Lake Tahoe Marathon Adds
20-Mile Power Walk to Events

The Lake Tahoe Marathon, scheduled for Wednesday, October 5 through Sunday, October 9 at venues throughout the Lake Tahoe region, has added the 20-Mile Power Walk to its weeklong roster of events. “We expect the 20-Mile Power Walk to become as popular as our half-marathon, which usually sells out,” says Lake Tahoe Marathon Race Director Les Wright. “We’re looking forward to hosting hundreds of professional and recreation walkers and introducing them to the spectacular Lake Tahoe scenery.”

The non-competitive 20-Mile Power Walk is Saturday, October 8 at 8:30am and starts at Homewood Mountain Resort (six miles south of Tahoe City) on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe and continues to the regular finish line at South Lake Tahoe’s Pope Beach. The event is designed for power walkers, but runners can use it as a long training run for future marathon events. There are finishers’ medals and timed results, but no competitive awards. The event has a 7.5-hour time limit.

The Lake Tahoe Marathon event, coined “a Saturday morning run you’ll never forget,” is set for Saturday, October 8 and starts at Tahoe City’s Commons Beach on the North Shore. The half marathon and 10k event, scheduled for the same date, are also held on the West Shore with the half marathon beginning at Rubicon Bay and the 10k starting at Emerald Bay’s Inspiration Point. The Lake Tahoe Three-Day Triathlon begins Thursday, October 6 and features long-distance kayaking, cycling and swimming. There’s also a 72-mile bike race and 35-mile bike race Friday, October 7.

For the toughest athletes, the 5th Annual Tahoe Triple starts Thursday, October 6, wrapping around the entire lake to meet up with Saturday marathoners for the final day. For short distance runners, a 5k race is scheduled for Sunday, October 9 at Valhalla Historic Estates in South Lake Tahoe. A free Kids’ Fun Run will follow the 5k event. All kids will receive a medal and lunch at the finish line.

Participants can pick up their race packets and check out the latest gear and sports-related products at the Sports & Fitness Expo Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7 at the Horizon Casino Resort in South Lake Tahoe. There’s also a Sunset Pasta Cruise aboard the Tahoe Queen Friday, October 7.

The Lake Tahoe Marathon is sponsored by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, South Shore Action, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Nevada Commission on Tourism, Tahoe-Douglas Visitors Authority, Embassy Suites Hotel, and South Shore Motors.

For more information, call 530-544-7095 or visit the Lake Tahoe Marathon website at www.laketahoemarathon.com. Registration fees for the 20-Mile Power Walk are $85 per person. Fees for other events vary. The Lake Tahoe Marathon website is also home to a course map and profile, as well as live area television cameras.
— Pettit Gilwee

Discover Bellingham
“VolksFest” Walking Festival

The NW Tulip Trekkers (NWTT), a member club of the American Volkssport Association (AVA), is having its first biennial Discover Bellingham VolksFest “A Walking Festival” on September 9 through 11, 2005.

The VolksFest features five walks, 13k, 11k, and 10k/6.2 mi walks and two 5k/3.1 mile walks. All walks start and finish at the Bellingham Senior Center. Each walk uses a unique route to explore Bellingham in places like Whatcom Falls Park, Big Rock Sculpture Garden, Cornwall Park/ Little Squalicum Beach, downtown, and the marina. Saturday only, a 11k walk route will follow Whatcom Creek to the marina, get aboard a ferry, $5 fee, cross Bellingham Bay to Fairhaven Ferry Terminal and return through Fairhaven and along the waterfront and the Farmers Market to the Senior Center. The Bellingham Mayor, AVA President, AVA Treasurer, and other dignitaries to lead a walk Friday evening, 4pm.

Food is featured with a Walker's Pot Luck dinner Friday evening, and a breakfast and $10 salmon dinner on Saturday cooked by the Senior Center.

All walks are sanctioned through the AVA. Additional information at www.nwtrekkers.org or call 360-392-0101.
— Ron Weaver

Bellingham’s First 15k Race for Runners & Walkers

Runners and walkers will follow a course along beautiful Bellingham Bay, on the new waterfront trail linking Fairhaven to downtown. Participants can look forward to views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the Olympic mountains.

Immediately following the race, a Fitness Expo will feature sport and fitness businesses at the Bellingham Tennis Club.

Proceeds from the race go to support Bellingham Parks and Recreation.