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.

The Strip on the Strip race sounds racier than the name implies. Though, it does start at the Hooters Hotel and Casino. The event benefits Junior Achievement and is done during Financial Literacy Awareness Month. The actual race takes place on Las Vegas Blvd, so entertainment is plentiful. Family participation is encouraged and there is a one mile fun run, which is great for children. Near the end of the course, participants are encouraged to note their financially fit score. The race is $45 per person and includes a medal and tee shirt. In addition, there is a party at the Hooters pool post race.

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.

As the name implies, the Once In a Double Blue Moon race, doesn't happen very often. In fact, in only happens approximately every two-and-a-half years. The race takes place in Las Vegas at Sunset Regional Park. The course is on a paved trail and is flat. Views of the strip can be seen throughout the race. Loops on various trails are required, so there is some monotony. In addition, there is a morning edition and an evening edition, so participants can pick what they like best, or double down and run both. Registration is $50 and includes a technical t-shirt.

Reno's Biggest Little Marathon is a point to point race. It starts at the Reno Arch, goes through Midtown, loops around neighborhoods, and ends downtown. Beautiful mountain views are seen throughout the course. Registration costs, depending on timing, are between $45 and $80. A training guide is provided free of charge. There is lots of course support with water, first aid, bathrooms. Past racers have commended the solid management and coordination of the race. Finishers receive a medal and a free, tasty beer. There is also an expo at the finish line. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

The Valley of Fire Backcountry race is intense. While notes below are for the half marathon, there are also races for the full and 50k under this series. The event is 61 miles north of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert. It is a trail run and wildlife can be spotted throughout the course. There are certainly climbs and the elevation reaches about 2100 feet at the peak. Camping is encouraged and well organized. Registration is $50. The race is organized by the Triple Dare Racing company, and an individual who opts to run three or more of the races, will receive a special prize.

The Calico Centennial Celebration takes place 40 miles north of Henderson in the North Muddy Mountains. The race takes place on both paved road and trail, so wearing the appropropriate gear can be tricky. Wildlife can be seen throughout the course, including Bighorn Sheep.  There are great views of the Valley of Fire. There is a net gain of zero feet due to a mixture of up and down hills. However, the last five miles are up hill, making for difficult race. The course has solid support throughout. The early bird registration is $90 and includes a medal and technical shirt.

The Revel Race at Mt. Charleston is a popular one. The race is mainly downhill, making it very fast. The elevation loss is more than 5,100 feet. It has the most Boston Qualifiers of any race in Nevada. It takes place on a paved road and goes through Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The course is well organized and has solid support throughout the race. Entry fees start at $129 and go to $145.  Registration includes a technical t-shirt and medal. Racers also receive a free personal highlight video, which is unique. There is a party at the finish line. It sells out quickly, so register ASAP.

The Running with the Devil Race outside of Las Vegas is a hot one! It takes place in the Mojave Desert and racers can expect daytime highs in the high 90 degrees. There is course support to help keep participants cool. To add to the challenge, the race finishes at about 4,500 feet. The course is paved. It is not point to point, and some loops are required. There are also two days worth of races in this series, so participants can run both days, or cheer on others. The race is a Boston Qualifier. The entry fee is $125. Participants are highly encouraged to do heat training.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon is a big race with about 25,000 runners. Like other races in the series, there are bands throughout the course and large crowds. It is a night time race and goes up and down the strip, which is closed to traffic. It is a flat race and be congested at times. Of course, there are also first-class aid stations and many bathroom stops. The registration fee is $110 and fundraising is encouraged. Given the size of the race, there is also an expo and shorter races leading up to the big day. A big party takes place at the finish.