#41: Stories from the Tahoe 200

This year at the Tahoe 200, several Floridians took on the challenge of coverage this years out and back course. I'm chatting with Melody Diehl, John Becker, and Justin Yonker! John and Melody finished 21 minutes apart (96:29:25 and 96:50:19) with Justin taking the great achievement of holding the 2nd to last finisher spot with a grand total of 99 hrs, 15 mins, and 30 seconds of the 100-hour time limit! 
Melody has done races like the Sand Spur, Long Haul 100, Iron Horse 100k, Gate2Gate, and Death at Depuis! John and Justin are also no strangers to the distance and mountains. John has done races like the Lake to Ocean, the Trident, Quest for the Crest, the Georgia Death Race, Barkley Fall Classic, and the Jacks 50k! Justin has done the Cruel Jewel, Long Haul 100, Ancient Oaks, the Javelina Hundred, and some awesome DNF's at the Bear 100 and the Hell Bender 100! This crew is in it for the challenge! 
The Tahoe 200 is the first and only 200-mile single loop mountain trail race in the United States on a typical year, however, this year it was an out-and-back due to wildfires and forestry recovery. This course this year was still upwards of over 31,000 feet of elevation! You also still get to see the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe and run through the aspen meadows, rock gardens, powerline roads, and long ridge lines with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. There is even a section of supposedly evil garden gnomes!