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Marathon Details - Red Rock Canyon Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NV > Las Vegas > Red Rock Canyon Marathon

Red Rock Canyon Marathon

Red Rock Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Las Vegas, NV USA

January 25, 2025

http://www.calicoracing.com/events/red-rock-canyon

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Race Details

Majestically framing the west side of the valley, Red Rock Canyon is the most notable natural treasure among the Las Vegas community. A Mecca for runners, hikers, cyclists, climbers and tourists, Red Rock's color palette will enchant you while you run this challenging course. Burros, rabbits, and joshua trees augment the canyon scenery for a breathtaking experience.

Contact Information

Name:	Joyce Forier
Address:	2932 Richmar Ave Henderson, NV 89074
Phone Number:	702-812-2609
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information


Number of Runners:	800
Number of Spectators:	100
Fees & Deadlines:	Please visit: www.calicoracing.co m for fee schedule and race information.
Start Time:	6:45 AM
Course Highlights:	Majestically framing the west side of the valley, Red Rock Canyon is the most notable natural treasure in the Las Vegas area. Federally designated as a Backcountry Scenic Byway, the 13 mile paved scenic drive traverses some of the Mohave Desert's most stunning vistas. Sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and wildlife bring this place to life and will change yours forever.
Course Refreshments:	Water, energy drink, energy gels, snacks
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Race Organizer

Las Vegas' Natural Treasure (7/4/24)

Calico Racing

Celebrating our 18 year anniversary in 2025! Majestically framing the west side of the Las Vegas Valley, Red Rock Canyon is the most notable natural treasure in the Las Vegas area. Federally designated as a Backcountry Scenic Byway, the 13 mile paved scenic drive traverses some of the Mojave Desert's most stunning vistas. Sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and wildlife bring this place to life. It's sure to take your breath away!

Runner Reviews (45)

Course 4.6

Organization 4.5

Spectators 2.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 45 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

