From Las Vegas to Rachel to Boulder City, and more.
Nevada marathon running isn’t polished – it’s personal. These aren’t races built for cheer squads and Instagram shots. They’re races that happen in the dark under a full moon, on lonely desert trails, through railroad tunnels that once hauled Hoover Dam’s bones into place.
Expect quiet. Expect elevation. Expect your quads to ask serious questions. From the surreal quiet of Area 51 to the downhill bomb of Mt. Charleston, Nevada’s marathon scene is for runners who like their challenges sun-scorched and strangely beautiful. These aren’t PR-chasing carnival rides. They’re the kind of events that make you feel small, wild, and absolutely alive.
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What are the Best Marathons in Nevada?
REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon
Las Vegas | Mar 28, 2026
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 169 feet (51m)
Participants: 2,404 Finishers
Price: $149-$179
If you’ve ever wished you could just coast downhill for 26.2 miles, REVEL Mt Charleston might be your kind of race. It’s basically a gravity assist marathon: fast, scenic, and set against a backdrop that feels more like a national park than somewhere just outside Las Vegas.
The course starts way up at Kyle Canyon in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You’re surrounded by pine trees, crisp mountain air, and zero signs of the Strip. The first few miles are cold(like, gloves and layers cold) but honestly, it’s a nice contrast to the desert heat you get later in the day. And then, the downhill begins. You’re on a smooth, paved road with nothing but mountains and forest views for miles.
This race is known for being seriously fast. It’s almost all downhill, which makes it a magnet for Boston hopefuls, PR chasers, and anyone curious about what they can do when gravity is on their side. But it’s not just about speed, it’s also a beautiful run. You go from alpine forest to high desert, and the changing scenery keeps your brain awake even as your legs start to feel the miles.
Once you’re off the mountain, the course levels out a bit as it makes its way into northwest Las Vegas, finishing near Centennial Hills Park. Even though you’re technically back in the city, the race still manages to avoid the chaos of Vegas proper. It’s all very organized, and the point-to-point setup means you’ll need to hop a shuttle to the start, but it’s smooth and stress-free.
If you’re not used to so much downhill, be warned: your quads will feel it. But the views, the cold mountain start, the ridiculously fast splits… It’s the kind of marathon that sticks with you.
ET Full Moon Marathon
Rachel | May 10, 2025
Course Type: Very Hilly
Elevation Gain: 1404 feet (428m)
Participants: 43 Finishers
Price: $110-$140
Some races are about chasing personal bests. Others are about doing something so strange and surreal you’ll talk about it for years. The ET Full Moon Marathon falls solidly into the second category.
Held in the middle of the Nevada desert, this race kicks off at midnight along Extraterrestrial Highway -yes, that’s the real name. You board a bus in the evening that whisks you out to the middle of nowhere, and by the time the race starts, it’s pitch black except for the moon overhead and the occasional headlamp bouncing along the road. It’s eerie in the best way. You’re running through open desert, surrounded by silence and stars, with the faint glow of Area 51 somewhere in the distance.
What’s wild is how peaceful it is. No spectators, no city lights – just your own breath, the crunch of shoes on asphalt, and the thought that maybe (just maybe) that blinking light on the horizon isn’t a plane. Some runners go all in with the alien theme: tinfoil hats, glow sticks, space suits. Others just soak up the weirdness. It’s one of those “you kind of have to be there” experiences.
The course itself is simple: a long, steady climb for the first half, then downhill all the way back. Not the easiest profile, but the novelty of running under a full moon on a highway with a name straight out of a sci-fi movie makes up for it. Aid stations are sparse but stocked, and the whole event is low-key in a way that feels charming instead of underdone.
This isn’t the kind of race where you obsess over splits or pace bands. It’s more about doing something totally out of the ordinary – running in the dead of night through the desert, possibly being lapped by someone in a glowing alien mask, and finishing with the sunrise starting to creep over the mountains. Weird, wonderful, and absolutely worth losing sleep for.
Red Rock Canyon Marathon
Las Vegas | Jan 24, 2026
Course Type: Very Hilly
Participants: 96 Finishers
Price: $120
Red Rock Canyon isn’t the kind of place you expect to be running a marathon. It feels more like a spot you’d pull over and stare at for a while, take a photo, maybe hike a bit, and then drive off in awe. But racing through it? That’s a whole different kind of beautiful.
The course loops through the Red Rock Scenic Drive, a 13-mile one-way road that lives up to the name. Towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and the kind of red rock formations that look like they’ve been set on fire by the sun. The scenery hits you in waves. It’s not subtle. It’s massive and cinematic and kind of humbling. And because the race is small and pretty quiet, you actually get to take it all in without the usual noise of big-city marathons.
Now, let’s be honest – this one’s tough. You’re at elevation, and the course has some serious hills. The first chunk of the loop climbs steadily, the kind of climb that doesn’t kill you but absolutely makes you question your life choices. But then you get these incredible downhills, and it all sort of balances out. It’s not a PR course, and it’s not trying to be. This is a race you do because it’s gorgeous and raw and just a little bit punishing in the best way.
