2026 Mom's Rock 5K Race Recap - Las Vegas, NV

Starting arch at Kellogg Zaher Park

Official Time: 29:19
Placement: 17th overall, 1st in the 50-59 age group.
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80s, breeze from the north - warm
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:50	First half mile was great, 2nd began the climb
2	10:49	150 feet of climbing. Not fun!
3	9:04	Not much left.  Some of this was uphill as well.
3.08	0:35	Finish line snuck up on me. Should've started my sprint sooner.
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 29:19

Packet pickup area.

Introduction

Another weekend comes rolling around in Las Vegas and I am itching to race! As the season heats up, the race choices appear to be getting a little slimmer.  However, I did find a good one about 20 minutes from my house -- at Kellogg Zaher Soccer Complex. 

I've raced here before, sometimes in part with another race or a few years ago I did a brutal 4th of July 5K at the park.

The park offers a wide running / bike path and is suitable for 5K races. However, there is one caveat: it is hilly.  Going west is definitely a challenge, but fortunately, if you are lucky and you get to run east, you'll be blessed with some speedy miles.

The race, put on by the JusRun race organization celebrates Mother's Day. The race is geared for women, particularly mothers, but men are certainly welcome (and encouraged) to participate.

Runners assembling at the starting line.

The Race

The race starts at 8 AM and I got there early expecting a bit of chaos to get one's bib.  Fortunately, I was able to procure one in short order.  I grabbed a (cotton) t-shirt and got settled in for some photos and a short warm-up.

The temperature at the start was already pushing 80F and I did a very short, uninspired warm-up.  By the time the race was starting, I was already damp with perspiration.

Typical stretch of "course"

The race wasn't an "A" race for me, but I came in feeling fresh, with a lighter load than usual as far as training went for the week.  I am not going to say I felt 100% but I certainly felt a bit more "springy" than last week's race.

The race offers two distances: a 10K, which started at 8 and the 5K which started approximately 5 minutes after the 10K. There was also a 1 mile race.

I started up near the front and got off to a good start.  The first half mile or so was a gentle downhill and I wasn't going crazy, I was cruising.  I was holding back, because I knew the westbound route would be mostly uphill and I knew digging myself into a hole early in the race would result in a dreadful experience.

So bright!

I knew right away it wasn't going to be any sort of record breaking day but I figured I'd give it a good effort; surely I could do better than last week.

I ran the first half mile in about 4:20 or so.  About where I wanted to be.  However, as soon as I started running westward my pace slowed.  I recognized a few of the hills I had run last week.  At least on that course, I only got a taste of the westbound route. I still had to go at least another mile.  

From about mile .66 to mile 2.1, it was nothing but an uphill.  I was wearing sunglasses but it definitely felt bright out and my mouth got dry.  

A nice touch for this race was that they did have mile markers and for the most part, they were on target.  Mile 1 came in at 8:50.  Not exactly where I wanted, but to be honest, given that the latter quarter of this mile was uphill, it wasn't too bad.

I hadn't spotted anyone in my age group (turns out the first place overall was the only 50 - 59 year old) but I felt like I really wasn't working with anyone throughout the race. I had caught some of the 10K runners who had had a 5-minute head start, but I was confused as to who was doing the 5K and 10K.  I did check with the race organizer prior to the race and there were age group awards on the line, so naturally I wanted one - if nothing more than to spur myself to try hard.

Finally at mile 1.5 we exited the park and took another bike trail further west.  It was still uphill, it was still sunny, and just "hard".  I had gotten the impression the turn around was near mile 2 so I knew I was getting close.  A few of the front runners were already heading back (probably the faster 10K runners).

I remember mile 2 ringing up on my Garmin and I am not even sure I looked at it.  I probably did and knew the mile was slow.  I had just run close to 200 feet in the last 1.5 miles and I was feeling it.  It was close to what I would consider my marathon pace (on a good day).  10:49 pace.  I've done faster easy runs than this.

