This post was written by Sarah Angulo, 2015 Mono Lake Intern.
It’s that time of year again! On Sunday, September 13, in front of the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore, we will kick off our 35th annual Tioga Pass Run. The race, a 12.4-mile climb up Tioga Pass, is infamous for being “only one hill.” Runners ascend over 3,000 feet from the start to the finish line at the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Participants have the option of walking or running the course. For walkers, the start time is 7:00am; for runners, the start time is 8:00am. The race is also the finishing event for those taking on the Granite Man Challenge, which includes an additional swim and bike race on Friday and Saturday.
For those unsure of attending, there’s still time to register! The cost is $60, and registration continues until September 13, the day of the race. With all proceeds going to benefit the Mono Lake Committee, your hard work getting up the mountain will ensure that we can continue our hard work in protecting and restoring Mono Lake. And for all your effort, the Whoa Nellie Deli is rewarding all walkers and runners with free food after the race.
This year we have over 150 participants signed up and ready for the big day. With some runners returning multiple years in a row, we are proud to be able to keep the tradition going for yet another race. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without Alana Levin, who helped us organize the event. We also want to give a huge thanks to all of our sponsors for making this year possible: the Tioga Gas Mart, Whoa Nellie Deli, El Mono Motel & Latte Da Coffee, Mono Market, State Farm Insurance, Ohanas395, Mammoth Mountaineering Supply, Double Eagle Resort & Spa, Sage to Summit, Footloose Sports, Altra, Mammoth Hospital, Silver Lake Resort, Tioga Pass Resort, Designs Unlimited, June Lake Brewing, Alex Printing, and Crank Sports. Thank you!