Labor of Love - March 08, 2025
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REGISTER ONLINERegistration
| 5K | 10K | 1/2 Marathon | Marathon | 50K | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Entry Thru Aug 31 | $45 | $45 | $95 | $110 | $130 |
| Standard Entry Sep 1-Feb 9 | $50 | $50 | $100 | $120 | $140 |
| Late Entry Feb 10-Mar 6 @ 12 p.m. | $55 | $55 | $110 | $130 | $150 |
| On Site Cash Only | $60 | $60 | $120 | $140 | $160 |
** ALL race distances include technical shirt, finishers' medal, post race food, overall/ age group award eligibility, aid stations, and a fun time!
CLICK HERE FOR MAIL IN ENTRY FORM
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Course
COURSE
Commencing at an elevation of roughly 4500 feet, runners will experience high desert vegetation to include Joshua Trees, Pinion-Juniper, Mountain Rose, Sagebrush, and a relatively lush Toiyabe National Forest not commonly associated with Las Vegas. The road twists and turns thru the canyon; a true treasure of the Spring Mountains N.R.A. enjoying temperatures ~10 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley.
*Start/ Finish Line: Lovell Canyon Road and Highway 160 Junction, just ~30 minutes drive from the Strip.
50K: 7am Start time
The 50K runs along the paved Lovell Canyon Road as it twists and turns covering rolling terrain. Lovell Canyon Road is ~11 miles in length. You will run the first 26.2 miles together with the marathoners. At mile 11 marathoners, and 50K runners will turn around and run 2.1 miles out and back along the same paved road, before returning to this same aid station. You will turn around again and return the 11 paved miles back to the finish line (Aid station "Homebase" for 50K runners). You'll then have a second shorter out and back of 4.8 miles to complete the 50K distance. Total climbing is roughly 2400' with a net zero gain. 8 hour cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 50K MAP AND PROFILE
Marathon: 7am Start time
The Marathon runs along the paved Lovell Canyon Road for roughly 11 miles twisting and turning covering rolling and gradually uphill terrain. At mile 11 marathoners will turn around and run 2.1 miles out and back along the same paved road, before returning to this same aid station. You will turn around again and return the 11 paved miles back to the finish line. The course is very easy to follow and will be well marked. 8 hour time cut off; HOWEVER, aid stations will shut down on a 7 hour pace.
CLICK HERE FOR MARATHON MAP AND PROFILE
1/2 Marathon: 7:30am Start time
The 1/2 Marathon runs along the paved Lovell Canyon Road as it twists and turns covering rolling and gradually uphill terrain. Runners turn around at mile 6.55, retracing their steps back to the finish line. Total paved= 7.5 hour time cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 1/2 MARATHON MAP AND PROFILE
10K: 8am Start time
The 10K runs along the paved Lovell Canyon Road as it twists and turns covering rolling and gradually uphill terrain. Runners turn around at mile 3.1, retracing their steps back to the finish line. 7 hour time cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 10K MAP AND PROFILE
5K: 8am Start time
The 5K runs along the paved Lovell Canyon Road as it twists and turns covering rolling and gradually uphill terrain. Runners turn around at mile 1.55, retracing their steps back to the finish line. 7 hour time cut off.
CLICK HERE FOR 5K MAP AND PROFILE
** Calico Racing reserves the right to make any necessary course changes required per the permitting body and is subject to final permit approval.
*** This event is held on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, under a special use permit. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement can be found HERE. "And Justice for All" can be found HERE.
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Aid Stations
AID STATIONS
Aid Stations locations are noted below. Water and Gatorade (various flavors) will be available in cups, though aid stations will be happy to refill your water bottle, should you chose to carry one. Every aid station will have water and energy drink. Aid stations designated "ultra" aid stations will be provisioned additionally with Hammer Gel, and other provisions.
Aid station locations are dictated by their minimum impact on the Toiyabe National Forest vegetation. Please do your part in preserving our National Forest by using the trash bins provided. No littering will be tolerated! Use of personal water bottles is highly encouraged to reduce waste. Thank you for your cooperation.
Portable toilets will be available at the start/ finish line and at the miles on course noted below.
5K Aid Station Locations: Mile 1.55 (toilet)
10K Aid Station Locations: Mile 1.55 (toilet), 3.1, and 4.65 (toilet).
1/2 Marathon Aid Station Locations: Mile 1.55 (toilet), 3.1, 4.6, 5.8 (ultra & toilet), 7.3 (ultra & toilet), 8.5, 10, and 11.55 (toilet).
Marathon Aid Station Locations: Mile 1.55 (toilet), 3.1, 4.6, 5.8 (Ultra & toilet), 7.5, 8.9, 10 (toilet only), 11 (Ultra), 12 (toilet only), 13.1, 14.2 (toilet only), 15.2 (Ultra), 16.2 (toilet only), 17.3, 18.7, 20.4 (Ultra & toilet), 21.6, 23.1, and 24.65 (toilet).
50K Aid Station Locations: Mile 1.55 (toilet), 3.1, 4.6, 5.8 (Ultra & toilet), 7.5, 8.9, 10 (toilet only), 11 (Ultra), 12 (toilet only), 13.1, 14.2 (toilet only), 15.2 (Ultra), 16.2 (toilet only), 17.3, 18.7, 20.4 (Ultra & toilet), 21.6, 23.1, 24.65 (toilet), 26.2 (toilet and drop bag), 27.75 (toilet), and 29.45 (toilet).