I hit the turn around at the dead end of the trail and thought I'd catch a bit of momentum on the return.  My pace did quicken, but my mouth felt like it was filled with cotton and I was just tired.  I was in survival mode.

It helped to get some cheers from runners on their way out. There wasn't much course support other than each other out there.

There was a woman I was trying to catch in front of me, but at this point, it was just a matter of guarding my current position, which judging from the number of returning runners was around in the top 20.  Hopefully I could make up some time.

But there just wasn't much in the tank today.  I can see now that my heart rate was pretty much maxed out and the heat was making me feel a little swimmy.  I don't usually take water from an aid station in a 5K, but today I took a sip of one and dumped the rest over my head.  

As I made my way back to the soccer park, I began to do "math" in my head.  The course felt like it was going to be long.  As I zipped around the western edge of the park, the finish line felt like it was a lot further down the course and I was holding back a little.  I think at points I could hear the finish line DJ music but I couldn't see it.  

Mile 3 rang up in a little over 9 minutes. Considering how I felt, this wasn't too bad, but I expected to be a little faster. Especially now that I had a gravity-assist from the slight downhill.

As I passed the final mile marker, the finish line came into view.  I turned on the jets and used everything I had to speed through the arches.  

Conclusion

So, the race was a relative disappointment.  My time was just above 29 minutes.  I'll be honest, depressing.  For someone who used to be able to run 20-something and now have to settle for 29-something.  It was saddening -- I am not getting any faster.

I had stashed some water near the finish line (they had bottled water) and I managed to cool off a bit after collecting my finisher medal.  They had a QR code link to get the results and I was pleased to see that I was 17th overall and 2nd in my age group (I graduated to first).

Pre Race photo

I had had visions, when I signed up for this race of doing the 10K.  I am so glad I didn't.  I am not sure I would've survived the heat.  Also, the 10K route was the 5K run twice.  Once was enough, thank you!

The race had cotton, pink t-shirts (the color theme was obviously pink and I had the good sense to wear my obnoxious pink shirt).  Mothers received a flower for finishing as well.  The age group award was a simple ribbon.  It was something.  They did have some awesome looking trophies for top 3 overall runners.

There were some pre-wrapped snacks for food at the end (as well as oranges).  A live DJ played hit songs and they had food for purchase with snack trucks.

Top finisher awards

I was really happy with my experience. I do think, though, that the race should start at 7, 7:30 AM at the latest.  8 AM, especially on a very hot day, could be dangerous, especially to newer runners. 

I'd definitely run this one again, although I'd probably sign up a bit earlier to catch a savings.  It was in the mid $40 range when I registered within a few weeks of the race date.

Finisher's medal, age group award and t-shirt.

This race isn't an easy one, but I am happy I was able to place in it and get some sort of recognition. Even a simple ribbon is something that'll push me a little harder during a race.  This race is also very welcoming and ideal for newer runners looking to start their 5K racing journey.

Upcoming Races

02/21: 2027 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed) 

04/03: 2027 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2026 Super Mom 5K Race Recap - Las Vegas, NV

Starting line at Super Mom 5K 10K Half Marathon

Official Time: 28:56
Placement: 16th overall, 1st masters
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80s, no wind but warm
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:19	Sluggish start. Latter half of the first mile was uphill
2	9:44	Some rolling hills before we hit the turn around.
3	9:20	Nice bounce back.
3.06	0:31	Legs felt like rubber
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 28:56

Line-up for bibs

Introduction

Well, here we are again at Bill Briare Park in Las Vegas, just on the border of Summerlin.  I've been here about 5 months now and I've run at this park 3 times (counting this race).  The first one was the Chilly Willy 5K and the second was the Run Through the Decades 6K.

Having a break from racing last weekend, I was eager to jump into another race and being a fan of the Five Star NTP racing company (they have decent age group awards) and a halfway decent price, I decided to jump into their Mother's Day run.  Albeit, it is a week early, it was something to do, under $40, and fairly close to home.  It was also on a course I know well.

