chelan sits on the edge of Lake Chelan, a gorgeous lake with deep blue glacier fed water, and is home of many world-class wineries, gourmet restaurants, and 300 days of sunshine. It is about a 5½ hour drive from Portland and is located in central Washington.  During this trip I fell in love with this town and have been hoping to go back for a vacation. Being a lover of “run-cations” I first looked to see if I could plan my next trip around a race and thats when I came across the Lake Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon and Half Marathon (and 10k).

The race appears to be in its beginning years and had 600 runners last year. There are three distances featured at this event, a full marathon, half marathon, and a 10k run. All three races are a point to point race with shuttles taking runners to the start lines.

The full marathon starts at 7am on September 6, 2014. The course takes runners from the south shore of Lake Chelan to the north shore and the town of Manson. The course is almost entirely on the roads that are open to traffic. The roads are within feet from Lake Chelan and will treat you with 26.2 miles of amazing views of Lake Chelan, the North Cascades, the rolling foothills, and numerous vineyards. The course takes you through downtown Chelan and ends in the town of Manson, just feet from the water. There is a 6 hour time limit for the full marathon. People walking the entire marathon are not allowed, however they may participate in the half marathon.

The half marathon starts at 7:30 am on September 6, 2014. The half marathon starts at mile marker 13.1 of the full marathon course and follows the exact same route as the full marathon to the finish line in Manson. Shuttles will take runners from the finish area to the start line.

The 10k starts at 8am on September 6, 2014. Runners will be shuttled to the starting line which is located on Highway 150, adjacent to the Chelan Shores development.  The 10k race starts a little before the 20 mile marker for the full marathon and follows the end of the marathon course to the finish line.

There are 15 aid stations spread out along the course. Every finisher gets a technical t-shirt (if registered by August 14, 2014) and a finisher medal. Shuttle service is included in the race fee. It is a chip timed event and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Lake Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon and Half Marathon (Chelan, Washington)
When: September 6, 2014.
Start Times: 7am – Marathon, 7:30am – Half Marathon, 8am – 10k
Where: Lake Chelan, Washington. Park in Manson and get shuttled to the start of the race.
Register: Online – Price increase as follows:

JAN. 1 TO MAY 31, 2014
Marathon: $90
1/2 Marathon: $65
10K: $45

JUNE 1 TO JULY 31, 2014
Marathon: $95
1/2 Marathon: $70
10K: $50

AUG. 1 TO SEPT. 4, 2014
Marathon: $100
1/2 Marathon: $80
10K: $60

SEPT. 5, 2014
Marathon: $105
1/2 Marathon: $85
10K: $65