Run Laughlin Half Marathon, 5K & 10K

The December weather in Laughlin and Bullhead City is perfect for an early morning race crisp and clear, with high temperatures in the high 60s and visibility for miles. The Mojave Desert is one of the most picturesque, peaceful and tranquil places to run on Earth. This Race delivers a downhill yet challenging course, amazing sights such Lake Mohave, running alongside the Colorado River, an opportunity to traverse the Davis Dam into Arizona and back. The post race party is hosted at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino steps away from Vegas-style Casino Gaming action, live shows, fine dining, night clubs and so much more! Your non-running support team will find off-roading, championship golf, hiking, ghost towns, concerts, and a variety of other excursions. Join us for an unforgettable Race + Vacation experience where you'll run:Two States, Two Time Zones, One DAM Great Race!

The Half Marathon:The December weather in Laughlin and Bullhead City is perfect for an early morning race – crisp, clear, with mild temperatures and visibility for miles. Speaking from experience, the Mojave Desert is one of the most picturesque, peaceful and tranquil places to run on Earth. The Half Marathon course begins in the parking lot in front of Laughlin High School, weaves through the school grounds including one lap around the track before heading out onto the highways around Laughlin. Miles 2 – 3.3 are a steady climb of 321’ as you make your way toward Highway 163. From Needles Highway you will cross over onto the Westbound lanes of Highway 163 where you will be running East as you start the fastest portion of this course. You’re now facing 3.3 miles of DOWNHILL (loss of 683’) as you speed toward Davis Dam Rd. Be sure to look up at the sun rising over the Black Mountains in the Arizona distance checking out the Colorado River and Casino Row in the foreground – this is one of the most breathtaking vistas of the course. Leaving Highway 163 you turn north onto Davis Dam Rd, continuing the steady downhill trek as your thundering footfalls echo in the desert’s silence. Be sure to look for the cowboys that are sometimes seen riding along this part of the course and give the horses at Pot-O-Gold Stables a hearty wave.The hulking bulwark of the Davis Dam appears eerily in the distance and you head straight as the glorious downhill comes to an end. You begin the brief ascent onto the rim of the Davis Dam itself. A peek over your shoulder reveals a stunning view of sunrays dappling like brilliant diamonds on the surface of the mighty Colorado River. The rim of the Davis Dam allows you to cross from Nevada into the State of Arizona, and you are welcomed by a million-dollar view of Lake Mohave to your left. The brilliant hues of the lake’s surface shift from deep cobalt to cerulean blues and are so beautiful it disappoints your eyes to tear them away. Be sure to take advantage of our #SelfieSpot where you have the opportunity to take your photograph with one foot in NV, and one in AZ. Wait! Without warning, you notice that your Running Watch and smart phones have suddenly gained precisely one hour. WTH? Am I running that slow? No. Not only have you crossed into the Grand Canyon State, but into the Mountain Standard Time Zone as well – it’s the FUTURE! Watches and phones will be momentarily confused, but the mystery will only be temporary. You journey into Arizona to the only out-and-back portion of the course. The journey through Arizona is relatively brief (depending on how your legs are holding up) and after making the turnaround you return to re-cross the Davis Dam and back into the Silver State – Nevada. Your return to Casino Row will be along the banks of the Colorado River via Laughlin’s new Heritage Greenway Trail, a beautiful, newly-opened public park filled with hiking and equestrian trails.Your final push to the finish includes a bridge crossing (sorry for the slight uphill to the bridge) and descent onto Casino Drive where you will glimpse the finish line ¾ of a mile ahead! The cheering crowd of spectators welcomes you home; where a volunteer will congratulate you and drape a well-deserved medal around your neck. Exhausted, but exhilarated – high on endorphins and the satisfaction of your performance, it is time to Celebrate! Grab a water and head to the party, don’t forget to get your free beer when you are ready for it (Legacy Runners get two). There will be music, prizes and eventually we will give out the age group awards. Enjoy!!The 10 K:This is not your typical out-and-back 10K course. The glitz and glamour of Laughlin’s Casino Row is quiet in the early morning sunlight. The music at the starting