COURSE DESCRIPTION
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 Mojave Desert's most stunning vistas. Sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and wildlife bring this place to life and will change yours forever. The birthplace of Calico Racing- it was here on a 15 mile run that I saw my life with such clarity that I decided to launch a company that would be true to my most fundamental values. As the miles ticked by I was glowing with the myriad of ideas for race venues. Deliberating over a name, there were many versions...until I passed the Calico Hills trailhead. SOLD! Calico Racing was born and the sandstone colors dictated the company logo.... Come race with us and find your clarity.
MARATHON COURSE- 6am start time: USATF Certificate # NV08003DCR
The Marathon course starts at the Red Rock Canyon Visitors' Center, at roughly 3740 feet elevation. After making one loop around the Visitors' Center runners then follow the paved scenic drive with traffic climbing to the summit overlook area at 4771 feet in the first 6 miles. The course continues over downhill, flat and rolling terrain. Marathoners will turn onto Oak Creek dirt road for a 0.35 mile out and back section (total 0.7) after which they will rejoin up again with the scenic drive continuing toward their turn around point; elevation approx 3800 feet. Runners will then return along the scenic drive against traffic, climbing back up to the summit overlook at 4771 feet elevation. The last 5 miles is a screaming downhill with a short climb back up to the Visitors' Center for the finish line. Preliminary measure: Total ascent= 1820'; total descent= 1791'; Net= +29'. Once the course certification paperwork is submitted this will be the exact measure.
CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF MARATHON START
CLICK HERE FOR USATF CERTIFIED MAP
CLICK HERE FOR MARATHON ELEVATION PROFILE- It is a tough course but I swear it is not as bad as it looks!
OAK CREEK OUT AND BACK: If you are a marathoner running around 6 minute miles OR if you are a 1/2 Marathoner running slower than 15 minute miles- CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS MAP! More than likely the 1/2 marathoners will be off of the Oak Creek out and back section before the marathoners reach this point. The only way they will overlap is if the slower 1/2 runners are slower than 15 minute miles, and the fastest marathoner is running 6 minute miles or faster. IF this pertains to you- please view this map and follow this running procedure. Half marathoners stay to the inside, denoted by ORANGE arrows, marathoners to the outside, denoted by BEIGE arrows.
1/2 MARATHON COURSE- 7am start : USATF Certificate # NV08004DCR
The 1/2 Marathon course starts at the exit of the paved scenic drive (elevation approx 3800 feet), roughly 2 miles from the marathon start and visitors' center. Within the first mile of the half marathon, runners will turn onto Oak Creek dirt road for a 0.35 mile out and back section (total 0.7) after which they will rejoin again with the scenic drive. Runners will run against traffic over flat, rolling, and gradual uphill terrain to the summit overlook area at 4771 feet at roughly mile 8. The last 5 miles is a screaming downhill with a short climb up to the Visitors' Center (elevation approx 3740 feet) for the finish line.
CLICK HERE FOR HALF MARATHON MAP
CLICK HERE FOR USATF CERTIFIED MAP
CLICK HERE FOR 1/2 MARATHON ELEVATION PROFILE- It is a tough course but I swear it is not as bad as it looks!
** Calico Racing reserves the right to modify the course if BLM requires us to do so for construction purposes at the Visitors' Center.
*** There is NO EVENT PARKING at Red Rock Canyon! All runners will be complementarily bused to their start lines and back to their cars after the race. Location TBD for 2010.
**** Since this is a race held on public lands the course is open to vehicular traffic. The course will be coned so as to allow us 1/4 of the roadway. Runners will be coming from both directions; please stay to your right, allow others to pass, and if running greater than single file it is up to you to make room for others to pass in either direction. PLEASE ask your spectators to keep their driving on course to a minimum.
NOTE: Many people have asked about trail races in the Red Rock Canyon area. While many trails exist in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, very few miles of them are permitable for a special event. Environmental impact studies have concluded that these trails should be enjoyed individually.