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 - 26:56

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.

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)

2026 Mt Charleston Half Marathon Race Recap - Las Vegas, NV

Official Time: 2:00:15
Placement: 442 out of 1333, 22 out of 44 in the 55 to 59 age group
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 60's, very light breeze from the north, 70s at the finish
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:55	Off to a decent start
2	9:03	Taking in the slight downhill
3	8:55	Very consistent - this was faster than last weekend's 5K
4	8:52	Just cruising down the hill
5	8:44
6	8:46	Feeling a little tired in the legs but aerobically - I was fine.
7	8:42	Getting closer to the first turn
8	8:45	Finally back in the city limits
9	9:06	No more hills.  Pretty easy miles.
10	9:51	Slowed down from the quad smashing
11	10:30	On with the uphills.  It was suddenly very warm.
12	10:07	Just grinding away. The worst of the hills are over but not much left
13	9:44	Actually did better than I expected here. I was gassed though.
13.04	0:19	Glad to be done.
Total Miles: 13.04 2:00:23

Packet Pickup

Introduction

About a year ago I had a few friends who suggested I run the Mount Charleston Half Marathon, put on my Revel Races.  I had heard of the race before and had put it on my mental checklist of races I'd like to do.  The problem is, is that the race is in Las Vegas and comes on the heels of the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon.  At this stage of my running career, I am a little reluctant to pile on tons of half marathons.

Armed with a coupon code, I opted to jump into the race.  I figured that it'd be a fun trip or at the time I half figured I'd probably be living in Las Vegas, it'd be a local race.  As it turns out, this race is now a local race.  And my house and daily running routes are less than a mile away from the half marathon's first turn.  It is pretty much on my home court.

The holding pen at the start

Pre-Race

The Packet pickup for the race was held at the Rio Hotel, just off the Las Vegas strip.  I think it was held there to accommodate many of the out of towners who may have been staying on the Strip.  Fortunately, I had an invite to a Golden Knights game the day before, so I spent the night on the strip and headed over to the Rio after breakfast.

Golden Knights game

The Rio had ample and free parking.  While it was quite a walk from the parking lot to the expo, it was easy to navigate.  The Expo had a few exhibitors but it was a simple affair to grab my bib, shirt, and a swag bag.  I actually ran into a few people I knew at the expo as well.

I had a bit of apprehension about the race.  First off, in 2026, in Las Vegas, we've had some pretty warm afternoons.  The average day time temperatures have been in the mid 90s.  This would likely translate to a warm race.  While we were starting at somewhat higher elevations, where it would be cooler, we'd still be running at normal elevation for the latter half of the race, which would cause some heat related slowdown.  

In addition, after my Rock 'n Roll experience, I had a bit of buyer's remorse. I certainly didn't feel like racing a half marathon and I hadn't really put in any remarkable half marathon workouts into the mix between now and then (I did have a fairly successful 9.5 mile from the previous weekend, however).

My goal going into the race, was not to hate running and just finish without feeling terrible.  I told friends I was hoping for about a 2:05 to 2:10 race time.

Another advantage of this race, since I am now a local, is that I could sleep in my own bed (as fitful as it was) and eat my own food in the morning.

The Race

They had warned us that parking may be at a premium at the bus loading zone.  I got there about an hour early for my bus and I had no problems finding parking.  Coming in from the north, there was less traffic so I had a bit of an advantage.  The bus loading area was a large office building in a corporate center.

A nice touch by Revel is that they are rumored to be a top notch, well organized race organizer.  I noticed that they had bathrooms at the bus loading area -- nice touch. I don't think I've ever seen that before.  In fact, they had ample bathrooms throughout the experience.

I had arrived at the parking lot around 3:45 and was on a bus by 4:30 AM.  The ride was about 20 minutes long and I had about an hour to kill before the 6 AM start.  I ran into more people I knew at the race start and the time went by quickly.  The race's waiting zone was a dry, dirt parking lots of sort. There isn't much for shelter there but fortunately the weather was nice.  I had brought up a lot of warmer clothes, just in case, but wound up using none of it.

I was running in a t-shirt and short shorts and I was comfortable from start to finish.  I do wish I had brought a pair of sunglasses.  It would've meant carrying them for the first few miles, but they definitely would've been worth it in the latter stages of the race.

After the national anthem and some very informal introductions to the race, we were off at just past 6 AM.

I had had two days of tapering -- other than a few walks, but legs were about as fresh as they've been in quite some time.  

I just settled into a comfortable pace and figured the 2-hour pacer, who was kind of behind me, would soon overtake me.  The problem was, he never did -- at least until about mile 12.

The first 2 miles or so it was dark but the sun started to rise and it became more light.  There was a sense of urgency to push the pace a little to beat as much of the upcoming heat as possible, but I kept the pace in check.  I didn't want another crash and burn like the Vegas Rock 'n Roll race.

Typical stretch of running

The first 8.5 miles or so are entirely on Kyle Canyon road.  It is a gentle, but steady downhill, and runners are treated to some brown, dirt "mountains" to either side and desert vistas.  An occasional ranch or small cluster of home dotted the landscapes.  It was peaceful and the runners around me were cheery and casual.

I had started up in the front and I was quickly passed by many other runners (I think people were shy).  I didn't panic -- so long as the 2-hour pacer was behind me, I was happy.  But even if he passed me, to be honest, I wouldn't have cared too much.

