It’s back to normal for the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs (TRTER) after being impacted by the Marlette Dam and Flume pipeline construction projects in the Sierra backcountry a year ago.

In fact, TRT Race Director George Ruiz reports that the event is sold out for the 100-mile, 100K, 50K and 23K races. All told, there are 600 entrants, representing 35 states and eight countries, for the 25th anniversary of the four ultraruns, which start and finish at Western Nevada College’s John L. Harvey Field.

Ruiz has been involved with the event, aptly dubbed as “A Glimpse of Heaven … A Taste of Hell,” since its inception. Appropriately, his introduction to it came as a developing ultrarunner.

“I progressed from the 50K to 50 miles and ultimately to 100 miles,” he said. “While I have fond memories of participating in these races, it's definitely more satisfying to plan, execute with many loyal volunteers and have successful events as a race director. It never ceases to amaze me that it all comes together and we put on a world-class event.”

The TRTER experienced a major change five years ago, and Ruiz says the event is much better because of it.

“The biggest milestone was bringing the race down to Carson City and Western Nevada College. Parking and space were always an issue operating at Spooner State Park. Bringing it to WNC changed all that,” Ruiz said. “The baseball stadium is a beautiful venue, the trails leading up to the Tahoe Rim Trail are fantastic and it made the race much more difficult than the original course.” 

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe said that the world-class event is a natural fit for the college.

“Western Nevada College is proud to once again serve as the home of the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs, an event that showcases the beauty of Northern Nevada while bringing together athletes, volunteers and community members from around the world,” President Dalpe said. “Hosting an event of this caliber reflects our commitment to supporting community engagement, healthy lifestyles and regional partnerships.”

As the TRTER race director for a decade and a half, Ruiz says that a dangerous situation in 2014 stands out as the most memorable and fortunate of his tenure. He said that the weather that weekend produced thunderstorms that were not likely to occur again during his lifetime.

“The two thunderstorms were a 500-year event,” he said. “It hit the course very hard. Runners up on Snow Valley Peak were dodging lightning strikes; the finish line area at Spooner State Park completely flooded out.

“It was only a few years into my race directing career and probably the scariest day of my life. Thankfully, no one was struck by lightning, no one was injured and we all went home with a story we'll never forget.”

Even though the event has reached its capacity for ultrarunners, Ruiz says that community members can still become part of the event as volunteers. For more information, visit trter.com/contact.