line is pumping you up for this epic racing event! You toe the line on a wide open stretch of Casino Row and at the sound of the horn launch yourself North, past the Aquarius Hotel, the Riverside Resort and on towards the turn which will take you up and over the famed Pedestrian Bridge. The wonderful and wild Colorado River appears to your right and you notice the sunlight dappling on the surface like so many diamonds. Your course is due north past the 5K turn around and on towards the Davis Dam. The 10K course turns around just before you would have had to mount the nasty hill that would lead you up and over the Dam. Head back while Staying to the Right on the trail. See if you can spot more Road Runners than you did on the way out. Save a bit for your final push to the finish for your return trip down the River takes you up and over the stylish Pedestrian Bridge, this jewel of architecture connecting the wild, natural Laughlin Heritage Trail with the night-dazzling Casino Row. There is a small hill from the trail to the bridge, but once you are across there is nothing but sweet downhill all the way to the finish. Raise your arms in glorious victory and wave to the hundreds of cheering fans! Follow the signs to the 10K Finish Chute on the sidewalk where you will be welcomed back by a volunteer who will drape a well-deserved medal around your neck. It’s time to Celebrate! Steps away you will find a live band, DJ, essential nourishment, hydration, benches and a Free Beer*! A festive celebration to wash away your weariness and an opportunity to revel with your fellow racers and race supporters. Enjoy!!The 5 K:This is not your typical out-and-back 5K course. The glitz and glamour of Laughlin’s Casino Row is quiet in the early morning sunlight. The music at the starting line is pumping you up for this epic racing event! You toe the line on a wide open stretch of Casino Row and at the sound of the horn launch yourself North, past the Aquarius Hotel, the Riverside Resort and on towards the turn which will take you up and over the famed Pedestrian Bridge. The wonderful and wild Colorado River appears to your right and you notice the sunlight dappling on the surface like so many diamonds. Your course is due north and before you know it the turnaround is ahead. Staying to the Right on the trail, you make a nice wide U-turn and are treated to Desert Landscape and sights you missed on the way out. Save a bit for your final push to the finish for your return trip down the River takes you up and over the stylish Pedestrian Bridge, this jewel of architecture connecting the wild, natural Laughlin Heritage Trail with the night-dazzling Casino Row. There is a small hill from the trail to the bridge, but once you are across there is nothing but sweet downhill all the way to the finish. Raise your arms in glorious victory and wave to the hundreds of cheering fans! Follow the signs to the 5K Finish Chute on the sidewalk where you will be welcomed back by a volunteer who will drape a well-deserved medal around your neck. It’s time to Celebrate! Steps away you will find a live band, DJ, essential nourishment, hydration, benches and a Free Beer*! A festive celebration to wash away your weariness and an opportunity to revel with your fellow racers and race supporters. Enjoy!!Start Line:The staging area for all races is located in front of the Tropicana Laughlin. There will be free parking available in the parking structure behind the hotel. Race-day packet pickup is free for 5k & 10K participants. Half Marathon participants must pick up their bib the day before or pay for VIP packet pick up. Day of packet pick up will be at the Roundhouse Buffet in the Tropicana Laughlin. The expo and packet pick up on Friday will be on D Deck at the Colorado Belle. The Colorado Belle and Tropicana are across the street from each other and are a short walk from all of the hotels on Casino Drive.Half Marathon Runners: Arrive at the Tropicana and then board your bus at your designated times. Gear check,  and bathrooms will be available in the starting area at Laughlin High School. Please note that NO unauthorized vehicles are allowed on the course during the race!As the Half Marathon is a point-to-point course, the finish line will be at the Tropicana Laughlin. If you choose to drive to the Starting Line at Laughlin High School, please note that there will NOT be any shuttles that will transport you from the Tropicana to the High School after the race and you will need to arrange transportation to recover your car.5K & 10K Runners – your starting line and finish line will be in front of the Tropicana. Please be at the starting line by 7:50 AM for the singing of the National Anthem.