Mostly I was there to turn in a solid workout, test for any improvements, and just get out of the house for a bit.  With some luck, maybe I'd place and win an award.

Heading towards the starting line.

The Race

The race started at 8 AM and by the time I got there, the sun was blazing and it was already pushing 75F.  By the time I left, my car would read 80 degrees.  It felt warm.

I was actually shocked a bit when I saw a fairly lengthy line to procure your bib.  Fortunately, it moved quickly.  Normally when I've done Five Star's races, there isn't a line-up at all.  I think they had a pretty good turnout this time.  Fortunately it wasn't a big deal.

I look tired even before the race started

After getting my bib, I stashed my bag and did about a 10 - 15 minute warm-up.  All I can say is I felt sluggish and warm. In fact, by the time I made it back to the starting line, I was dripping sweat and my warm-up wasn't exactly that long or that quick. 

I've also been pushing the proverbial training envelope throughout the week and my legs just felt flat.  This was a low key race so I wasn't too worried about it but conditions basically indicated that it wasn't going to be a PR type of day.

The race started promptly at 8 AM, and the 3 race distances started all at once around the perimeter of the park.  The 3 races included a 5K (the most popular), followed by the 10K and half marathon. I had flirted with signing up for the 10K and I was grateful I hadn't pulled the trigger on that distance.

I felt like I was struggling despite the flat or somewhat downhill nature of the course.  I was running about what I'd expect to for a normally hot day, but my legs just weren't there.

Stretch of bike trail in the first half mile

The first half mile -- it went around the eastern perimeter of the park, went quickly. I knew though that once we exited the park, the climb would begin.  It is a steady grind for the next mile until the turn around.  There are a few stretches that are quite hilly. but for the most part, it is just "uphill".

The race had about 150 runners in it and the front runners had set off well ahead of me.  I felt like I was running solo for most of the race. Not many people were behind me and I didn't have anyone to work with.

The first quarter mile was somewhat congested but I was able to run the pace I wanted to, mostly because I had lined up fairly close to the front.  There seemed to be quite a few casual runners that were lined up in the front that probably shouldn't have been.

Bonanza Trail at the half mile marker

As we made our way on the 8 foot wide bike trail, I just felt flat and I knew it was going to be a struggle.

Mile 1 came in at 9:19.  Definitely a lot slower than I wanted, but not completely unexpected.  I was dripping sweat and my mouth was dry and I felt like I was working way too hard.  The first mile, after the exit to the Bonanza bike trail, is just a grind up.  And my pace dwindled.

It doesn't get any easier the further the race went and the Bonanza bike trail, after passing my medical buildings and a shopping center, gave way to Kellogg Zaher Park.  And here it was another half mile of grinding uphill. My pace, at best, was marathon pace and I just felt cooked.

Just shy of the first mile marker

Fortunately I arrived at the turn around.  I lost count of how many runners were coming back already but it was around a dozen and it didn't look like anyone was in my age group.

Once I hit the turn around, I knew the next mile was going to be fun.  It was smooth sailing for a while and while I was exhausted and fighting fatigue I was hitting sub 9 minute miles.  This was the pace I wanted to run throughout the race.

There wasn't any one to pick off though.  I did get some shouts of encouragement from runners heading out, which was really nice.  

Mile 2 came in at 9:44. Disappointing but given that the first half of that mile was uphill, it wasn't unexpected.

I really had to will myself to push onwards.  I was still coasting for the next .75 miles as I let gravity assist me in my return to the starting line.  Despite the race being a "wash" as far as a respectable time went, I had hopes that at least I could redeem myself a little with the closing mile.

I did forget though how hard the last quarter mile is.  Your legs are just fried at this point and you have a very slight uphill to get back to the starting line.  It is gradual and almost imperceptible but you see it happen to other runners.  Their fast 5K pace suddenly turns into a slog.  I saw a good number of people even walking.

