5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

There are Pup Runs throughout the United States and the event in Vegas is a popular one. It takes place at Sunset Park, which is near the airport. Participants can run or walk, and both humans and dogs are welcome. It should be noted that there are strict restrictions on the types of leashes and collars allowed for animals and those breaking the rules will be disqualified, so those interested should check the rules carefully. The entry fee is $35 and pets are free. Awards for the fastest racers are given and there are vendor booths at the finish line.

There are PurpleStride races throughout the United States, including Las Vegas. The event supports the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and is a major source of funding for the organization. The event is not competitive and many participants will be walking. The race starts and finishes at The Green at Town Square. Participants are encouraged to fundraise leading up to the race and a leaderboard is made public. In addition, many opt to form a team in the name of someone who has been impacted by pancreatic cancer. Registration is $35 per person. Most opt to wear purple on race day.

Dam Ruck ‘N’ Run is a fantastic, super challenging trail run just 30 minutes away from Las Vegas. There are two race options, one starts at 6:00am and the other starts at midnight. The midnight race in particular is meant to test mental strength, as navigation is especially challenging in the dark. Animal life is often seen on the desert course. The first half of the race has a large climb and the highest elevation is about 2,550 feet. The cost is $35. Training is a must for this race and participants may want to consider volunteering for a year before participating.

The Moms on the Run race is on Mother’s Day in Reno. Racers start at Reno High School and the course winds through the neighborhood. The course is flat and roads are closed to traffic. The event is family friendly and there are fun-run distances for children. Walkers are welcome and there will be spectators.  Registration is $40 and participants are encouraged to fundraise. In addition, multiple runners can come together and race as a team. A continental breakfast is provided at the start line. Tee shirts are provided in the race packet. Overall, the race is well organized and well attended.

The XTERRA Lake Tahoe trail run in Incline Village happens on the same day as the popular XTERRA triathlon, so there is a lot of activity in the area. The course starts and ends at Village Green and requires two laps. The course is green and full of trees. It is relatively flat. As the name of the city implies, the elevation is brutal and is about 3300 feet. Children are encouraged to participate. The entry fee is $50 before August 18^th.  For those that are extra brave, they can run this race and then the next year, tackle the triathlon.

This run is crazy unique. It takes place in an isolated area about two and a half hours away from Vegas. There have been several reports of extraterrestrial activity in the dessert area where the run takes place. Of course, it’s pitch black at the start of the race, which is at 1:00am, so headlamps and reflective gear are a must. It’s also not an easy run, as the elevation is close to 5,600 feet. Races in Nevada are near unbearable during the summer due to the heat, but because this happens in the middle of the night, the course is typically in the 60s. Registration, depending on when someone enters, is between $45 and $65.

A good run before a massive pig out is always a good idea. The Wobble Before You Gobble is Reno’s answer to the traditional Thanksgiving Run. The event starts at the Reno City Plaza and winds through downtown. Participants have a nice view of the Truckee River along the course. The race is family friendly and not terribly serious. Children are encouraged to participate. Many walkers are present and strollers are allowed. The registration fee is $30 and benefits The Children’s Cabinet. Finishers are given a medal and there is coffee and hot chocolate at the starting line, and an expo at the finish.

Laughlin puts on a good show for the Runnercard Half Marathon. It’s technically a trail run, as most of the event takes place on packed dirt. The course runs along side the Colorado River and there are nice views of the mountains along the way. The course is flat, which means there have been some nice records set with a time of 1:14 for men and 1:26 for women. The race is well organized and there is a designated race hotel with a discount. The finish line has food and music. The entry fee is very affordable at $40 for early birds.