The granddaddy of Las Vegas marathons, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon, takes place in early December, this year on December 5. This is a nationwide series of races that draw huge crowds of runners (Las Vegas’ 2009 marathon drew 27,600 runners and featured a run-through wedding ceremony at the foot of the Eiffel Tower where a record 85 couples got hitched or renewed vows). It’s also the only foot race that runs right down the middle of the Strip.
Following the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is the Running from an Angel Marathon, sponsored by Calico Racing, which sponsors most of the marathons in Nevada (calicoracing.com). It combines a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, and 50-mile ultra marathon, all of which take place on January 8, 2011, completely inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, starting at Boulder Beach and running along Lakeshore Drive around the northwest corner of Lake Mead.
Running with the Devil Marathon covers the same race course, only it takes place in late June, subjected to possible extreme summer heat, which makes it even tougher. This year’s Devil Marathon is tentatively scheduled for June 25.
Calico Racing will be hosting the Red Rock Canyon Marathon on March 5, 2011. There are a half- and full marathon; both run along the scenic drive through the canyon.
The Hoover Dam Marathon (October 30, 2010) and Labor of Love Marathon (April 9-10, 2011) on a route through the Spring Mountains are also sponsored by Calico Racing.
The Valley of Fire Marathon (November 20) runs through Nevada’s oldest state park. Visit www.vofmarathon.ning.com for more info.
Finally, the E.T. Full Moon Midnight Marathon takes place every year in August. It’s a small race (no more than 100 runners) sponsored, again, by Calico Racing that follows Nevada Route 375, the so-called Extraterrestrial Highway.