Despite being so close to the finish -- so close I could hear the finishing music, I just had nothing and my pace once again was reduced to a marathon shuffle.

I glanced a few times behind me and a pair of women were approaching but I think whatever age group award I was going to get was signed, sealed and delivered.

I crossed the finish -- it was finally over. 

Conclusion

So this race wasn't an A-race for me.  It was just an excuse to get out, get in a solid effort, and have a little fun.  The Five Star NTP group does have very generous age group categories and that is one reason why I do their races.  

I wound up, after discounting the top 3 finishers, get awarded the first masters runner.  I think there were  runners in their 50s who finish in the top 3.

Finisher's Medal and awards

I didn't get a shirt for the race but the design was cool (it was an extra charge).  It was cotton though and something I probably wouldn't have worn.  The medal was cool and I got 3 pins to add to the lanyard to indicate my achievement.

For $35 the race just right. They did have a water station at the turnaround. Refreshments at the end included prepackaged crackers and water.  I think if I had been running the half marathon, I'd probably have been disappointed. But for a $35 5K - I was fine with it.  Also their award claiming system is top notch.  Within 5 minutes of finishing, I could collect my award and leave - with no fanfare.  I do miss the clapping and recognition, but at the same time, I could continue on with my day.

Runner's finishing

My performance was "okay".  I mean I came in pretty tired from a series of harder runs but my time: sucked.  I expected something in the 27s but I was darn near 29 minutes.

I think the fatigue in my legs and the heat just wilted me.

This race is ideal for runners looking for a fun morning.  The course is entirely bike trail.  It isn't scenic by any means, but I've never been bored on it.  The half marathon is a multi-lap course, so it may not appeal to those looking for a stunning course.

The organization was spot on and I was happy with my experience.  There was a good friendly crowd here as well.  One caveat is the bathroom situation. There are no porta potties here and only the park's restroom.  You could run about a mile to the Zaher park or use the restroom inside the Winco (about .75 miles away) but there were lines for the bathroom and the men's toilet was clogged.  This situation isn't uncommon.  Just a word of caution to try and take care of business at home before the race.

Upcoming Races

05/09: 2026 Mom's Rock 5K - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

02/21: 2027 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed) 

04/03: 2027 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2026 Signs of Hope 5K Race Recap - Las Vegas, NV

Sunset Park

Official Time: 26:46
Placement: Unknown, but probably top 10
Results:  Results not timed / published
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 50s. very little wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:12	Wow. Nice first mile.  Feeling good.
2	8:45	Okay, I went out a little fast. Once I hit around 1.65 miles I was done
3	9:11	Struggled here. The last quarter mile I picked it up.
3.08	0:35	Smash it to the finish
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 26:46

Finisher medals

Introduction

So with a lull in racing last week, I was kind of itching to get back at it this week. The pickings were a little slim in the area but when I had done the Great Chef Run 5K I had received a $10 discount code for this race.  

It was a simple 5K at a popular park (Sunset Park) for 5K running.  In fact, when I was doing my warm-up I ran into a person who said there is almost a 5K race of some sort there almost every weekend.

The race also supports a worthy cause: supporting those affected by human trafficking and preventing it.  

The Race

As stated before, the race was held at Sunset Park, which was a bit of a drive for me (about 35 minutes). It was a bit surreal to be driving by the Las Vegas Strip on my way to the race. I actually live here now.

The park is located somewhat close to the airport.  

I had arrived nearly an hour ahead of the race and I was able to get a good parking spot.  Packet pickup was a snap and after getting a few pictures of the starting area, I began my warm-up.

The race, was a small one. Local newscasts state there were about 150 runners.  Some were doing a walk (I think a mile or two) and some were running the 5K.  The race was definitely geared towards beginner runners. It included a nice warm-up and lots of enthusiasm to get you going.

