Hilly route (almost 5% inclination). Up for 5.5 miles, then rolling down for 7.5. Almost 1,000 feet to climb. Great organization. Only 500 runners. I'm considering being there again in 2010.

I really enjoyed this race. It was scenic on a nice (windy) day. We stayed at the Red Rock Casino and had an easy shuttle ride to the start. It was COLD at the start of the marathon since it was still dark when we arrived. My wife came with me because the organizers made it a point that we not bring our car. We should have brought our car. My wife was bused over the the halfway point with all of the 1/2 marathoners for their start; and then while she was waiting for the marathoners to arrive, the organizers were leaving to go back to finish line. When my wife asked if there would be transportation back to the finish line, they said no and gave her the option of coming with them and her not seeing me at the halfway point or staying and walking the 2 miles to the finish line after greeting me. She decided to stay and then walked along the road to the finish line. I was happy to see her, but sad when I found out that they left her. So, spectators beware. Runners: you will enjoy the race and I liked how it turned around from the previous year.

If you are looking for something different to do in Vegas, this race is for you! Red Rock is a scenic gem. The small marathon and half is a fun event that should be on your list! The organization was incredible: a 7-page, detailed e-mail prior to the race; prompt buses to and from the start; water, gels and sports drink every mile and a half; finisher's medal, tech shirt and food at the end! This is definitely the way to indulge in a buffet after and not feel guilty! My parents were able to ride the free spectator bus and bang on the windows when they saw me! Warning: do not do this for a PR; do it for a beautiful challenge!

This race is brutal and beautiful. The arctic winds just added to the challenge. I really enjoyed the low-key camaraderie at the race start. I felt like I was doing a normal Saturday long run; it just happened to be with 150 strangers. I highly recommend this race. Although, I think my finish time might have been faster if the race had been run the opposite way as in 2008. But hey, you don't run this race for its fast finish time; you run it for the challenge!

If you are looking to PR, then this is not your course. However, if you are looking for a challenging course to test your mental toughness, this is it. The scenery is breathtaking. This was my first trip to Red Rock Canyon, and let me tell you how beautiful it was! The race organization was top-notch. The volunteers were very supportive.

"Majestic" is an understatement!

The 26.2 miles of hills at altitude are tough for a flat-lander who lives at sea level, but the view made up for it.

Joyce and her crew put on a first-class event and the cheering sections might be small (mostly Joyce and her crew), but they are enthusiastic.

Can't wait to do it again!

Another excellent event. Joyce, your volunteers are great, especially the older gentleman who directed us around the visitors center. With the wind, many aid volunteers kept busy running down trash that blew off. You may have overdone the food at the end, but thanks. I hope next year you can reverse the course to what it was in '08. Going up "The Hill" at mile 15 is brutal. Also, the half-marathoners are a great cheering group. I got many high-fives from them.

Living in Delaware where there are no hills, I was a bit overwhelmed at the 4,800-foot elevation. All I will say is that it's all downhill after the first 8 miles.

This was my first marathon in many years and because of the spectacular job done by Joyce (the RD) and her volunteers, I found I couldn't stop running. I have since run 3 more marathons, qualified for Boston and will be toeing the line at a 50-miler in 1 week.

For runners who love to run, who strive for a challenge and an experience, who love to run where it is beautiful and who don't need the social aspect of it... this is a great event (and any events put on by Calico Racing are likely to be great too).

In fact, I'm from Washington State, but enjoyed this race so much, I managed to make it back down to Nevada for the Run with the Devil put on by the same folks.

Get your hill work in and get out there!

The course is hilly, as described. It is also the most scenic of the four Calico events I have done. The backdrop of the red-rock layered sandstone mountains, juniper, yucca, pinion pines trees and cactus, make it hard to believe the barren Las Vegas valley is just miles away.

The support was superb - every two miles. Stations varied from water to Heed, M&Ms, Gu, etc.

Nice themed medal and technical fabric shirt (though my personal preference is a large logo on the front rather than the back.)

The finish recovery area was stocked with pasta salad, yogurt, tea, hot chocolate and more.

The hand-crafted award I received for being a "slam" finisher is a unique plaque in the shape of Nevada denoting the different races I completed (4 of 5 Calico Marathons). (Completing the series gave me a rare goal and an incentive to try for a participation award since I don't get them in my age group these days.)