Hoover Dam Marathon 2025

🏞️ Race Overview

This race is historic and scenic. Taking place at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is approximately 18 miles from Las Vegas and boasts amazing views of the largest man-made lake in the US. During the race, you'll run on the Historic Railroad Trail, part of the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy and National Park.

🗺️ Course Description

This course is just stunning in more ways than one! Start your race at Lake Mead's Boulder Beach, Special Events Beach at the BBQ area.

• Starting Point: Boulder Beach, near the BBQ area.
• Uphill Challenge: The first 1/4 mile is a steady gradual uphill along a wide roadway.
• Paved Trails: The course runs parallel to Lakeshore Drive on impeccably paved River Mountains Loop Trail.
• Historic Journey: Traverse old railroad tunnels used in the construction of the Boulder Dam.

⛰️ Spectacular Views

The trail is perched atop a ridge overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lake Mead and the marina.

• Power Plants: Home to Hoover Dam, the main producer of electricity for Nevada, Arizona, and California.
• Money Shot: Zig zag down 6 switch backs giving you an awe-inspiring view of the Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge.
• Counterclockwise Loop: Run along the edge of the upper level parking garage for great views.
• No Stride Broken: Enjoy amazing views without needing to slow down.

🔄 Marathon Route

With the Dam now behind you, the Marathon and Half Marathoners will retrace their steps back up the switch backs, through the tunnels overlooking Lake Mead, and then back on the paved trail.

• Turnaround Point: Approximately 0.6 of a mile ahead back on the paved River Mountains Loop Trail.
• Repetition Required: Marathoners make 2 loops of the course based on runner demand.
• Finish Line: Back at Boulder Beach at the covered BBQ area.
• Awards Await: Enjoy finish line food and awards in a festive atmosphere.

📏 Certification and Recommendations

We have just had the marathon and half marathon courses officially remeasured and certified to make sure it is 100% accurate, and an official qualifier.

• Course Layout: This course does not go over the Dam.
• Trail Surface: Packed-dirt trail accounts for roughly 14 miles of the full marathon and 7 miles of the half marathon.
• Paved Asphalt: The remainder of the course is paved asphalt.
• Shoe Recommendation: A sturdy road running shoe is advised: trail shoes are not necessary.

📅 Event Details

Join us for the Hoover Dam Marathon on December 6, 2025, at Boulder Beach Picnic Area, Lake Mead, Boulder City, NV. For more information, visit the official race website.