J. V. from Wynnewood, PA (1/23/2023) "Absolutely beautiful and challenging. Worth it!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The folks at Calico Racing know how to run a no-frills but wonderful race. The course starts at the southern end of a scenic loop drive and runs an out-and-back horseshoe. Just wonderful views. Don't worry about your time; this isn't a PR course. Just enjoy the setting. 2023's weather was great. About 30 degrees at the start, but it warms up quickly as the sun comes up and you gain altitude starting around mile 2.5. You are sharing the road with cars, but the course is very well-coned and the cars aren't traveling fast at all. Plus, it's only one-way for drivers, so you can see them the whole way. You share the road with half-marathoners who start at the other end of the horseshoe. Everybody is super encouraging as you pass. Nice medal and shirt, and they even had a photographer at the finish. Shuttle to/from the start/finish to the free parking lot was easy. Overall, fantastic race, highly recommend!
B. D. from Polson, Montana (3/2/2019) "Absolutely Gorgeous" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 What an awesome marathon. I chose it because of the comments regarding the scenery. I was not disappointed. The Red Rock Canyon is breathtaking. I come from the Montana, so the desert mountains were gorgeous with all the color in the red rock. It is a VERY challenging course. The race director is top notch and the volunteers were wonderful. Thank you to all who made this marathon possible. My quads and calves are still sore (a week later) due to the all up and down hill running. I highly recommend this marathon.
H. M. from Detroit (3/1/2018) "Spectacular Views" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The marathon it self was one of the most scenic you could ever ask for. The down side was the bus that picked us up had no heat, the driver was new and got us lost and almost in the ditch. Upon arriving to the cold desert the director should have provided a heated tent with some hot coffee/hot chocolate before the race. I'll pronably do it next year because the course was phenomenal, just a little tweaking at the start would make it the perfect race. I do recommend this race.
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (3/6/2016) "Beautiful and tough race in the mountains..." (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 From the beginning: 1. The location of the parcel pickup in the center of the Sun Coast Casino was a mistake. It was hard to find, noisy and generally not suitable. 2. The so-called 'marathon goodie bag' could be renamed to 'emptie bag'. No more comments. The rest of the race was above average. Smooth transportation to and from the start/finish line, start, very well supplied and friendly aid stations, finish line and above all - unforgettable scenery of the Red Rock Canyon. The course was paved and tough: 8 miles mostly uphill to the overlook, 5 miles downhill to the Visitor Center, then turn around and run back: 5 miles of steep uphill, 8 miles mostly downhill with the worst final mile, not very steep but up, up and up... Thank you Nevada!
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (3/12/2015) "A perfect destination race" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 As many have stated, this course is tough but beautiful. It can be broken down into 4 sections: climb up the canyon, charge down the canyon, climb up the canyon-this time a steeper climb, hold on as you run (mostly) downhill to the finish. Perfectly organized race with few hassels. While there are not many folks running the full, every one that I interacted with were incredibly cool. The half runners were quite encouraging as we passed, which was a really fun part of the race. Great shirt, medal and bib. Lots of food options including chili and chocolate milk at the finish. 4 hours or so of really hard work followed by several days of Vegas, can't beat it!
Betsy Press from Janesville, Wisconsin (3/9/2015) "Amazing experience!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was small and scenic! It was my first time. The course was very challenging but the views were worth every hill climb. The support on the course was well-spaced and stocked for such a small race!
L. H. from England (3/25/2014) "Brilliant Organisation and stunning course" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the 2014 half the morning after flying in from London and it was a great decision. The strip bus transfer ran like clockwork, the race organisation was flawless and the course, while one of the toughest I've run in terms of elevation (those hills!)was absolutely stunning. Don't expect a PR as some of the hills reduced almost everyone around me to walking but it's a great course and seeing the sun come up behind the mountains out in Red Rock was well worth the early start. Couldn't find a better place to celebrate afterwards either!
Tyson Poskochil from Lincoln, NE (3/21/2014) "Beautiful But Brutal" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I entered this race optimistic, and for good reason: it's just you, the pavement, and the wilderness. No spectators, no city lights of Las Vegas (it's just outside the city to the south), and not many other distractions. The course is scenic, and the red rocks you pass by are wonderful to look at. It also remained very cool outside through the duration of the course. What made it difficult were the steep (not gradual) elevations, at one point climbing to 5800+ feet, where the air is thin and your miles become slow. Although you make up for it on the downhill, keep in mind you'll want to do some hill training before you enter this one. Otherwise, it was well-organized with plenty of water stops, nice medal (although I think they should distinguish between the half and full, which they don't)and plenty of room to run in without the crowds. A fun race - just be prepared for its challenges! It's my toughest to date!
H. D. from York, Pa. (4/18/2013) "Tough but beautiful, a rewarding challenge" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my 39th marathon and by far the most scenic. With the out and back climbs you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the incredible views. This is not a PR course nor is it spectator friendly. As a 50 Stater, I am recommending this as an alternative to the crowded, over produced city runs. My only complaint is with the tasteless Heed. Even watered down Gatorade or PowerAde is better.
D. B. from Central California (4/1/2013) "Beautiful and Sustained... So worth the effort!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First Red Rock Marathon, second race run by Calico Sports (did the E.T. half in 2012). Joyce organizes great races and makes everything run smoothly with the help of an excellent volunteer cadre. The Red Rocks course has a healthy elevation change on the out and back, but is scenic throughout the entire course. Volunteers at the aid stations were great! Spectators were minimal because the race is on a road traveling through BLM lands, but I personally enjoyed that aspect of the race. The course was open to vehicle traffic, though coned off and safe. Weather was chilly, with a strong headwind on the return uphill (there were snowflakes involved!), but the final miles to the finish line were blue skies and sunshine. Good finishing snacks! Small field of racers. Calico runs quality events!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]



