Being in Oregon the last 20 years, I have sadly only been to Crater Lake a handful of times. But I am still left with the images of the crystal clear blue water, the gorgeous views and all the trees, the coldness even during the summer in the morning and at nights. Crater Lake is a drive away from everywhere, which leads to its charm. And now, after a hiatus, the Crater Lake Rim Runs are back for year 45!
Often considered as both the most beautiful/scenic and at the same time one of the toughest marathons in the world the Crater Lake Rim Runs actually has 3 courses to choose from: 6.7 run/walk, 13 miles (.1 shy of a half marathon), and the full marathon. All courses run along the rim of the Crater and are at altitudes ranging from 5,980 to 7,850 feet above seal level! If you have never ran at higher elevations, it is a totally different and tough experience, but imagine the satisfaction you will feel when you reach the finish line!
Staying
Crater Lake is a bit of a drive for most, so making this event a part of a weekend camping adventure is a great idea. Camping around the park is plentiful and usually available, but if you prefer a hotel, it is quite limited. There is the Crater Lake Lodge but it fills up quick, so if you aren’t camping you might be in for a drive to/from your hotel in a nearby city. Those staying near the Park are welcome to attend a video presentation “The Rim and Its Runners” – shown at the Steel Visitor Center beginning at 6:00pm on Friday.
Race Day
It could be a chilly start to the race on race day, with temperature in the 30’s to 50’s and warming up to anywhere between 70 to the 90s. You just never know. We recommend dressing in layers you can shed! Buses will provide transportation to/from the start/finish from a few different points around the Lake and a few select hotels nearby. Buses start going at 4:45am so set your alarms early!
Courses
The races all start at the area of the park known as The Watchman and then split out on different directions/routes. The course is on paved roads, except for the last four miles of the Marathon which is on dirt/pumice cinders. All courses are hilly with long grades of altitude loss and gains nearing 1,000 feet at a time over distances of 5 miles. There are aid stations every 3 miles and a medical team trailing each of the runs to help out where needed.
Refreshments will be available at the finish line when you make it there! Engraved trophies will be given to top female and male overall winners and age group winner will receive a plaque and division places 2 to 5 will receive a ribbon. All runners will receive a commemorative medal and t shirt.
Registration is limited to 500 runners with age restrictions in place – 10 years and older for the 6.7 run/walk, 16 years and older for the 13 miler, and 18+ for the marathon. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis so don’t delay.
Crater Lake Rim Runs
When:
- Saturday August 13, 2022
- Race Start at 7:30am
Where:
- Crater Lake National Park
Register Here!
- $60 for the 6.7 mile race until June 30, 2022, $65 until August 1 and $75 on August 1 and until registration closes
- $75 for the 13.0 mile until June 30, 2022, $80 until August 1 and $90 on August 1 and until registration closes
- $95 for the Marathon until June 30, 2022, $100 until August 1 and $110 on August 1 and until registration closes.
