Overall Rating
Overall Rating (17 Reviews)
4.6
(17 Ratings)  (17 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.1
SCENERY
4.4
PRODUCTION
4.5
SWAG
3.8
The Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon, 12K & 5K features: – Stunning Scenery including: Brilliant Sunrise over Black Mountains, the Davis Dam, Lake Mohave, Colorado River, Heritage Trail & finish along Casino Row. – Sweet, DOWNHILL COURSE: Net negative 443’ of DOWNHILL elevation loss of Half Marathon. – Perfect running weather – … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Dec 14):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  65  55  66  63  70
L (°F)  48  32  50  39  49
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Recent reviews

    This race had interesting scenery and was mostly downhill. It was a somewhat small race, but I generally prefer smaller races. It was interesting switching time zones during the race … MORE

    This race had interesting scenery and was mostly downhill. It was a somewhat small race, but I generally prefer smaller races. It was interesting switching time zones during the race and crossing from one state into the other. The view from the dam was really nice.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    warschark REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Beautiful weather, very well- run, close enough to Arizona if you’re a Hilton girl allergic to cigarette smoke, packet pick-up is smooth. Gavin always puts on a professional event. I … MORE

    Beautiful weather, very well- run, close enough to Arizona if you’re a Hilton girl allergic to cigarette smoke, packet pick-up is smooth. Gavin always puts on a professional event. I sure hope this wasn’t the last one.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    TKayeAZ FIRST-TIMER '21

    A well done and well organized race. Better then average for sure but short of great. Good pricing, plenty of parking, GREAT MC (Gal on the mic was terrific), one … MORE

    A well done and well organized race. Better then average for sure but short of great. Good pricing, plenty of parking, GREAT MC (Gal on the mic was terrific), one the better participant medals I’ve received, post race munchies were very good, awards ceremony was fun and well done, a lot of participants and fun energy, Laughlin is a fun Casino town, a lot of GREAT places for fun and food and lodging, plenty of quality photos to download for your memories, all together a “Dam Fine Race”. Negatives: Not much of a swag bag, T Shirt quality was just okay, turn around point was pretty narrow, route was not very scenic but still okay, the Beer ran out and the Beer line got way too long. All that said, I’ll be looking forward to running it again next year for sure…

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3

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    MellyB REPEAT RUNNER '21

    I was expecting a boring run along the strip. After a very short distance we transitioned to the desert along a beautiful paved pathway. The route was great and far … MORE

    I was expecting a boring run along the strip. After a very short distance we transitioned to the desert along a beautiful paved pathway. The route was great and far exceeded my expectations. Race was well organized and executed.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    jkahn95600 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    If you can survive the first few miles of up hill and wondering why you signed up, you will be rewarded with the most downhill I have ever run in … MORE

    If you can survive the first few miles of up hill and wondering why you signed up, you will be rewarded with the most downhill I have ever run in a race. The weather was great – no winds this year. Aid stations were supported by boys and girls club who were very motivating. They did not run out of gu or bananas. The course was well marked and it was very peaceful to run and enjoy the quiet of just runners shoes. Great medal but didn’t care for the shirt- shirt had too much of the front. After party was good was free beer but also water and chocolate milk and cookies ! No corrals but had someone from local high school play the national anthem on her flute. That set the tone for enjoying this race

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    vcota FIRST-TIMER '18

    Awesome medal - great race - one of those races where you have to stop and take in the view - plenty of water stations and very helpful staff. This … MORE

    Awesome medal – great race – one of those races where you have to stop and take in the view – plenty of water stations and very helpful staff. This race is on our “must run” every year!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    yotbum FIRST-TIMER '18

    Very fun event. Runner's Bus was great. Looking forward to the 12K next year. I probably shouldn't have stopped 3 times to take pictures of the dam and scenery as … MORE

    Very fun event. Runner’s Bus was great. Looking forward to the 12K next year. I probably shouldn’t have stopped 3 times to take pictures of the dam and scenery as I missed first place in my age group by less than 2 minutes. Will go flat out next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    Profile photo of Jessica Little
    smood86 FIRST-TIMER '18

    This was a great race and perfect one for a half marathon first timer as a good portion of it was downhill. The views during the in were incredible. They … MORE

    This was a great race and perfect one for a half marathon first timer as a good portion of it was downhill.
    The views during the in were incredible. They had plenty of aid stations throughout the race so there was no need for me to carry my own water. Everything was easy to navigate and the shuttle buses were a plus. The best part was, even if you took the super early shuttle, they let you wait in the heated gym for the race to start so you aren’t out freezing waiting for everyone else to get there.
    The only thing I would like to see improved is to have searchable pictures. It is much nicer to just enter your name or bib number and see all your picture instead of having to scroll through thousands of pictures to find your. But overall, I would highly recommended this race to anyone and especially to first timers

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    tanyamansell FIRST-TIMER '18

