Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Marathon vs Whitney?

On two occasions several of us did the Mt. Whitney Marathon. What's that, you say?

We started at that first big switchback on the road, 2+ miles from Whitney Portal (big parking area), and stayed on the trail every inch of the way (no shortcuts). The distance to the top was almost exactly a half marathon, so the round trip was a marathon distance.

That was back before the trail was lengthened 1/4 mile or so just below the summit, some 8 - 10 years ago. So now you would start 1/4 mile past that big switchback.

It was an experience. I won't divulge our times. But it is something that might interest this crowd.