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Course Highlights
The Crater Lake Rim Runs take place entirely along the rim of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, one of America’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. All three running distances and the walk option follow the paved Rim Drive — with the final four miles of the marathon on dirt and pumice cinder roads — at elevations ranging from 5,980 to 7,850 feet above sea level. The panoramic views of Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of ancient Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago and filled with 1,943 feet of impossibly blue water, are visible for nearly every mile. Long climbs and descents of nearly 1,000 feet over five-mile stretches add athletic challenge to the visual magnificence.
Race Details
Now in its fifth decade (47th annual as of 2024), the Crater Lake Rim Runs take place in early August — typically the second Saturday — starting at 7:30 a.m. from the Rim Village parking area. Course closures: 6.7-mile run at 9:30 a.m., 13-mile run at 10:00 a.m., and marathon at 1:00 p.m. The race is limited to 500 participants and fills quickly. Registration opens March 1st. Participants must be at least 10 years old for the 6.7-mile option and 18 for the marathon. No registration is permitted inside the park.
Why Runners Love It
There is no race venue in Oregon — arguably in America — that rivals Crater Lake for sheer geological and visual grandeur. Running around the rim of a caldera filled with the purest water on earth, with Wizard Island rising from the lake’s center and the Cascades extending in every direction, is a transcendent experience. The high altitude and honest climbs make every finish a genuine achievement, and the remoteness of the park means participants experience the lake at its quietest, before summer crowds arrive.
Race-Weekend Tips
Altitude acclimatization is essential — arrive a day early if coming from sea level. The Rim Village and Crater Lake Lodge offer on-site lodging but book months in advance. The park entrance fee applies to all visitors. Register as soon as registration opens on March 1st. Bring layers; Crater Lake rim temperatures can drop dramatically even in August.
Run the rim of one of America’s great wonders — register at Crater Lake Rim Runs.
Crater Lake, Oregon United States
Course Highlights
The Crater Lake Rim Runs take place entirely along the rim of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, one of America’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. All three running distances and the walk option follow the paved Rim Drive — with the final four miles of the marathon on dirt and pumice cinder roads — at elevations ranging from 5,980 to 7,850 feet above sea level. The panoramic views of Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of ancient Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago and filled with 1,943 feet of impossibly blue water, are visible for nearly every mile. Long climbs and descents of nearly 1,000 feet over five-mile stretches add athletic challenge to the visual magnificence.
Race Details
Now in its fifth decade (47th annual as of 2024), the Crater Lake Rim Runs take place in early August — typically the second Saturday — starting at 7:30 a.m. from the Rim Village parking area. Course closures: 6.7-mile run at 9:30 a.m., 13-mile run at 10:00 a.m., and marathon at 1:00 p.m. The race is limited to 500 participants and fills quickly. Registration opens March 1st. Participants must be at least 10 years old for the 6.7-mile option and 18 for the marathon. No registration is permitted inside the park.
Why Runners Love It
There is no race venue in Oregon — arguably in America — that rivals Crater Lake for sheer geological and visual grandeur. Running around the rim of a caldera filled with the purest water on earth, with Wizard Island rising from the lake’s center and the Cascades extending in every direction, is a transcendent experience. The high altitude and honest climbs make every finish a genuine achievement, and the remoteness of the park means participants experience the lake at its quietest, before summer crowds arrive.
Race-Weekend Tips
Altitude acclimatization is essential — arrive a day early if coming from sea level. The Rim Village and Crater Lake Lodge offer on-site lodging but book months in advance. The park entrance fee applies to all visitors. Register as soon as registration opens on March 1st. Bring layers; Crater Lake rim temperatures can drop dramatically even in August.
Run the rim of one of America’s great wonders — register at Crater Lake Rim Runs.