I chose the Mesquite Marathon as my Nevada state in my quest for the 50 states. I was pleased with the ease of traveling to Mesquite from out of state (1-hour drive-time from Las Vegas) and the very reasonable hotel price at the host hotel. Instructions and packet pick up were clear and easy, although there really was no expo. There aren't many dining choices in Mesquite besides fast food and casino restaurants that I could find; however, the Casa Bella casino had a great restaurant (24 hours) and a Starbucks! Buses take runners to the race start from the host hotel and the race finishes right outside the host hotel. It doesn't get much easier than that. I loved the course but had a terrible running day because we faced a brutal headwind from mile 7 through 23 or so. It was the worst wind I've ever faced in a race and I struggled just to finish. But I understand the local runners were just as "blown away" by the wind this year and it is not usually so bad. The first 6 miles of the course are somewhat downhill and very fast. Then the course becomes rolling with a couple of significant hills. I rarely ever walk in a race but had to walk some of these two hills on this date because the wind simply wore me out. I would definitely come back to try this race again and would hope for no wind! The views throughout the race are spectacular if you love the southwest. Overall, well done, Mesquite.