Run Laughlin Half Marathon, 5K & 12K

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!!

Conquer The Dam 12k

We used to do a 10K which got you almost to Arizona, everyone would ask “does it go through two states?” and they would then be disappointed with the answer of “almost.” So we fixed that!

Sign up for the Conquer The Dam 12K and you will do just that! Conquer the Davis Dam while you run across the state line into Arizona!

You start along Casino row where the glitz and glamour of Laughlin 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 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. There is a solid hill you will climb as you head to the peak of the Dam (Stay to the left on the Dam)since all good things come with some sort of price. Get your picture taken with your feet in both states (photos posted for free download post race) and then enjoy the downhill run back into Nevada.

Once back on the river trail you will be staying to the right. See if you can spot more Road Runners than you did on the way out.

Remind yourself to save a bit for your final push to the finish line as you move from the River 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 12K 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 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 & 12K 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 & 12K 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.