I ran the 'Running With the Devil Marathon' in 2009 when I was in top shape. If you're running for a fast time, pick another race, cause this ain't it. No humidity, but the sun and hills will slow you down. Drink often!

Now THAT was one TOUGH marathon! First half run very conservatively. Second half the unrelenting and in my opinion HUGE hills made me feel like a rag doll going up them. Oh and the 100 degree heat was not a big deal as the course had a perfect amount of well stocked and well iced aid stations.

Really enjoyed the event from the host hotel, the Hacienda in Boulder City, to the race management and fellow competitors. This is another one of those little gems of a race worth doing if HUGE hills and Massive heat does not scare you.

Three cheers to Calicoracing for having the courage to put on this wonderful event.

I thoroughly enjoyed this race. It really pushed me and was just crazy! I don't know what I would've done without my darling assistant!!! Heheheh. A word of advice: keep dumping ice water on your body. I started to get a little exothermic and keeping my body cool made all the difference. Thank you, Mary....

This was my second race, and the second full marathon I have ever run. Being from Vegas, I had the advantage of doing a lot of heat training before the race, but I wasn't ready for the hills and heat combined. I had to stop at every aid station to put my gear in ice water and fill my two-liter Camelbak up, since it would almost be empty. I ran the entire race wearing a devil horns, a tail, and a pitch fork (which gave me a good bicep workout). The asphalt was so hot that my feet were burning for the last 10 miles. After the race, my feet were covered in horrible blisters. It was definitely an experience I can brag about.

Being from East Texas, with its HUMIDITY, all I can say to those who say, "But it's a dry heat": come on and give this one a try!! I have one other half-marathon under my belt and the temp was 42 degrees. This was a great challenge. Make sure you are ready for HILLS and HEAT. I trained in the humid heat and that helped, but I was unaware of the length and grade of the hills. Aid stations were great, though the next to last one ran out of ice, which I really needed. They did run out of t-shirts too, but I registered late. There was not much in the way of crowds cheering; it was only you and the Mojave Desert. Good view of Lake Mead. (Who would want to stand out in the heat to cheer you on anyway?!) Very little hoopla at the finish line. Would have liked to see more of a "welcoming committee" after finishing such a race. An awesome challenge - not for a PR. DO NOT DO THIS RACE WITHOUT TRAINING FOR THE HEAT! If you do, you may get to meet the local EMS.

This was my first experience with the "Devil." This race offers a great view and a great chance to challenge yourself mentally and physically. If the hills don't do you in, the heat will - and vice versa. It's not a course for PR's or fast times, but rather a demanding challenge for those who love an adventure. The race director, Joyce, is great and friendly. The people who ran the race with me were kind and friendly too. The entire course is pavement. There are cars on the course; it's not closed. You need to bring a good 24-ounce water bottle with you or a Nathan Camelback. Bring your sunblock too! You'll need it. I suggest wearing a hat and sunglasses as well. Wear socks that are thin and won't blister your feet. Train on hills and in high heat for this one. Don't come under-prepared or you'll be walking up several hills! I had a great time at this race and I would definitely do it again!

What can I say about Running With The Devil other than that it is as difficult as the name sounds?!?! DO NOT ATTEMPT to run this event unless you are serious about pushing your limits in extreme heat conditions and desire to learn what can happen to your body and mind in the most devilish of marathons and ultra marathons!

The organization and structure for the event is always near perfect (I've run the 50 all three years, 2007, 2008, 2009) and never had reason to complain about the race itself, even though I've had to drop (literally) all three times - at 36 miles in the first year, 28 miles in the second year, and 41 miles this year. Some finish, usually about only half of the field; the rest go as far as their poor, heat-exhausted and dehydrated bodies allow them.

It's a challenge like no other, with NO support crews allowed (unless that changes in the future). It's just you, the aid stations, and personal management out in the extreme hot and dry climate of the desert. A "Mini-Badwater," it's been called. I'm a Badwater veteran myself, yet RWTD 50 has shown me that few are capable of surviving it without a support crew in those conditions. I admire those who can handle the heat. I can't... yet I enjoy a challenge, and this one is exactly that.

Don't register thinking it'll be a nice scenic run to chalk up on your list of marathons or ultras. Realize that it will truly prove that you don't know your limits yet.

- JT

It was a positive experience except that the water stop about six miles from the finish ran out of ice. Not a big deal for most races, but this is not most races. Later, the race director asked runners to deliver supplies to the stops when they drove home. They need a much better plan than that.

The course is as expected - arid, hot, sunny, and challenging. If that is not what you like, do not run it.

Fans are sparse, but supportive.

I did the half-marathon, and it was my proudest moment to complete this one. I hate the heat, and I'm not a fan of hills, but I had a good time and a definite sense of accomplishment. It was 115 degrees (F) out, with good hills. Definitely bring your own aid supplies to supplement their too-far-apart aid stations. They ran out of event shirts as well. Otherwise, a fun experience. Worth doing just for the uniqueness of the temperatures and noon start. Scenery's nice too.

This was my first half-marathon, and it was so much fun! They really took care of us - the aid stations were a welcome relief and had everything a person needed. The event was well organized, with lots of support from volunteers and competitors.

Challenging? You bet. But as long as one came prepared and took the time to take care of themselves throughout the race, it was not bad. It definitely required more mental focus and self-awareness than a "fair weather" race. I felt well most of the race and can't wait for next year. Well done!