2026 Red Rock Canyon Marathon
The 2026 Red Rock Canyon Marathon takes place on January 24, 2026, within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas, Nevada. Participants will run on a federally designated Backcountry Scenic Byway winding through the Mojave Desert, featuring iconic sandstone cliffs and desert flora. For this time of year in Las Vegas, participants can expect cool morning temperatures in the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit, warming into the 50s or low 60s by mid-morning, with generally clear, dry conditions typical of the desert winter. The event offers a marathon, half marathon, and 5K, all finishing at the Scenic Drive exit; the marathon course includes two climbs to the Summit Overlook (4,771 ft) with a total elevation gain of approximately 2,200 ft, while the half marathon gains about 1,100 ft.
What is the official name and date of the event?
The event is the 2026 Red Rock Canyon Marathon, taking place on January 24, 2026.
Where is the event located?
The event is held at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas, NV. It is a USATF-sanctioned event and is featured as the birthplace of Calico Racing.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles) starting at 6:45 AM
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 7:30 AM
- →5K (3.1 miles) starting at 8:15 AM
How much does registration cost?
Early Entry (Through June 30, 2025)
- →5K: $50
- →Half Marathon: $100
- →Marathon: $120
- →Optional Strip Shuttle Bus: $35
Standard Entry (July 1 – December 14, 2025)
- →5K: $55
- →Half Marathon: $110
- →Marathon: $130
- →Strip Bus: $35
Late Entry (December 15, 2025 – January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM)
- →5K: $60
- →Half Marathon: $120
- →Marathon: $140
- →Strip Bus: $35
On-Site (Race Day – Cash Only)
- →5K: $65
- →Half Marathon: $130
- →Marathon: $150
- →Strip Bus not available
What are the time limits for the races?
- →Marathon: 7 hours
- →Half Marathon: 6 hours 15 minutes
- →5K: 5 hours 30 minutes
What is included with in-person registration?
All in-person participants receive:
- →Technical race shirt
- →Finisher’s medal
- →Post-race food & refreshments
- →Eligibility for overall & age-group awards
- →Onsite EMS & medical support
- →Full aid station coverage
What are the specific highlights of the marathon course?
The marathon begins at the scenic drive Exit and briefly detours onto Oak Creek dirt road (0.7 mi out-and-back). It climbs steadily to Summit Overlook (4,771 ft) by mile 8.6, features a 4-mile descent, loops around the Visitors Center, and climbs to the summit again at mile 18.4. It finishes with rolling terrain back to the start. The total elevation gain is approximately 2,200 ft.
What are the specific highlights of the half marathon course?
The half marathon starts at the Visitors Center (~3,740 ft), which is about 2 miles from the main finish. It loops around the Visitors Center, joins the scenic drive, climbs to Summit Overlook (4,771 ft) by mile 5.3, and finishes with a fast downhill/rolling descent to the Exit. The total elevation gain is approximately 1,100 ft.
What are the specific highlights of the 5K course?
The 5K is a simple out-and-back on the paved scenic drive (1.55 miles out, 1.55 miles back) with minimal elevation change.
What is provided at the aid stations?
All aid stations provide water and Gatorade (cups). "Ultra Stations" also offer Hammer Gel (multiple flavors) and Hammer Endurolytes (electrolyte capsules). Portable toilets are available approximately every 3 miles.
What are the important safety notes regarding the course?
This is a public road event shared with vehicles. The course is coned and monitored, but runners may encounter two-way traffic. Runners must stay right, allow passing, and go single-file on narrow sections. The final course is subject to BLM permitting, and changes are possible.
Are there specific awards for this event?
Participants are eligible for overall and age-group awards.
Is this event USATF sanctioned?
Yes, this is a USATF-sanctioned event.