The race is a large one and you are rarely running alone.  I couldn't tell who was in my age group and who wasn't but most of the runners were significantly younger than I was.  I knew an age group medal of any sort was off the table -- the race is very competitive and if I had finished in the top 10 of my age group, it would've been a miracle.

I felt good and I wish the entire race had been this gentle, downhill jog.  My heart rate was in a good zone. I was working but not redlining.  My legs were tired but not too tired.  And my splits -- for the goal of the day were absolutely perfect.

I knew the race began after we made our first turn and I also knew we'd have some hills to deal with at mile 10.  Given that my daily running routes involved hills, I kind of knew what I was in for.  

When the turn came, I was shocked at the pace I was holding.  And despite the lack of a gravity assist, I was still moving pretty good.  Perhaps this was my day.

I had taken a caffeinated Gu at mile 4 and consumed it over the course of the next mile.  The race also had great water stations.  Each offering water, endurance formula Gatorade, and sometimes fruit or a Gel.  Once again, course support was great.

The mile markers were pretty much spot on -- certainly within the realm of any rounding errors.  They did go off course around mile 10, however, and I think it was the course did lead us around an area where we could use the left hand side of the road for a bit.

The race began at mile 10 for me and I went up a tiny hill and I just ran out of gas.  I summoned up the strength to consume another caffeinated Gu but I wound up only eating half of it.  It was suddenly quite warm and instead of the gentle downhill, we  had to do some climbing.  And the mile 10 to 11 was all uphill.

The hill itself isn't a back breaker.  It is just long and it is a steady climb.  My Garmin says it is only 30 feet, but I'd have to say it was quite a bit more.  

My pace slowed.  I noticed others around me were also sputtering.  I wasn't alone and that sort of helped relieve any sort of panic about something wrong with me.

We were running in a residential area and while we were surrounded by HOA-approved shrubs and palm trees, gone was the loneliness and sprawling desert landscapes that served as our backdrop for the first 8.5 miles.

Finish line festivities

After the hill climb, I knew I was going to make it through the race.  It didn't feel like it, but my pace quickened -- just a bit.  I was rewarded with a bit of a downhill.  Unfortunately, I didn't have that much endurance to take advantage of it.  I really need to do more long runs.

I also saw a runner or two suffering in the heat.  The weather was no joke and if you weren't used to it, and hadn't hydrated, there was a chance your race would be ruined.  I saw one guy being helped in during the final mile.

As I got closer to the finish line, there were more people cheering you on.  I could feel the excitement building and despite my suffering, the quarter miles on my watch seemed come without feeling like an eternity.

Yeah, pretty much....

I never did look at my final mile split until just now and a sub 10 minute mile in those conditions; I'll take it.  The 2-hour pacer did slink by me, which was heartbreaking, but I didn't have much to give as I tried futilely to catch him.

Finally, the finish line came into view and I had lost track of time.  But I was pleasantly surprised to see I wasn't that far off from my A+ goal of 2:00 hours.  I know I looked like death warmed over, and I felt like it, but there was a bit of glimmer in my eyes in knowing I had done a LOT better than I anticipated I was going to.

Conclusion

Upon crossing the finish line, I grabbed some Gatorade and I was greeted with a wet, cold rag (and a medal).  The rag was an awesome touch.  It helped me cool down and was refreshing.

They had pre-bagged snacks, which again was a nice touch.  I had a chocolate milk when my stomach could handle it.

I spent a good 10 - 15 minutes recounting the race with fellow runners and watching other runners come in.

I think part of me was in shock that I had just run the time that I had.  And while the last 2 miles were a  challenge, they were nowhere near as bad as the Vegas race.  I never really felt like I was racing this one. Merely, I just did the pace I felt comfortable with and let intuition do its job.  I don't think I ever really put any pressure on myself whatsoever to nail a certain time.  And yet, I came away with my best half marathon time of the year.

I think the following things had worked in my favor:

• I had fueled with a Gu early and went through another one in the latter stages of the race.  I had also eaten some food 30 minutes before the race.
• I stayed hydrated
• I paced myself perfectly for the first 8.5 miles
• I had some heat training leading up to the race. I had done a lot of my easy runs in 90 - 95F weather.
• The course was very advantageous for a fast time. It just downhill enough to make the early miles easier and not smash my quads to the point where I couldn't run on the flats.

So this wasn't a flat course and I definitely would call it gravity assisted.  Could I run a 2-hour half on a flat course? I doubt it. But I'll take this "win" as a positive sign.

The race bag was filled with goodies and the shirt was a technical shirt that I'll definitely wear again.  The race also transported you back from the finish line to the parking area.  Like the ride to the start, it was in a nice coach bus.  From start to finish, the race was well organized and obviously run by experienced race vendors.

I understand the course's true beauty lies in the full marathon, where you start closer to the real Mt Charleston.  The half marathon is basically a teaser course.  I am not going to say the course was boring; if you like desert scenery (and generally I do), it is a nice race.  But is it the most beautiful half marathon ever, at least for me, no.

I had come into this race so of dreading it.  My last half marathon hadn't gone well and my last few races weren't quite up to par.  But once I was finished and let the dust settle, I began ask myself if I wanted to do this race again?  Was it a one and done?  And while I initially told myself yes, I am now leaning towards signing up for it again.  It was a fun day, a fast course, and I think I can do better.

See ya in 2027?  Probably.

Upcoming Races

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

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