take it to the lake
half marathon, 10K & kids fun run
cave lake state park
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

  Take it to the Lake consists of a half marathon, 10k, and a one-mile kids fun run.  Run through the remote Schell Creek Mountain Range and end at beautiful Cave Lake State Park where you will enjoy a free BBQ and raffle!  If you are looking for a beautiful location and a challenging race, this is the half marathon for you!

PRICing
half marathon = $60
10K = $40
kids fun run = $10*
$5 off per person for groups of 10
discount group rates for sports teams
t0 RECEIVE group discount email: elyoutdoorenthusiasts@gmail.com
HaLF MARATHON and 10K MUST REGISTER ONLINE
*KIDS CAN REGISTER For the fun run ON SITE the DAY OF EVENT. CASh ONLY.

Online registration closes Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm
Half Marathon and 10K must register online.
To guarantee an event shirt you must register online by September 9!
Kids Fun Run can register online or in-person at Package Pickup or day of event at Cave Lake.  Cash or check only!

Start times

Half Marathon Walkers - 6:30 AM
Half Marathon Runners (& run/walk) - 7:30 AM
10K - 8:00 AM (both run & walk) - 8:00 AM
Kids Fun Run - 10:30 AM
Please note: race times can change prior to event.  Change in times will be emailed to participants and updated here a few days prior to event.
Half Marathon and 10K Participants MUST register online.  Kids can sign up race day at Cave Lake!  Cash or checks ONLY!!!

CAVE LAKE PARKING

Each vehicle must obtain a $5 State Parks Parking Permit, unless you have an Annual Pass. There is an option to purchase your parking pass online during registration. You can also purchase a parking pass at package pickup (cash only please). This pass must be visible in your vehicle windshield during the race. All spectator vehicles must also have a parking pass. Parking passes are mandatory everywhere within the State Park. We are not responsible for anyone who does not obtain their permit and gets fined by Cave Lake State Parks!

Shuttle 

The shuttle will leave from the Cave Springs Loop parking lot.  This is the parking lot before you turn right to head up to the lake.  Shuttles will leave promptly at the times indicated below.
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Half Marathon Walking - 5:30 AM
Half Marathon Run/Walk - 6:15-6:30 AM
10K - 7:00-7:15 AM
Kids Fun Run - no shuttle needed
Please note: Shuttle times may change prior to event.  All participants will be emailed adjusted shuttle times and updated here a few days prior to event.

Package Pickup​

Location: White Pine County Aquatics Center
1111 Veterans Blvd, Ely
Friday, September 18
5 - 6:30 PM
All participants are required to pick up their swag bag at package pickup.  This event is chipped timed.  Chip is attached to your race bib.  There will be not extra bibs morning of event if race bib is forgotten.

THe half marathon

Picture
Take it to the Lake Half Marathon is beautiful, challenging and very rewarding! This run takes you through aspen and fir trees and ends at the pristine Cave Lake.  The route starts in Duck Creek Basin and climbs 7 miles to Success Summit in the Schell Creek Mountain Range, then almost all downhill to the finish line.  The run starts at 7,415 feet and peaks at 8,968 feet.  Total elevation gain is 1,604 feet!  Aid stations are approximately 2 miles apart.  There will be nutrition at the top of Success Summit before you descend to the finish line.  This route is predominately on a gravel road.  If you are looking for a challenging half marathon, this event is for you! 

The 10K

Enjoy the scenery on top of Success Summit where Take it to the Lake 10K starts!  This 10K is predominately all downhill  on a gravel dirt road, except the last quarter mile. Aid Stations are approximately 2 miles apart.  The finish line is at the beautiful Cave Lake State Park!  The run starts at 8,968 feet and ends at 7,292 feet. 

​The Kids Fun RUN

The kids one-mile fun run is an out-and-back on a paved road at Cave Lake State Park.  All kids get an event shirt, finishing medal, race bib, free BBQ, and free raffle ticket!

Post-race activities

Stay and enjoy the scenery at Cave Lake State Park.  We provide a free BBQ and raffle to all participants and volunteers.  Awards are presented to top three male and female half marathon and 10K.  Everyone receives an event shirt and finishing medal!  

Other important INFO

  • It will be chilly race morning (30-40 degrees!) and warming up to about 75-80!  Be prepared to dress in layers.  For both distances, there will be a clothing drop-off bin at the first aid station.  Any clothing removed at the start line or dropped into bins will be brought to the finish line. However, if you are in a rush to get home your clothing may not make it to the finish line before you leave. Any left behind items will be posted to Facebook post-race to find proper owners. 
  • Aid stations will be spaced approximately 2 miles apart. For the half marathon, there will be water only at the first two aid stations. Starting on Success Summit there will be water and Gatorade.  
  • There will be one port-potty at the half and 10K start lines. There are bathrooms at the finish line.
  • The race is chipped time with a gun start. 
  • No dogs or strollers are allowed on the course.  
  • Please do not litter.  There will be a trash can at each aid station.
  • There is a post-race BBQ and raffle for all participants and volunteers.  We will start serving food around 10am.  
  • Placing: Awards will be for the top 3 male and female for each race.  There are no age divisions for the half marathon or 10K. There are no awards for the kids fun run, but all kids receive a finishing medal. Awards will be distributed when a majority of the participants have completed the half and 10K.  

ely outdoor enthusiasts