A little after 8 AM, the race started.  I had already picked out the winner of the race before the race even started.  A wiry guy about my age was warming up and dressed like a pro. He was lined up in the front and I had hopes of hanging with him -- at least for a bit, but after about a 100 yards he left me in the dust.

I held onto 2nd place for a while before people half my age passed me.  Fortunately, not that many did pass me.  At some point, I was working with one of the top female runners. It was nice to have someone to work with as the number of competitors was pretty slim at this race.

The park was actually a delight to run through.  The bike trail was paved and wide enough so I never really felt hemmed in.  The course was lined with desert shrubbery with an abundance of little rabbits and even a roadrunner or two.  It was about as "naturey" as Las Vegas is going to get.

I never really looked at my watch or my pace in the first mile.  I knew I was working hard but I still felt good.  For a race that likely didn't even have age group awards (I didn't see any awards prior to the race and often times the charity runs wind up being fun runs) I was pushing the pace.  I hit mile 1 in 8:15.  I was happy about that, but could I continue it? 

I am happy to report that the course measured spot on.  The mile markers were mostly "on" too.  With first annual races, I am always worried if the course is going to be short or long or if the volunteers on the course know where to direct us.  So far, all things, were super well organized and on point.

We crossed a little service-way road and the front runners were starting to come back on the out and back course.  I wasn't too far away from them but with my flagging speed, there was no way I was going to catch them.

I knew I was redlining and I was questioning how much longer I could hold the pace.  My legs felt heavy but my will to run hard was there.  There was a simple turn around just before another service road.  I glanced at my Garmin -- 1.55 miles.  Pretty much spot on.

I look desperate!

On an out-and-back course, it is always rewarding to get cheers from those still going out.  I used it to motivate me.  At this point I had the impression I was around 10th place or better.  Other than the leader, the only one that appeared to be over 40 was me.

Mile 2 came in at 8:45. I knew it was going to be a bit slower and I was okay with it. 

The last mile was tough.  The race had thinned out and the woman I was working with had another gear.  There  just wasn't a lot left.  I had come into the race a little on the tired side. I kept looking over my shoulder: was anyone gaining on me.  

The coast was clear, but I was still trying to catch the woman who was ahead of me.  But she had left me in the dust.  I did look at my watch and I had a reasonable shot at doing sub 27 minutes.  These days, that's about where I am at.

I sped around the final quarter mile and was greeted with the volunteers who I had chatted with prior to the race.  I was was pushing it here and I ran through the coned off parking lot as if someone was right behind me.

I glanced at the clock and saw that I was well under 27 minutes: a successful race.

Shirt + Medal

Conclusion

So I knew going in that the race wasn't chip timed.  There was no tag on the back of my bib, hence why I started up front.  I also knew that there weren't any age group awards but I still gave this race my all.  In my opinion, the course is a fast one.  While my Garmin did register some hills, I would argue that this course is about as flat at they come.

Unfortunately, the race didn't have any official results either. I was really hoping they'd have some up as I like to record my results on AthLinks.com

The race's best calling is the organization and the swag bag. My race bag was filled with a lot of promotional materials, including some stuff I'll actually use.  I'll also give props to the t-shirt designer.  The shirt is of technical material and one I will definitely wear in the future.

For $30, I got reasonable value. My money went to a good cause and I got a supported and accurate race.  The medal was small, but worthy enough for a charity 5K.  Post race refreshments consisted of just water, although some 3rd party vendors were there.

I really liked the course though. It was fun and never boring.  There were a lot of curves on it though and I was constantly trying to find the most efficient way around them.  There was just a very solid vibe with this race.

Overall, the race isn't going to appeal to the serious runner looking to take home a trophy -- or even an age group award.  They may change this for next year and I hope they at least publish the results.  Despite the non-competitive nature of the race, I really enjoyed the experience from start to finish.  I ran well and it was a beautiful morning to support a very valuable charity.

