Priest Lake Marathon at a glance:
Date
Saturday
September 13, 2025
Online registration closes September 11, 2025
Start Times
Packet pick-up: 6:00 am
Day-of registration: 6:00 am
50km: 7:00 am
Marathon: 7:30 am
Half Marathon: 9:30 am
Course closes: 2:45 pm
Location
Hill’s Resort
4777 W Lakeshore Rd
Priest Lake, ID 83856
About the Priest Lake Marathon
Fall colors, fresh mountain air, and plenty of space to run wild! Priest Lake marathon, half marathon and 50km courses start from Hill’s Resort on the west side of Priest Lake, winding through lush cedar groves and along the lakeshore of Priest Lake.
Our courses are are designed to be like a trail race, but you’ll be running on drivable, mostly dirt roads for the entire event. We think these are perfect courses for road runners who are trail-curious; trail runners who are road-curious; and athletes looking for a distance challenge in a supportive atmosphere with plenty of aid stations and beautiful scenery.
Priest Lake Marathon is a destination event for runners looking to complete a 50 state race goal.
Terrain
What’s it like? Surfaces for all distances include:
80% smooth dirt forest roads with minimal rocks or other obstacles.
<10% rocky forest roads (think jeep roads) with a mix of loose and fixed rocks where you’ll need to watch your footing. These short sections are like trails but 2-3 runners wide, so you’ll have space to choose your line.
<10% paved roads, open to traffic. Please stay to the shoulder and remain alert during these portions, and look both ways at intersections.
Race day: athletes
Packet pickup and day-of registration is at the start line on the day of the race. Registration will close 30 minutes before the first race’s start time. Please arrive early for day-of registration!
Let your family and friends track your run! Link to live tracking in the sidebar.
All distances start and end at Hill’s Resort.
Stay for the post-race food and celebration at the finish line after your race.
Course Safety
Priest Lake Marathon is a late summer event with the possibility of sudden weather changes including cold and rain.
The risk of wildlife encounters is low, but moose and deer are common in the area. The numbers of runners tends to push animals away from the race courses, but if you find yourself alone, make some noise (like clapping or singing) to alert any animals in the area to your presence.
Race day: spectators and families
Priest Lake Marathon starts right from Hill’s Resort, so bring the family and make it a weekend! Other lodging options within a short drive include Elkins Resort, the Inn at Priest Lake and USFS and Idaho State Parks campgrounds. The lake will still be warm enough to swim, so plan for some beach time while you’re here!
Parking & Directions
Take Hwy 57 north from Priest River to Luby Bay Rd. Follow signs to Hill’s Resort on West Lakeshore Rd, and then follow race signage and parking volunteers’ instructions for event parking.
The start/finish area is near the Hill’s Resort entrance sign on West Lakeshore Rd. Check-in areas will be well-marked.
Lodging
Hill’s Resort: Walk to and from the start line! Find race weekend accommodations at Hill’s Resort.
Reserve Idaho State Park campsites early for best options.
Awards & Perks
All finishers take home a custom Priest Lake finisher medal, a tech fabric finisher shirt, and a free finishers’ lunch with a beer or other beverage right at the finish line.
Overall (top 3) and age group awards. Placements based on chip time.
Check your results when you finish—we don’t mail awards!
Safety
This course is open to traffic. Run on the side of the road against traffic and be aware at all intersections.
Earphones are permitted. Use caution.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed for registered participants in the Half Marathon. For the marathon, contact race director. Children in strollers do not need to be registered. Children participating in the race under their own power must be registered.