What makes it memorable isn’t just the landscape, though – it’s the contrast. Vegas is about 30 minutes away, full of neon and noise. Red Rock is the opposite: still, wild, and totally unplugged. You run it, and for a few hours, everything feels stripped down. No distractions. Just you, the road, and that crazy beautiful desert stretching out in every direction.
Hoover Dam Marathon
Boulder City, NV | Dec 7, 2024
Course Type: Hilly
Participants: 77 Finishers
Price: $85-$115
If you’re looking for a marathon that’s a bit different, the Hoover Dam Marathon might surprise you. The course is packed with history and some seriously cool scenery. You start out at Boulder Beach, near Lake Mead, and right away you get this steady uphill that helps you settle into the run. Then you hop onto the River Mountains Loop Trail, which is super smooth and wide, running alongside the desert landscape and Lake Mead’s shimmering blue waters.
The stretch through the old railroad tunnels is a standout moment. These tunnels were actually built in the 1930s to help with the construction of the Hoover Dam, so running through them feels like stepping back in time. The trail clings to a ridge, giving you views of the lake and marina that are just stunning.
After the tunnels, you tackle some switchbacks that bring you up to the Hoover Dam parking garage. From there, you get to run a loop with incredible views of the dam itself and the Bypass Bridge. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to stop and soak it all in, if only you could slow down!
Marathoners do two loops of this course, so you get to experience all these highlights twice. The mix of paved trail and packed dirt means you don’t need fancy trail shoes, just something sturdy for the road. The race is smaller, which means it’s not crowded but also has a friendly, low-key vibe. And after you cross the finish line back at Boulder Beach, there’s food and warmth waiting, perfect after a chilly desert run.
If you like marathons that combine nature, history, and some desert adventure, this one’s worth checking out.
🌵 What to Expect When Running a Marathon in Nevada
Nevada marathons aren’t your average 26.2. You’re not winding through city neighborhoods with spectators banging cowbells on every corner. Instead, think big desert skies, wide-open spaces, and the kind of quiet that lets you hear your own breathing.
A few things to know:
- Elevation is real. Whether you’re up near Red Rock Canyon or climbing your way to the Hoover Dam overlook, expect some solid climbs. These aren’t just bumps in the road—they’re sustained efforts that test your pacing and patience.
- Desert weather doesn’t play by the rules. Mornings can be freezing. Afternoons can roast you alive. Some races (looking at you, ET Full Moon) are run at night to dodge the heat entirely. Layers are your friend—especially ones you won’t mind tossing or tying around your waist.
- You might be alone. Many of these races are small, quiet, and spread out. That’s part of the appeal, but also something to plan for. If you feed off crowd energy or frequent aid stations, you may want to bring your own fuel and prep for stretches with just you and the landscape.
Still, there’s something kind of magical about it. These courses pull you into the moment. No distractions. Just you, your breath, your steps, and views that feel like they’ve been waiting centuries for you to show up.
🎒 What to Pack for a Nevada Desert Marathon
You don’t need to overthink it, but you also don’t want to get caught unprepared. The Nevada desert can be unforgiving if you show up thinking it’s just another road race. Here’s what you’ll be glad you brought:
✔ Layers
Desert temps swing hard. It’s not unusual to start in gloves and a beanie and end in a singlet. Races like the Hoover Dam Marathon can start chilly and stay that way thanks to shade and wind off the lake.
✔ Hydration (Your Own, Just in Case)
Aid stations can be spread out, especially in low-key races like Red Rock Canyon or ET Full Moon. If you’re picky about what you drink or eat, bring your own. Some folks carry hydration packs or handhelds. Not glamorous, but very necessary.
✔ A Headlamp or Reflective Gear
For nighttime events like the ET Full Moon Marathon, don’t forget: you’re running on an open highway under a desert sky. It’s cool as hell, but it’s also very dark. A headlamp isn’t optional—it’s survival gear.
✔ Road Shoes with a Bit of Grip
Most races are on paved or packed-dirt trails (like the Hoover Dam Marathon’s mix of asphalt and crushed gravel), so trail shoes aren’t necessary. But something with a sturdy sole is a good idea. You’ll feel every rock otherwise.
✔ A Sense of Humor
Because sometimes the wind kicks up, or your legs hate you halfway through a switchback climb, or the only sound you hear for miles is your own footsteps. And honestly? That’s when Nevada kind of wins you over.
Concluesion
Running a marathon in Nevada often feels more like an expedition than a race. There’s something humbling about putting one foot in front of the other in a place that doesn’t care whether you’re running a 2:45 or a 6:45.
Whether you’re descending from alpine forests into a desert basin or jogging past glow sticks on an alien highway, there’s a strange rhythm to these miles—quiet, rugged, and unforgettable. You might not walk away with a flashy medal or a cheering crowd, but you will leave with stories. And sore calves. Definitely sore calves.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