Upcoming Races

05/03: 2026 Super Mom 5K - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

05/09: 2026 Mom's Rock 5K - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

02/21: 2027 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed) 

04/03: 2027 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2026 Run Through The Decades 6KM Race Recap - Las Vegas, NV

Starting Line Arches

Official Time: 33:58
Placement: 7th overall, 3rd male overall
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 60s. breeze from the north
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:09	First .4 of a mile was slightly downhill, then a slow grind
2	10:10	Got a lot harder here. A lot of climbing. Finally hit the turn around
3	8:51	Took a bit to get going again, but slightly downhill.
3.66	8:45	Cruising here. Nice, gently downhill. Felt faster than I was going.
	Total Miles: 3.66- 33:58

Introduction

With a nice race streak going on and wanting to do something on the weekend following my last race, I decided I wanted to run something for Easter.  There were a few Easter themed races on Saturday but they sort of seemed to be "fun" runs.  I was looking for a race.  

I opted in for the Run Through the Decades Race.  This race is run by the same organizers as the race I did in January -- the Chilly Willy 5K.  It was even held at the same park, so I knew the course.  The race organizer had a well organized race and gave away age group awards.  It was something to do and a chance to make friends.

Moments before the race started

The Race

I arrived at the race site -- Bill Braire Park a little after 7 AM for the 8 AM start.  I recalled that there wasn't a lot of parking at the park and while there was plenty when I got there, I didn't want to get hemmed in. I found a nice parking spot on a residential street and made the short walk to the park.

Packet pickup was a snap and I made some small talk with other runners before running about a mile to warm-up.  It was already warm and by the time I made it back to the starting line, I had worked up a decent sweat.  I probably did too much of a warm-up but it felt good and I made the trip to the Kellogg Zaher Park where I used the toilets (MUCH cleaner than the ones at the Braire Park).

The race offered 4 distances to runners.  A 6K, 7K, 8K and if you wanted to run all three, a half marathon.  Each race distance was a celebration of the 60's, 70s and 80s.  The actual theme was loosely tied in, in that you were kind of supposed to dress up for the race distance you were representing.

Normally, I'd have jumped into the 8KM race given that is the generation I feel I represent but given I had just run a half marathon the weekend before, I decided 6KM was good enough.  I was tempted to dress up in neon pink to represent the 80s, but I actually just put on my Chick 'n Legs Easter bunny shorts on.

The race was lightly attended.  There had been a few Easter themed races the day before and it was Sunday and it was Easter. In over 2 decades of racing, I don't think I've ever raced on Easter.

After some instructions, the race started at 8 AM and we were off.  

Looking okay at mile .5

The first 1.55 miles were identical to the 5KM race I ran in January:  we made a loop around the backside of Braire Park before heading out onto the Bonanza trail and headed westward.  The first .4 of a mile or so was slightly downhill and I felt fast and eased into a comfortable pace.

I had lined up near the front (everyone was shy) and I quickly found myself passed up by at least a dozen runners. I wasn't too concerned about it.  I was running my own race.  There were a few people my age in the race but it was hard to tell who was running what distance.

I still had some residual fatigue in my legs from the week leading up to the race.  And while I was running / racing hard, I hadn't exactly tapered for the race.  If anything, I was using it as a hard effort and maybe I'd have a great race like I did in January.

Typical stretch of race route.

The first mile came in at 9:09.  Not exactly where I was hoping to be.  Given the heat and the fatigue, I wasn't too surprised.  There was also over 50 feet of gradual climbing here.  I knew, however, that there were more hills to come.

At this point, there wasn't anyone really behind me and it seemed like I was bringing  up the rear in terms of those racing a hard pace.  I was working with a younger teenager who happened to be wearing Chick 'n Legs shorts.  I was using her to pace me along and give me something to work towards.

The course had been well marked and my previous experience with the route gave me confidence  I wasn't going to get lost.