    There are some nice downhill parts, but there is also some challenging uphills on this course. The back half has great scenery. I was also encouraged to see pacers out … MORE

    There are some nice downhill parts, but there is also some challenging uphills on this course. The back half has great scenery. I was also encouraged to see pacers out there for the slower paces (3, 3:15 and 3:30). Also, I liked the idea of having a chartered bus from OC and LA.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Ara Agopian
    macore5 FIRST-TIMER '18

    Great Race in a beautiful location. Highlights: - A to B, Bag Check at the start - Starts at a high school and they open the gym so you can … MORE

    Great Race in a beautiful location.
    Highlights:
    – A to B, Bag Check at the start
    – Starts at a high school and they open the gym so you can hang out inside to keep warm before race
    – run is gorgeous, starts on a highway, over the Davis Damn and through a cool park
    – plenty of water stations
    – Craft Beer at the end, in n out across the street where you can take your beer and grab a burger
    – great after party

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Profile photo of Eric Phay
    phayburger07 REPEAT RUNNER '18

    I just love this race! I’ve done it three years in a row and I have no plans of stopping. This is just a great production all around from the … MORE

    I just love this race! I’ve done it three years in a row and I have no plans of stopping. This is just a great production all around from the people of Laughlin. It’s a fun little get away weekend to go to Laughlin for the weekend as the rates are cheap for that weekend to enjoy this race.

    To begin the expo is not anything special. It’s a small race and so don’t expect much here. It has grown each year though in quality and so who knows moving forward. But the t-shirt each year is an awesome one that is comfy and the design is one you will actually wear.

    The race itself is just beautiful and fun. There are a lot of downhill parts that this is one of my fastest 1/2 marathons each year. You get to cross the Davis Dam into Arizona and then come back into Nevada, so that’s neat to run in two time zones.

    The race finishes on the Laughlin strip and you are right at the after party. Fantastic snacks are provided with music to enjoy for the wait until the rewards begin.

    They go three deep in each category and so my odds are always good each year for getting to go home with something extra.

    One nice touch in 2018 that I have never seen before is my ribbon my medal declared I was a top 100 finished. I just love little touches like that and Run Laughlin delivers on these often. And speaking of the medals they are awesome! Some of my best medals on my board come from this race.

    Don’t hesitate! Do this run as you won’t regret it!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    detucker REPEAT RUNNER '18

    Fun run, scenery is great. Half marathon has best views by far. Laughlin is great place to run and get away for a weekend. At every intersection on the final … MORE

    Fun run, scenery is great. Half marathon has best views by far. Laughlin is great place to run and get away for a weekend. At every intersection on the final push there is police officers patrolling traffic, they are great they holler for you and get you motivated- never ran a race where they would do that.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    Profile photo of Aleta Ewing
    coderedjoker FIRST-TIMER '18

    Awesome race, super fun, worth driving from Vegas for! One of the few races I'd make a point of doing again! Additional feedback, based on my experience running the 5k … MORE

    Awesome race, super fun, worth driving from Vegas for! One of the few races I’d make a point of doing again!

    Additional feedback, based on my experience running the 5k in 2018:

    Post race party: The post race party had to be one of the absolute BEST I’ve been to of well over 100 races I’ve attended. I had a blast! The beer, music, and location made for perfect atmosphere and I had the best time. As long as the DJ can work just a tiiiiiiiny bit on keeping the music upbeat (it was 90% on point!) and staying off his phone, you’ll have my vote for #1 post race party!

    The course, aid, and photography: The course was amazing! I’m not a fan of any undulations whatsoever but it was scenic and perfect for being social during. The close but spacious enough course design was perfect for high-fiving and waving at people on the way out or return. It was also a great way, particularly for out-of-towners, to see Laughlin. I really enjoyed it a lot. Walkers and slower runners did block the course for me a couple of times and maybe need to be told pre-race to keep an eye out for and move out of the way for other participants. I had to shout to warn one person to move so she wouldn’t get plowed over. Not too bad though! The only other things I could recommend are putting the photographer in a spot where runners wont block each other from photos or perhaps getting a second photographer. More importantly, have water-providing volunteers on either both sides of the course or at least have them make an effort to get more to the inside of where the course curves to get water to runners. Actually, maybe just put the aid station on a straight section. It’s hard to justify moving to the outside on a curve to grab water during a 5k and skipping aid isn’t great either. Not a huge criticism though! I didnt need the water. I just would’ve taken it if I could’ve reached it more easily. 🙂

