No matter if you’re a glass half-full or half-empty type of person, the last two years have been… challenging. And while the original plan was to run a race in late September, the Caldor Fire threw a wrench in our game plan. After a few weeks of being evacuated and gratefully being given the opportunity to come back to our homes, we need to celebrate in a big way. But how? An informal 2021 DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay run!
2020 Was A Beacon Of Hope In Darkness
When the Sweeney family decided to take over the DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay, it was more than just running a race. It was about the memories. Keeping the tradition alive. The opportunity to celebrate our veterans. When the pandemic hit in 2020, we wanted to give people something positive to enjoy. While we couldn’t hold a formal race, we did have one team run and made it a fundraiser. Inspired by how the race was started. Check out the video below to get inspired and be sure to have a Kleenex handy because it’ll tear you up.
Gotta Be Flexible
As you may or may not notice, there aren’t many races or events that cover the length around the lake. The issue is the logistics of getting permits for every town, county, AND state to allow us to run the DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay. It takes A LOT of meetings and jumping through hoops. We tried our best to get the T’s crossed and I’s dotted but alas it wasn’t enough time. The good news though is we figured out a way to run this year’s event… but on a smaller scale.
The 2021 Race Is A Bit Different
Instead of a formal race with timers and a full support staff, the 2021 DeCelle will be a gathering of friends and family that love the race and the beautiful lake. To show that while we may have been knocked down, we won’t stay down. We will survive and come back stronger! #TahoeStrong
Details
The 2021 event will start at Lakeview Commons around 6:30 am – 7 am on October 17th, 2021, and everyone involved must be off the road by dark. To be able to hold this event, we must limit the number of participants to 50. The good news is it’s FREE! For 2021, you don’t need to have a team to participate. You can come up and run any leg you like or even multiple legs if you choose.
The only thing you need to do if you’re interested in running the event is contact James Cahill at: jimcskiguy@gmail.com
A few additional things to know:
- There will be support vehicles to get individuals around the lake when they’re done running.
- Each runner will get a long sleeve shirt and snacks/drinks at the finish line.
We know this is last minute but like everything in 2021, it’s about flexibility. Hope to see you there!