From Phoenix:US 93 north to I-40 west through Kingman. Take the Bullhead City / Las Vegas exit and turn right at the signal at the end of the exit ramp. Continue west taking the Highway 68 ramp toward Bullhead City / Laughlin. Highway 68 merges into Arizona Highway 95. Turn right at the Laughlin Bridge. Approximately 225 miles from Phoenix; 3.5 hours.From Los Angeles:I-15 north to Barstow; I-40 east to Needles, CA. Exit on River Road cutoff, turn north for 22 miles on Needles Highway to Casino Drive, turn right.Approximately 283 miles from Los Angeles 4 hours.From San Diego:Approximately 335 miles from San Diego 6 hours.From Las Vegas:Interstate 515, US 93/95 south through Las Vegas towards Boulder City. After passing through Henderson and the Railroad Pass, take ramp and turn right onto US 95 south toward Searchlight/Laughlin for 55 miles. Turn left onto NV 163. Head east for 19 miles. Turn right on Casino Drive.Transportation and Packages:For less than what you would spend on gas and/or a rental car, you can relax with other runners on one of our charter buses. Buses will be picking up at the following locations at the following times with the following destinationsOn Friday, November 30th, participants will be picked up in Los Angeles and Orange County no earlier than 12 pm (noon) and no later than 3 pmParticipants will be picked up in Phoenix no earlier than 1 pm and no later than 3 pmParticipants will be picked up at The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2240 Village Walk Dr, Henderson, NV 89052 (a short ride from Las Vegas McCarren Airport) at 3:30 pm.Participants will be brought to either the Tropicana Laughlin or the Colorado Belle hotels.On Sunday, December 2nd, at 12 pm (noon) participants will be picked up at either the Tropicana Laughlin or the Colorado Belle hotels and returned to the location where they were picked up at.Book your entire package all together and save. Choose the weekend package and get two nights at one of our host hotels, bus transportation to and from Laughlin and a half marathon entry for only $240Bus transportation plus half marathon entry will be $140.Bus transportation by itself is $70.

Water/Hydration and three First Aid stations will be provided on-course between the start and finish. Each station will contain both Water and another beverage. The cool desert air can keep you sweat free, but please stay hydrated throughout the race! Various non-profits, school teams and other groups host these aid stations. They are placed on-course at key locations and intervals approximately 2 miles apart. Bring your own nourishment if you wish and please discard wrappers and cups in trash receptacles at aid stations and throughout the course, or put them in your pocket and not alongside the road! We must all work together to preserve this desert landscape.Post-Race Celebration After completing your 13.1 mile journey through the picturesque Mojave Desert and receiving your finisher’s medal, you will be able to enter the Party! Everything will be steps away including post-race food and fluids designed to help your body begin the recovery process immediately. If you are over 21, enjoy our Beer Garden. Every finisher is entitled to one Free Beer and additional beer tickets can be purchased on site.The Finish Line Do not sit still right after the race. Regardless of the weather, it is important to keep moving. Your circulatory system is your body’s antifreeze and coolant; therefore, your body needs to keep moving to keep your blood moving. If you stop too soon it is easy to become too hot and hyperthermic. It is equally important to keep moving in cold weather, because body movement produces heat and circulation prevents body parts from getting too cold. When you finish, change into warm, dry clothing. Foil blankets will help you stay warm, but may not prevent you from becoming too cold. Therefore, it is important that you change into dry clothes immediately. Keep drinking plenty of fluids to help relieve your body of muscular by-products. Fluids and food are available just past the finish line in the Recovery Tent. If you are feeling ill or weak, do NOT attend the Beer Garden. If attending the Post-Race PARTY, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated through the rest of the day and be careful not to overindulge.Where Can I Get Help?On the CourseIf you need help talk to one of the volunteers at our water stations. There will be medical professionals following the last participants and place strategically throughout the course and our water stations will be able to contact them. They are equipped to assist with minor emergencies and will properly direct those with major emergencies, including calling for an on-course ambulance for assistance if necessary. If you need help, find an aid station for assistance. If you are unable to finish the race but do not require medical assistance, be sure to stop and wait for the SWEEPER vehicle for transport back to the finish area. If you require medical attention, please ask for transport to a hospital, or to the medical tent at the finish if it’s not an emergency.At the FinishA comprehensive medical aid station is available where you can receive temporary treatment for medical conditions. If