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J. V. from Wynnewood, PA (1/23/2023) "Absolutely beautiful and challenging. Worth it!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The folks at Calico Racing know how to run a no-frills but wonderful race. The course starts at the southern end of a scenic loop drive and runs an out-and-back horseshoe. Just wonderful views. Don't worry about your time; this isn't a PR course. Just enjoy the setting. 2023's weather was great. About 30 degrees at the start, but it warms up quickly as the sun comes up and you gain altitude starting around mile 2.5. You are sharing the road with cars, but the course is very well-coned and the cars aren't traveling fast at all. Plus, it's only one-way for drivers, so you can see them the whole way. You share the road with half-marathoners who start at the other end of the horseshoe. Everybody is super encouraging as you pass. Nice medal and shirt, and they even had a photographer at the finish. Shuttle to/from the start/finish to the free parking lot was easy. Overall, fantastic race, highly recommend!
B. D. from Polson, Montana (3/2/2019) "Absolutely Gorgeous" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 What an awesome marathon. I chose it because of the comments regarding the scenery. I was not disappointed. The Red Rock Canyon is breathtaking. I come from the Montana, so the desert mountains were gorgeous with all the color in the red rock. It is a VERY challenging course. The race director is top notch and the volunteers were wonderful. Thank you to all who made this marathon possible. My quads and calves are still sore (a week later) due to the all up and down hill running. I highly recommend this marathon.
H. M. from Detroit (3/1/2018) "Spectacular Views" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The marathon it self was one of the most scenic you could ever ask for. The down side was the bus that picked us up had no heat, the driver was new and got us lost and almost in the ditch. Upon arriving to the cold desert the director should have provided a heated tent with some hot coffee/hot chocolate before the race. I'll pronably do it next year because the course was phenomenal, just a little tweaking at the start would make it the perfect race. I do recommend this race.
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (3/6/2016) "Beautiful and tough race in the mountains..." (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 From the beginning: 1. The location of the parcel pickup in the center of the Sun Coast Casino was a mistake. It was hard to find, noisy and generally not suitable. 2. The so-called 'marathon goodie bag' could be renamed to 'emptie bag'. No more comments. The rest of the race was above average. Smooth transportation to and from the start/finish line, start, very well supplied and friendly aid stations, finish line and above all - unforgettable scenery of the Red Rock Canyon. The course was paved and tough: 8 miles mostly uphill to the overlook, 5 miles downhill to the Visitor Center, then turn around and run back: 5 miles of steep uphill, 8 miles mostly downhill with the worst final mile, not very steep but up, up and up... Thank you Nevada!
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (3/12/2015) "A perfect destination race" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 As many have stated, this course is tough but beautiful. It can be broken down into 4 sections: climb up the canyon, charge down the canyon, climb up the canyon-this time a steeper climb, hold on as you run (mostly) downhill to the finish. Perfectly organized race with few hassels. While there are not many folks running the full, every one that I interacted with were incredibly cool. The half runners were quite encouraging as we passed, which was a really fun part of the race. Great shirt, medal and bib. Lots of food options including chili and chocolate milk at the finish. 4 hours or so of really hard work followed by several days of Vegas, can't beat it!
Betsy Press from Janesville, Wisconsin (3/9/2015) "Amazing experience!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was small and scenic! It was my first time. The course was very challenging but the views were worth every hill climb. The support on the course was well-spaced and stocked for such a small race!
L. H. from England (3/25/2014) "Brilliant Organisation and stunning course" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the 2014 half the morning after flying in from London and it was a great decision. The strip bus transfer ran like clockwork, the race organisation was flawless and the course, while one of the toughest I've run in terms of elevation (those hills!)was absolutely stunning. Don't expect a PR as some of the hills reduced almost everyone around me to walking but it's a great course and seeing the sun come up behind the mountains out in Red Rock was well worth the early start. Couldn't find a better place to celebrate afterwards either!
Tyson Poskochil from Lincoln, NE (3/21/2014) "Beautiful But Brutal" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I entered this race optimistic, and for good reason: it's just you, the pavement, and the wilderness. No spectators, no city lights of Las Vegas (it's just outside the city to the south), and not many other distractions. The course is scenic, and the red rocks you pass by are wonderful to look at. It also remained very cool outside through the duration of the course. What made it difficult were the steep (not gradual) elevations, at one point climbing to 5800+ feet, where the air is thin and your miles become slow. Although you make up for it on the downhill, keep in mind you'll want to do some hill training before you enter this one. Otherwise, it was well-organized with plenty of water stops, nice medal (although I think they should distinguish between the half and full, which they don't)and plenty of room to run in without the crowds. A fun race - just be prepared for its challenges! It's my toughest to date!
H. D. from York, Pa. (4/18/2013) "Tough but beautiful, a rewarding challenge" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my 39th marathon and by far the most scenic. With the out and back climbs you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the incredible views. This is not a PR course nor is it spectator friendly. As a 50 Stater, I am recommending this as an alternative to the crowded, over produced city runs. My only complaint is with the tasteless Heed. Even watered down Gatorade or PowerAde is better.
D. B. from Central California (4/1/2013) "Beautiful and Sustained... So worth the effort!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Red Rock Canyon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First Red Rock Marathon, second race run by Calico Sports (did the E.T. half in 2012). Joyce organizes great races and makes everything run smoothly with the help of an excellent volunteer cadre. The Red Rocks course has a healthy elevation change on the out and back, but is scenic throughout the entire course. Volunteers at the aid stations were great! Spectators were minimal because the race is on a road traveling through BLM lands, but I personally enjoyed that aspect of the race. The course was open to vehicle traffic, though coned off and safe. Weather was chilly, with a strong headwind on the return uphill (there were snowflakes involved!), but the final miles to the finish line were blue skies and sunshine. Good finishing snacks! Small field of racers. Calico runs quality events!

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Marathon Details - Red Rock Canyon Marathon