What makes this an awesome race?
MARATHON, HALF-MARATHON, 50k
FALL COLORS, FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR, AND PLEANTY OF SPACE TO RUN WILD!
Let your WILDerness side RUN! A wilderness off-pavement running adventure through the Panhandle National Forest. The scenery of a trail race, but on driveable dirt forest road. All runners beginner to elite love this course for its scenic trail run-like experience, but on the non-technical running surface of compact dirt Forest Service Roads. Run along the lakeshore of pristine Priest Lake, through groves of lush forest, huge old-growth cedar trees, and big views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Make a great race weekend at Hill’s Resort, walk to the start/finish line, family and friends can spectate the start, middle, and finish right by their room. Get race weekend special discounts at HILL’S RESORT.
Countdown to RACE DAY! SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
Course Descriptions
This course gives 26.2 runners some of the most scenic wilderness views anywhere! For the marathoner looking to ditch the pavement and get a trail run fix without taking off their beloved road running shoes, Priest Lake gives all the scenery of a trail race with lush cedar forests, lakeshore running, and big mountain views, but on compacted dirt forest road. Enjoy the scenery and focus on your run, not technical trail. Priest Lake has become a destination run for marathoners across the nation looking for an Idaho marathon to make their 50 state goal. An annual favorite for our Marathon Maniac friends!
Scenic and fun, the perfect 13.1 race for those looking to ditch the pavement but without the technical trail of a trail race. This course offers runners and walkers a trail race experience but on wide dirt forest service roads. (watch the video above to see what the course looks like). Take on a wilderness challenge, but with your regular road running shoes, great aid stations, and post race fun. Course has an elevation gain loss of about 800′, with most of the up-hill at the 3 mile marker which past participants have named “The Hill at Hill’s”, enough of a run up to let you know you took on the mountains, then rolling downhills back to the lake. Mountain top views, run along the shore of pristine Priest Lake, then hang out to celebrate your day. The Half-Marathon has become a popular course for veteran and beginning runners and walkers who want a scenic trail run experience, but without the huge elevation gains or technical running of a full on trail run. Race, run, or walk- it will be your next great race day.
This course offers runners looking to step up to the next distance level, trail run scenery and the challenge of the longer distance, but with a moderate elevation gain, 50k=2100′) compared to most full-on trail 50k runs, also with most of the gain in the first part of the race; the last 8 miles enjoys big downhills back to the lake. The 50k course is ideal for the athlete looking to take on the extra distance while focusing on their running and the beautiful scenery without technical trail. The 50k course follows most of the marathon course with an additional 4.8 mile out and back loop.
Race Information
| 50K Ultra Marathon and Marathon Walkers | Start: 7:00 AM |
Marathon | Start 7:30 AM |
| Half-Marathon | Start 9:30 AM |
| Marathon and 50k athletes must start the south loop (at their 16 mm/21mm point) by 12:00 Noon. Finish line closes for all races at 2:45 PM |
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All races- you will have water and sport drink approximately every two to three miles.
Full and 50k. You can place one drop bag at the drop bag zone right by the start/finish line. You will come by this at your 16mm/21mm. We will transport one additional drop bag to the LAMB CREEK aid station which will be at your 9 mile mm for marathon, and 14 mm for 50k runners. Drop bags from Lamb Creek aid station will be returned to the start finish line approx. 12 noon. If you plan to finish and leave earlier than that, please use a bag with items you do not need returned.
At Priest Lake, we love to give out great shirts and medals you will be proud to show off!
To make sure you get your shirt reserved in the size you want, you need to register before September 10.
All finishers will take home a custom Priest Lake finisher medal, a quality tech fabric finisher shirt, and also get a FREE finishers lunch and beverage or beer right at the finish line.
Refunds-Unfortunately we have had to change our refund policy. In the past we offered one of the most generous refund policies to provide solutions for changing circumstances. Due to significant abuse of the past policy, all events are held as non-refundable race fees. Registrations must be used for the current year event, no exceptions. Registrations are created for the individual who registered only. Bibs can not be transferred to another athlete. The registration is created for you, not a bib. We do offer medical and bereavement transfers to the following season only, and only for the individual registered. Bona-fide requests for a medical or bereavement transfer can be made by submitting the contact form on this site. Requests MUST be received 10 days prior to race day.
Award podium right after the race. Overall awards for M/F 1-3rd. Age group awards are 1-3rd. 10 year age divisions. 19 and under, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59, 60-69,70-79, 80+. We will announce podium for top 3 overall as soon as the podium is full. To get your age group award, go to the result booth at the finish line and check your place. If you are top three you can pick up your 1st-3rd award at the booth.
Average Temp during the Marathon: 45F at start, 60-65F mid-day high
Luby Bay Campground will be closed for race weekend. Dickensheet CG is first come first serve about 10 minutes south of the race. Indian State Park also has sites open, info on both of these locations can be found here. https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/priest-lake/
THIS EVENT HELD UNDER US FOREST SERVICE SPECIAL USE PERMIT
Race Director:
Ken Eldore
Priest Lake Marathon & THE GRIT
The GRIT: Priest Lake | Sandpoint | Hope