you proceed into the Post Race PARTY and decide you need medical assistance, return to the medical tent at the finish line.Make sure your relatives know your race number. Carry a cell phone. Be courteous to other runners. Have FUN!!Medical:Even the most experienced runners have been known to develop medical problems during the course of a 13.1-mile event. The most common problems are weather related heat or cold stress, dehydration and exhaustion. Muscle strain, chaffing and blisters are also common occurrences. This advice sheet is intended to supplement any advice that you may have already received from your personal physician and trainers. If you have any current medical or mental health conditions that make running a half marathon a risk, such as, but not limited to diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, coronary history, or recent surgery, please:Consult your doctor for clearance to run before the race! Notify the event medical staff in advance. Medical staff is located in the large white tent at the finish line on race morning. An EMT vehicle is located at the start line.Place an “X’ across the front of your race number to let us know you may need extra care. On the back of the bib write the details of your condition, especially any medication that you may be taking.If you are regularly taking medication prescribed by your physician, do not interrupt your routine.Safety TipsDietBefore the event, eat familiar foods. Do not make any drastic changes. This means if you are not accustomed to pizza, do not eat pizza. Many people carbohydrate load prior to the race by increasing the intake of pastas, breads, potatoes, cereals, rice and sweets. At the same time your mileage should be reduced and the amount of rest you get increased. Excessive carbohydrate loading can cause stomach irritation.HydrationLarge volumes of fluid are lost though sweating. The body rapidly becomes dehydrated during the course of a half marathon. It is important to drink plenty of fluids for several days prior to the event, as well as during the race. Drink enough fluids to maintain an abundant amount of pale urine. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the race, even before you feel thirsty, especially during the first half. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are dehydrating, thus, excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can be dangerous prior to running a half marathon. If it is raining, continue to hydrate by mouth during the event. Rain does not substitute for internal hydration.ClothingIt is important to wear comfortable clothing. Irritating spots such as tags and seams should be examined. They can rub, irritate and possibly cause bleeding. This is also true for shoes. Make sure the shoes you are wearing are well broken in, yet still have plenty of life left in them. Blisters are a well-known nemesis to runners & walkers. Properly fitting shoes and quality socks can prevent such occurrences. Petroleum jelly or Glide may reduce irritation at sensitive spots such as nipples, inner thigh, underarms and toes. Check the weather prior to your arrival, as race mornings can be cool. Bring warm clothing to wear over your running clothes and use bag check to discard them, so they can be picked up at the finish.Race DayMake sure your relatives know your race number. Carry a cell phone. If you don’t feel well at the start of the race, DON’T RUN. Most medical emergencies occur with people who have not been feeling well prior to the event. If you feel feverish, have been vomiting, have diarrhoea or any type of chest pain, it is unadvisable for you to jeopardise your health for one race. There is always next year, or another event. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. ON A COLD DAY wear several layers that may be shed during the course of the race if needed. A hat and gloves are easily carried and prevent a great deal of heat loss. IF IT IS HOT, wear loose clothing, preferably a wicking material that enhances evaporation. If it is sunny, try to run in the shade as much as possible and drink whenever you can. Starting the race well hydrated will help prevent muscle cramping and dizziness in the later stages of the race.What is allowed, or not permitted on the course?Due to RRCA Regulations and for your safety, running with headphones is not allowed. All runners must maintain the ability to hear instructions from security and emergency personnel at all times. For the safety of all runners, bicyclists are not allowed on this course during the race. Assistance from a ride-along support team member is cause for disqualification from prize eligibility.This run is 100% road, with some rough, uneven pavement. Wheelchairs, hand-cycles and strollers are cautiously allowed on this course. There are some steady uphill climbs that we strongly suggest you train for. The 5K and 10K are completely on cement or blacktop trail, and although there are some uphill climbs, strollers, wheelchairs and hand-cycles can compete in this race as well.Dogs on leash are allowed on the 5K course, but we ask that you exercise extreme caution when around other runners. Dog owners assume 100% liability and will be held legally accountable for their dog’s behaviour.