Overall Rating
Overall Rating (9 Reviews)
3.8
(9 Ratings)  (9 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3
SCENERY
4.1
PRODUCTION
4.1
SWAG
3
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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jan 13):
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H (°F)  48  57  63  61  55
L (°F)  35  39  42  35  33
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Recent reviews

    lyrussel REPEAT RUNNER '24

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4
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    brenk719 FIRST-TIMER '22

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    frankhwu FIRST-TIMER '22

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    1
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    TKayeAZ FIRST-TIMER '22

    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….

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    edwardsaiz88 FIRST-TIMER '20

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    BrianYowler FIRST-TIMER '20

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    Joerobe FIRST-TIMER '17

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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