Located entirely within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the run will start at Boulder Beach and lead you onto the paved River Mountain Loop Trail offering a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. This epic run will take you on a journey through time, with views of the largest man-made …
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Located entirely within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the run will start at Boulder Beach and lead you onto the paved River Mountain Loop Trail offering a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. This epic run will take you on a journey through time, with views of the largest man-made lake in US history.
The January desert-temperatures and views of Lake Mead make this run a must-do! This race is historic and scenic. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is approximately 18 miles from Las Vegas and boasts amazing views of the largest man-made lake in the US. During the race, you’ll run on the Historic Railroad Trail, part of the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy and National Park.
The Marathon and Half Marathon will run through the Six Tunnels, all the way to the Hoover Dam overlook with views the entire way. The Marathon course is just stunning in more ways than one! Start your race at Lake Mead’s Boulder Beach, Special Events Beach at the BBQ/picnic area. The first 1/4 mile is a steady gradual uphill along a wide roadway, giving plenty of room for runners to find their position among the field before making a left-hand turn onto the paved River Mountains Loop Trail. This section of the River Mountains Loop Trail is impeccably paved and about 12′ wide, running parallel to Lakeshore Drive. The course is undulating through the spectacular Mojave Desert and joins up with the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail just before your mile 3.
This section of trail is breathtaking! You’ll traverse a hard-packed dirt trail leading you through several old railroad tunnels that were used in the 1930s to transport supplies to the workers in the construction of the then Boulder Dam- now Hoover Dam. The trail is perched atop of a ridge overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lake Mead and the marina. After passing through the last tunnel, your next mile is thru an area which is home to power plants – Hoover Dam is the main producer of electricity for Nevada, Arizona, and California.
This is just a prelude to the “Money Shot”! You’ll zig zag your way down 6 switch backs delivering you onto the upper level parking garage at Hoover Dam. You will run a counterclockwise loop along the edge for a great view of the awe inspiring Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge. No need to break stride – you get a great view as you run along the course, too. 10K will take shuttle back to Boulder Beach. With the Dam now behind you, the Marathon and Half Marathoners will retrace their steps back up the switch backs, thru the tunnels overlooking Lake Mead, then back on the paved trail.
Arriving back at Boulder Beach access road you’ll all continue straight continuing along the paved River Mountains Loop Trail to the turnaround roughly 0.6 of a mile ahead, then back to Boulder Beach. Marathoners make 2 loops of the above (by popular runner demand).
The finish line is back at Boulder Beach at the covered BBQ area where the awards and finish line food await! Parking is at the water’s edge, or as instructed race morning. It is about a 1/4 mile to the start/ finish line.
The course does not go over the Dam. Packed-dirt trail accounts for roughly 14 miles of the full marathon; 7 miles of the 1/2 marathon; and 3 miles of the 10K. The remainder is paved asphalt. Shoe recommendation is a sturdy road running shoe. Trail shoes are not necessary, but would also recommend against racing flats.
10K Runners: Note that your race is point to point! You will be bused back to Boulder Beach from your finish line.
LESS
Great scenery and well run
The run was well organized and the scenery was stunning. Great proximity to Las Vegas for anyone doing a 50 state challenge. Good support on course with water, Gatorade and … MORE
The run was well organized and the scenery was stunning. Great proximity to Las Vegas for anyone doing a 50 state challenge. Good support on course with water, Gatorade and gels. Abundant after party food including protein shakes. Course slightly challenging for us flat landers due to some elevation changes. The course goes through old railroad tunnels. There are spikes on the topo map that make it look like short steep inclines. I think the topo map did not account for the tunnels and used the elevation above the tunnel because all of the elevation changes were gradual. Great run.
Beautiful location, beautiful weather
Wonderful views! Very small race, very late start. Several miles of dirt trail running - narrow trail shared with park visitors & their stroller & dogs. Stay well hydrated! MORE
Wonderful views! Very small race, very late start. Several miles of dirt trail running – narrow trail shared with park visitors & their stroller & dogs. Stay well hydrated!
Another excellent BBSC Production
This is the second time I have run the Lake Mead 10km, and 5 or 6th race with BBSC. Their events are always well run - easy signup and clear … MORE
This is the second time I have run the Lake Mead 10km, and 5 or 6th race with BBSC. Their events are always well run – easy signup and clear communications ahead of the race. Race day is very well organized – lots of porta potties, professional timing crew, and excellent post race snacks. The 10km course is gently undulating along a paved trail, so no worries about traffic and plenty of room to over take. There’s no steep hills, but it still makes for a slightly demanding course, particularly the small climb from mile 4.5 to the turnaround.
Will definitely do the HM course in the future.
Be aware that the race is inside Lake Mead National Park so you will need to pay the entrance fee. Also allow 5 mins extra for the amount of traffic at the entrance booth.
Very different, great turn around.
Very well organized race. Our lead person was Hanna with BBSC's endurance events. She was very sharp and very well organized. Totally focused. First part is slow, some hills, the … MORE
Very well organized race. Our lead person was Hanna with BBSC’s endurance events. She was very sharp and very well organized. Totally focused. First part is slow, some hills, the end is great, went through 4-6 old train tunnels. We run on the old train path. Great views from up there. The town of Boulder city is the cleanest town I have seen in years.
Great Race!