Heading out at about mile 1

However, I did have some apprehension when I got to 3 kilometers in the race. I had figured we were running an out-and-back thing and I kept looking for the turn around. No one else was coming back towards me yet.  Panic began to creep in that the course was going to be a lot longer or that had forgotten to put in a marker for the 6KM runners.

To compound my panic, the race was suddenly a lot harder.  It was a gradual uphill (nearly a 100 feet according to my Garmin) and I knew I was struggling.  I didn't get a sense if anyone else was in the same boat, as I felt like I was running solo.

Finally, I reached the west end of the park and I was at my wit's end as to how I was going to run a 6KM being this far out.  They had an aid station at this point and a couple of course marshals.  I blissfully saw the 6KM turn marker.  This would take us north and then down the other side of the park.

It was at this point that I hit about 2 miles.  I don't think I even looked at my time; I knew it was slow.

Kellogg Zaher Park

I was doing math in my head -- was I going to be running a 4 mile race?  A 6KM race is around 3.72 miles, and I was figuring I'd be running over 4.  

Finally, it dawned on me. I bet we weren't going to run the backside of Braire park and that would put the race around 6 KM.  I recalled the lead organizer's early start messages (which I had missed most of) and the math finally added up.

My spirits lifted and no longer was I running uphill, but I had a nice downhill.  My pace quickened and I was now in race mode.  The teenager finally came into view and I was gaining ground.

The mile went by quickly and while my split wasn't exactly awe inspiring, it was a nice rebound.  Perhaps there was time to salvage the race.

By the time I made it to the east end of the park, I roughly knew how much further I needed to run.  And the distance was now going to be correct.  I wasn't exactly having massive downhill running, but my pace was quick and I was getting closer to passing my one and only target.

I was still running solo and there wasn't anyone behind me, but my goal was to crush the final mile.  I had been passed by the winner of the 8KM race and I saw a handful of half marathoners starting on their next lap.  

The teen that I had been working with, and who had taken quite a few walk breaks in the second half of the race, clearly had another gear in the final quarter mile and left me running solo.  It was nice to have someone to work with though.

The bike trail finally gave way to Braire park and just as I expected, we had to hang a tight left turn and cross under the arches.  The course was going to be accurate after all.

Smiles at the finish line.

Conclusion

So I had mixed feelings upon crossing.  I hadn't really obsessed about my splits while I was running but I wouldn't describe my race as a success or a trend in the right direction.  My time was about where I've been racing shorter distances at.  8:45 - 9:15 mile efforts.  Looking at some of the details, there were glimmers of promise: an 8:15 paced section and sections where I was moving pretty well. But overall, my time was pedestrian.

Not too bad at the finish line.

So some factors did play into my race result:

• I am still recovering from the Mt Charleston Half Marathon.
• I came into the race putting in what I'd best describe as a regular week of running (i.e. not much of a taper).
• The course was hilly, particularly miles .5 to 2.

Still though, I managed to place 3rd overall male and in the top 10 for the 6 KM race.  Granted, there were only 40 other runners in the race.

The medal was a nice one and this race organizer gives me you a bunch of pins to attach to the lanyard.  It is a nice tough and they are generous with the bling.  

I didn't get poked in the eye.

The race had a really cool shirt.  It is cotton though, which means it probably won't be worn much.  

They did have some refreshments at the finish line, but the pickings seemed pretty slim.  I think given the race size the perks where a little more limited, which was unfortunate, as the half marathoners definitely got left out.

Overall, I had a good time.  The people were friendly there and it was just a nice, warm day to run.  The event seemed a little informal, but it was a race.  Also the race organizer offers quick awards, so I could quickly claim anything that was due to me and head on home.

Medals and shirt

I'd be up for doing this one next year.  I would think it would do better, though, if it wasn't on Easter.

Upcoming Races

04/18: 2026 Signs of Hope 5K - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

05/03: 2026 Super Mom 5K - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
02/21: 2027 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed) 

04/03: 2027 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)