    The awards ceremony: I feel bad about the negative remarks this race has received on this! I truly LOVED the personal approach taken with this and all the effort put in to making this special for everyone. The setting was perfect for everyone to be able to watch and cheer each other on, photo opportunities were spot on (though somehow the photographer missed the 1st place female 5k award and maybe some other key moments.. :/ ), and the prizes were fantastic. The best prizes possible are definitely those which let participants commemorate the event and how they did in it, imo. I truly could not complain about the awards ceremony except, obviously, regarding the length. Perhaps the personal notes and/or mini interviews could be saved for overall winners to expedite the process. If necessary, the awards ceremonies could be separate for each race so that 5k runners dont have to wait for half marathoners, for example. Not sure what else? I can tell that the organizers consistently put a lot of effort into improving this event so I’m sure they’ll take feedback into consideration and come up with something! 🙂

    Race shirts: I vote for smaller size availability! Men’s smalls and mediums were both out when we arrived and the women’s small was pretty big. Granted, I didnt get to do packet pick up at the expo the day before, as driving out the day before wasnt practical for me as a Vegas resident, but I still think that at least something smaller than a large should have been available race morning, at least for pre-registered runners. Maybe offer shirt size selection during registration so you’ll have correct quantities available. Ordering spares, letting people trade their sizes, and having shirts available for late registrants can then be at organizers discretion but everyone will at least get the shirts they originally requested. Shirt measurements being provided during registration could be an option. All that said, I dont think I really care about collecting race shirts anymore. I’m not sure if everyone else would agree but if so maybe the race could save money by not offering them or charging for them as an optional add-on.

    That’s all that comes to mind! Anyway, I definitely enjoyed this event and hope to run it again in the future!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Tania Paddock
    taniapaddock REPEAT RUNNER '18

    If you are looking for a fun, fast and not too crowded race, then you should check out Run Laughlin Half Marathon, 5K & 10K. From the time I checked … MORE

    If you are looking for a fun, fast and not too crowded race, then you should check out Run Laughlin Half Marathon, 5K & 10K. From the time I checked in to the time I drove away from the after party, I was all smiles. The only thing that is personally sad about this race, is that the 5K runners don’t get the experience of running across the dam, across state line, across 2 time zones, but winning 2nd in my division 3 of the 4 years helps make up for that! This is one of my top 3 favorite races and will be back each year!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    jrohlede FIRST-TIMER '17

    Interesting race to do if you happen to be in Laughlin Nevada the first week in December. They offer a 5k, 10k and half. Did the half. For the start … MORE

    Interesting race to do if you happen to be in Laughlin Nevada the first week in December. They offer a 5k, 10k and half. Did the half.

    For the start they bus you from the Tropicana Casino in Laughlin to about 3 miles north to the start line. Start line is at the local high school. Gym was open and warm and restrooms were open. So good beginnings. But – always the but…
    Race was suppose to start at 7 am. So about 6:55 they call us out of the gym to the start line but then tell everybody to go back because the course isn’t finished being set up yet. So after a 20 minute delay we are called back out for the opening ceremony’s. National Anthem and speeches. The interesting part of this was when it was the race directors turn to speak they announced he wasn’t there due to work commitments. Really? The race director couldn’t make his own race? Never heard that before.
    So off we go. The first mile and half is around the high school. About a half mile hill straight up from 1 to 1.5. So far pretty unimpressed. But then the saving grace (sort of). The course then heads out into the sothern Nevada desert for 10 or 11 miles of hills and scenery. Views of the desert and sun coming up over the mountains were great. Mile 7.5 to 10 are across the Davis dam with really nice views while crossing from Nevada into Arizona – two different time zones – then turning around and going back.
    Then run a couple of miles back to the city / casinos along the Colorado River. Really nice. Last mile is down casino row.
    Just when I thought the course had redeemed the technical flaws – Surprise. When crossing the finish line you get a piece of paper saying they didn’t order enough medals. They would ship them later when they got them. I was in the top half so the were short medals for about 50% of the field. The said if you really wanted a medal to hang around until 2 pm and they would give you one from 2016. So much for redemption.
    So to recap – run the race for the weather, course and scenery. Very very hilly and challenging course. We had great weather. Sunny and in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    2

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '16

    The organizers of this race are fantastic. Love them. This was the second year for this race and unfortunately the wind was blowing about 30 MPH which made the race … MORE

    The organizers of this race are fantastic. Love them. This was the second year for this race and unfortunately the wind was blowing about 30 MPH which made the race very difficult. It was also challenging with a lot of uphills. The course support was awesome and there were plenty of water stops. Overall, we had a great time and we will do this race every year they put it on!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '15

    This was the inaugural race and let me tell you...they did a fabulous job. They crew sent awesome emails keeping everyone informed. It was a small race, lots of uphills … MORE

    This was the inaugural race and let me tell you…they did a fabulous job. They crew sent awesome emails keeping everyone informed. It was a small race, lots of uphills and some trails which we loved! We went over Davis Dam which crossed the Arizona and Nevada line. The course support was wonderful. For their inaugural race, they did a fabulous job. So fabulous, we are leaving tomorrow so we can get to Laughlin in time to do thus race again on Saturday, Dec 3!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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  1. Races
  2. Run Laughlin Half Marathon, 5K & 12K