August isn't exactly peak marathon season, but there are still a few good choices out there, such as the Crater Lake marathon in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 37th edition of this race will be held August 11th. There are two other distances to choose from: a 13.0 mile run and a 6.7 mile run. All three courses run along the upper rim of Crater lake, offering breathtaking views. They cap the total number of participants to 500 people, so the race sells out pretty quickly.
Last year Toby and I ran the half marathon, excuse me, the 13.0 mile run. I wasn't sure I wanted to take on the full marathon, mainly because the altitude ranges from 5,980 ft to 7,850 ft, and the terrain is extremely hilly. I think it was a wise choice, at least for me. The 13.0 course traveled about 3/4 of the way around the lake, and it required a lot of walking! Oh, but it was so beautiful! Crater lake is the prettiest lake I have ever seen! They say the reason why the color is so vibrantly blue is because the depth of the lake and the purity of the water (it is only fed by rain and snow). The races are held entirely within the Crater Lake National Park, so camping is an option, although I would think it would be a little chilly, as there was still some snow in places!
A visit to Crater Lake and the surrounding southern Oregon area is a must, even if you are not interested in this run. We spent a few days in nearby Ashland, Oregon, which is absolutely beautiful, especially in August.
Here is the link to the race web-site: http://www.craterlakerimruns.com/
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