The marathon at Crater Lake ranks as one of the most scenic in the world. It can take your breath away with its beauty ... and altitude.

Nobody goes to run the Crater Lake marathon in Oregon to set a personal best or challenge a record. The run around the crater of the ancient volcano is at high altitude, the grades are often steep and the temperatures sometimes soar into the 90s in August, when the race is run. But going into its 38th year, the marathon and rim runs continue to be popular for the scenic beauty of the course and the challenge it presents. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9532583/endurance-sports-crater-lake-marathon-unique-scenic-course-draw-runners