The race volunteers are really great, and the weather and coarse are excellent! Part of the course is on a trail that was a railroad line that supplied coal to … MORE
The race volunteers are really great, and the weather and coarse are excellent! Part of the course is on a trail that was a railroad line that supplied coal to Hoover damn. I really enjoyed running through the railroad tunnels. That’s not something you experience in many races! There are not a huge number of runners. Overall, I would highly recommend this race.
Great views!
This is at Lake Mead. I believe it is the largest artificial lake in the world. If not, it is very big. It was created when the Hoover Dam was … MORE
This is at Lake Mead. I believe it is the largest artificial lake in the world. If not, it is very big. It was created when the Hoover Dam was built. For the construction, they also had to lay railroad track to transport material. That is what 80% of this race runs along.
I am glad I went. I’d go again. The reason is except for a loop at the beginning that is boring, the main part of the route has a spectacular view of the lake, with these steep and probably dangerous drop offs from the path on either side. There also are awe inspiring tunnels drilled through sheer rock face. So if you toppled into the gorge or down the slope to the lake, you probably could commit suicide or you’d at least be injured significantly. The risk is low, however, since the path is so wide, and you could catch yourself if you just slipped — to incur bodily harm, you’d have to be deliberate or very reckless. I wouldn’t ride a bicycle there as some were doing; that seems to involve too much potential for a collision and then careening over the edge. You also might not be thrilled if you have a fear of heights. I have run other places with an ocean or bay vista. This is the best lake scenery.
Two things. The parking is $25. The elevation is 2500 feet. So you need to know that. They accept credit cards at the booth. 2500 feet didn’t require any acclimitization (I don’t know how that is spelled), but I was much slower than I would be normally and somewhat short of breath (I’ve run at 5000 feet and even 6000 feet, and that burns your lungs).
This is highly recommended.
Beautiful Views….late start
Don’t go out of your way for packet pickup day before; you can easily pick up on race day morning. You get a shirt and a bib. Be prepared for … MORE
Don’t go out of your way for packet pickup day before; you can easily pick up on race day morning. You get a shirt and a bib.
Be prepared for the later 8am start. Race day for 2022 was full sun and got to 69°F.
The views going into the National Park ($25 entrance fee) where gorgeous! The paved trail was tough and hard on the joints; however, the gravel portion and shade from the tunnels were welcoming! I wish this race could have utilized more of the trail vs the concert. (The course description above is not accurate; check their website)
The full marathon does the course twice with two out and backs. Very small amount of participants. The course was well stocked with water, Gatorade and gels. The start/finish area had good music playing!
Tshirt seems like decent material and medal is ok.
A Fine Event
The first thing you need to know is this: You have to pay the fee for entering the National Park. $25.00. I ran the 5K. For which the entry costs … MORE
The first thing you need to know is this: You have to pay the fee for entering the National Park. $25.00. I ran the 5K. For which the entry costs were just under $50.00. I read all of the race info carefully, twice, before paying the entry fee. There was absolutely NO mention of the park fee. That is until Tuesday before the race when they sent out a mass Info email. Of course it was too late to request a refund at that point. I have no problem with supporting racing organizations or national parks. No problem whatsoever… BUT this park entry fee info should have been provided UP FRONT… Kinda sneaky and not at all transparent on the part of the race promoters. I will NOT participate again going forward… Beyond that, it was a fine race. Chip timing, awards, water, very ordinary munchies, Jimmy Johns sandwiches, t-shirts. All the relatively normal stuff. The course was rolling and not necessarily scenic. Pretty much a paved multi purpose trail through a desert landscape next to Lake Mead. Very much uninteresting… An expensive day of training….
Great lake views. Very small Marathon
There was about 60 or so competitors in the Marathon. Definitely not the course to go for a personal best, but I used it for a training opportunity to get … MORE
There was about 60 or so competitors in the Marathon. Definitely not the course to go for a personal best, but I used it for a training opportunity to get miles in and fight through fatigue the last 10k.
You do the course twice for the marathon, and there’s about a 400 foot climb or so in about 2.5 miles that’s very steep and very challenging. But once you hit the top you’re treated with views of the Lake.
Course aid was well stocked with water, gels, and electroyte support, but unfortunately, not much fan support.
Either way, a fun a race to get some miles in and enjoy the epic views of Lake Mead.
$25 entry fee to enter the Lake Mead National Rec Area.
Amazing scenery, cool tunnels
Very small race on a combination of paved and gravel paths. The half-marathon course consists of 2 out-and-backs. Full marathoners repeat that course twice. There is a very long 2-mile … MORE
Very small race on a combination of paved and gravel paths. The half-marathon course consists of 2 out-and-backs. Full marathoners repeat that course twice. There is a very long 2-mile hill on the course, so this isn’t a PR race. However, the views of Lake Mead are incredible, as well as the 4 tunnels that you run through. Furthermore, the small size of this race make logistics, parking, bathrooms, etc. super easy. I HIGHLY recommend this race, especially if you are looking for a Nevada marathon.
Beautiful scenery
This race is run on a trail that is partially paved and partially screened fines. There was some confusion about the correct route, so about half of the marathon runners … MORE
This race is run on a trail that is partially paved and partially screened fines. There was some confusion about the correct route, so about half of the marathon runners took a wrong turn on the first loop. Aid stations were frequent and well stocked.
*A national park entry fee of $20 is required if you don’t have a pass, so be forewarned.