Saturday race to traverse historic Flume Trail

The second annual Lake Tahoe Flume Trail Fall Classic Half Marathon, a point-to-point race from Spooner State Park to Tunnel Creek Station, will be Saturday.

“You’ll have spectacular views,” said organizer Kevin Bigley, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy. “It’s a world-famous trail for a reason.”

The race, one of several sponsored by Ascent Runs, will begin at Spooner State Park and climb up to Marlette Lake.

From there, runners will complete about a mile loop around the lake then continue along the four-mile stretch of the Flume Trail. From there, runners will drop down Tunnel Creek Road to the finish line at Tunnel Creek Station.

Shuttles will be available to take racers between the two points.

While runners gain about 1,000 feet of elevation within the first four miles, Bigley said, the course isn’t too grueling.

“After the climb, you drop down to Marlette Lake,” he said. “All around the lake is flat. The Flume Trail is flat. Then the 3.3 miles down Tunnel Creek is all downhill. Overall, it’s more downhill than uphill.”

Bigley said 200 racers have already registered.

Runners are traveling in from across the country, including California, Texas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.

Participants will receive a free photo from out on the Flume Trail from Scott Rokis Photography. Lake Tahoe Brewery also will be at the finish line to help celebrate the accomplishment.

Runners can pick up their packets 4-6 p.m. today at Tunnel Creek Station or 7-8:10 a.m. Saturday before the race. Participants may also register during those time.

Find more information at ascentruns.com.