Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the race begin?

The Half Marathon starts at 7:00am in Bootleg Canyon Park. The 2.2 Mile Run also begins at 7:00am at the Relay Point.

Where exactly is the race?

The race begins in Boulder City, NV at Bootleg Canyon Park (north on Yucca Street) about 20 minutes outside of Las Vegas. The course runs about 6.5 miles along the River Mountain Loop Trail and crosses over into Lake Mead National Park where it joins the Historic Hoover Dam Railroad Tunnel Trail . Runners will pass through five gigantic tunnels used to bring supplies to build Hoover Dam in 1931. After tunnel five, runners will turn around and run back through the tunnels a second time toward the beach. The finish line is on Lake Mead’s Event Beach near the picnic area (across from the campground).

What is the course terrain and grade like?

The majority of the course is on the paved River Mountain Loop Trail. There is a 4.4 mile stretch through the tunnels that is on compressed dirt (some gravel). It is almost all downhill or semi-flat with an average 1.8% grade (there is a hill at 3.5 miles). Yah, it’s almost perfect!

Where are the aid stations?

The aid stations are located approximately every 2 miles along the course. They are at miles 1.5*, 3*, 5, 6.5*, 8.5*, 11*. *Starred have restrooms nearby* There will be “saints” tables with water/gatorade and “sinners” tables with other not so healthy snacks like donuts and cookies. You’ll have to decide if you’re feeling more like a saint or a sinner.

So how many times will we run through a tunnel?

14….no really. The trail through town and into the park has 3 modern tunnels (to go under the road). The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail has 5 tunnels but you run through them twice, and the finish line has a Heaven and Heck tunnel (You choose which to run through). Total: 14!!!

What are the Heaven and Heck finish line tunnels?

After you have died running 13.1 miles as fast as you could, you will find out and make a choice. That will be your eternal reward. Make sure you get a picture for your loved ones that were left behind.

When and where is packet pickup?

Packet pickup will be 4-8pm Friday, Sept. 26 at the REI in Henderson (2220 Village Walk Drive). We beg you to please be there to pick up your packet the night before to avoid mania in the morning. We understand that some of you are coming in from out of town though and there might not be another option, so we’ll have emergency packet pick up in the morning. You’ll earn good karma if you heed our plea.

Where is parking for the race? Is there a shuttle?

If possible, we’d love it if you could have your family, friends, new acquaintance, etc., drop you off at the starting line (there’s lots of room to park). There is plenty of space to hang out before the race starts so you can get all pumped up by their energy and good vibes. After they send you off, they can jump in their car and drive to the finish line where there is also plenty of parking.

We know some of you will be flying solo though, or you can’t pay your friends enough to get up and take you, or you are all running, so we’ll have a shuttle available to return you from the finish line to the start line after the race. NOTICE: There will be no pre-race shuttle taking anyone to the starting line. Your job is to get to the starting line.

Relay runners (second and third leg runners) need to park at the finish line. There is no parking at the
relay point so there will be a shuttle (starting at 5:45am) from the finish line to the relay point. Arrive early, buses fill up close to race time.

Where does the 2.2 Mile Run start? Where do I park?

The 2.2 Mile Run starts at the Half Marathon relay point (2.2 miles from the finish line). There is no parking at the relay point so park at the finish line. There will be a shuttle from 5:45 to 6:30am to take you from the finish line to the 2.2 Mile Run start line (the Relay Point). Arrive early, buses fill up closer to race time.

Where should my family and friends wait and watch?

The finish line is on Event Beach and there is plenty of sea gull watching, rock throwing, kite flying and shell searching until the runners start to make their way towards the finish line for lots of cheering! There are a few stops you can cheer along the way, but you have to drive to them. Message us and we can point them out on the map to you.

Is the course chip timed?

Yes.

Are 100% of the proceeds really going to charity?

Yes, every penny. We are a non-profit 501(c3) operated by volunteers. We’re either all crazy or believe in supporting a great cause.

What is the Half Marathon Group Rate?

This option is chance for you to exploit your friends/family for a discount (3+ persons). All individuals run the full half Marathon, receives their own chip and time, but there will be a team name and time also. You do not need to stay together but all are required to have a good time.

Which leg of the relay covers the tunnels?

The second leg.

How do the 1st leg relay runners get to the finish line?

There will be a shuttle between the relay point and the finish line from 5:45am to 10:00am.

Are there shirts and medals for all participants?

Yes and yes. 2.2 Mile Run and Relay runners too - each runner will receive a shirt and a finishers medal.

Is there a time limit to finish?

No, but cleanup will start after about 4.5 hours.

Are walkers welcome?

Absolutely! It’s an amazing view.

Are strollers welcome?

Yes, but they will have to be at the end of the start lineup.

Is there a fee to get in Lake Mead National Park?

Yes, without a national park pass it is $10 per vehicle. However, the starting line in not in the park and there is no park fee to run the half marathon or team relay.

Where is a good place to stay?

Boulder City is the town 20 miles outside of Las Vegas created while building the Hoover Dam in 1931. It is a cute, small town America city with a few main street diners, pizzeria’s, gift shops and antique stores. While there aren’t many big chain hotel choices, you might opt for one of the local joints because it is literally 5 minutes away from the starting line and 10 minutes to the finish line.

Lake Mead Natl Park also has $10/night camp grounds but only work on a first come, first served basis; no reservations.

When does race registration end?

Online registration ends Thursday, September 25 at 11:59pm (Mountain Time). There will also be late registration at packet pickup for $80 cash or check only. We cannot guarantee shirts and metals for late registrants.

Additional questions can be sent to: [email protected]