Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K
Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon offers a desert escape with stunning Mojave vistas.
Race Date
Jan 23, 2027
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 23, 2027
- Location
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 26.2 Miles, Strip Bus Ticket ONLY
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 6,435
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon, first run in 2008 and now in its 19th edition, offers a unique desert running experience just west of Las Vegas. The course takes runners along the federally designated Backcountry Scenic Byway, a 13-mile paved drive renowned for its stunning Mojave Desert vistas, dramatic sandstone formations, and native vegetation.
This race is known for its relatively flat profile, with minimal elevation changes, making it a potentially fast course. Runners typically experience cool desert temperatures, averaging between 38–56°F on race day, though wind can be a factor. The race draws participants from approximately 27 states, with a median field size of around 286 finishers, though recent numbers have seen a slight decline.
While the repeat-runner rate is around 10%, the race's draw lies in its spectacular natural setting. Participants receive gender-specific shirt size preferences as part of their race swag. The event is a Labor of Love for Calico Racing, inspired by the Calico Hills trailheads that also shaped the company's logo.
Race-provided 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. The birthplace of Calico Racing! The trailheads "Calico Hills" inspired the namesake and dictated the company logo colors.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Gender Specific Shirt Size Preference.
Start Location
Red Rock Canyon NCA, Las Vegas, NV, 89138
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Desert
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
View Course Map
Download pdf
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Standout7019 years running
~286 finishers a year
shrinking
10% returning runners
5 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 27 states
winner 1:33:23
typical high 56°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
38°
Afternoon (High)
56°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.0"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
43%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 6,435 finishers actually crossed the line across 19 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
6,435
Median time
2:34:27
Latest turnout
197
States
51
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K?
The Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K is held on Saturday, January 23, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K take place?
It takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What distances does the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 26.2 Miles, Strip Bus Ticket ONLY.
Is the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 6,435 runners who have completed the Red Rock Canyon Marathon, 1/2, and 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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