* 50K Runners may have 1 drop bag, accessed at mile 26.2. The 50K is entirely paved. Please use your own bag and have it clearly marked with your name and bib number on it. You can drop off your bags race morning before your race start.
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Schedule and Packet Pickup
SCHEDULE: tentative, subject to minor changes
** RACE DAY PACKET PICK UP ONLY. PLEASE LEAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET CHECKED IN.
Saturday, March 8, 2025:
- 6am: Runners may start checking in at the start line and picking up their packets.
- 6:40am: Sunrise
- 7:00am: 50K and marathon start time
- 7:30am: 1/2 Marathon start time
- 8am: 10K & 5K start time
- Finish line food will be provided
- Awards will be handed out at the finish line as runners finish.
- 3pm: Course officially closes
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Parking
PARKING
See Final Details document, posted to this website during race week for final parking information. Depending on the size of the field of participants, parking will either be at/ near the start/ finish line for all runners; or if exceeding a specified number of athletes we will employ an off site shuttle to/ from the race from an off site parking location 3 miles from the start/ finish. *There is no race provided shuttle from the Strip*.
Off site parking/ shuttle location IF employed:
- Parking at/ near the start/ finish line will be for marathon and 50K runners only.
- All other participants and their spectators will park in the dirt lot off Sandy Valley Road and Highway 160. Directions are below. This parking area is 2.5 miles further west than Lovell Canyon Road, so for those of us coming from Las Vegas you will PASS the start line. You'll see us set up right there off the highway. If you are carpooling- I suggest the driver dropping off the remaining runners at the start line, then proceeding to the parking area. This will reduce the number of people being bused, and will speed up the process for everyone. There will be a few buses running on a rotation to get you from this lot to the start line (about 5 minutes drive). Buses will run continuously to return runners to their cars after the race as demand dictates.
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Travel
AIRPORT
Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) services the Greater Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and surrounding areas. It is serviced by numerous carriers and has on site car rental companies. This airport is located within 10 minutes of "The Strip", and approximately 30 minutes to the race venue at Lovell Canyon.
** For those traveling from out of town- there is NO bus transportation from The Strip to Lovell Canyon. Please see "Directions". I suggest renting a car, as rates are reasonable and you'll be able to experience Las Vegas' surrounding areas with much more leisure. Why not check out Red Rock Canyon on your way back if you're not too beaten up from the run! Alternatively, Uber and Lyft are also options.
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Spectators
Spectators are an important part of any race- they give you that boost of energy when you need it most, encourage you when you're feeling low, and can pep you up to fly into the finish line! Calico Racing wants you and your spectators to have a fun and safe experience.
PLEASE NOTE: There are no concessions at the race venue, and race provided food and beverages are for registered athletes only. Spectators should come prepared to be self sufficient with food, water, warmth, and shade, if desired.
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Awards
AWARDS
* All finishers get medals (50K, Marathon, 1/2, 10K, & 5K)
** Awards will be something inspired by nature and/or the surrounding area and the theme of the race.
Overall: Male and Female winners for each event (50K, Marathon, 1/2, 10K, & 5K) go 3 deep. Overall winners will be taken out of the running for age group and overall grand masters awards.
Overall Grand Masters: 1st Place Male and Female winner for the 50K race only. Age 50+ on race day.
Age group: Male and Female winners for select events (Marathon, 1/2, 10K, & 5K) goes to first place only. 10 year age groups as follows: under 20; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+. Youth age groups for the 10K & 5K only will include male and female 0-9; 10-14; and 15-19.
NOTE: Overall and Age Group awards are determined based off of GUN TIME.
NOTE: Awards will be handed out at the finish line very shortly after runners start finishing, and will continue as award winners come in. Please listen for your name to be called if you think you may have placed. Awards not collected on site will be subject to a shipping charge if they are requested to be mailed (USA only) no later than 1 week after the race. Payment of $15 per award is to be made via Paypal account: calicoracing@hotmail.com with your shipping address and award in the memo. *Please read the above award categories to ensure you are eligible for an award*
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Additional Info
Labor of Love Future Permitted Dates:
- March 21, 2026
- March 20, 2027
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Hotels
HOTELS
With many different appetites for hotels, for this race I have chosen to not have a host hotel, but rather suggest a number of hotels that are most convenient to Lovell Canyon. You can book your rooms directly with the hotels. Note: there are no hotels close to Lovell Canyon, so the hotels listed here are mostly in the Greater Las Vegas Valley.
Camping is available at the race venue. It is primitive and there are no facilities. For more information please search on the web under Spring Mountains N.R.A. and Lovell Canyon.
Camping is also available at Red Rock Canyon Campground.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES: 6220 S. Rainbow Blvd/ Las Vegas; (702) 871-4453. This is likely the closest hotel to the race start/ finish, about 18 miles away, and conveniently located just off the I-215 Freeway. It is NOT in the middle of the Strip action, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
HOTELS ON THE STRIP: I suggest choosing one on the south end of the strip to be closest to Lovell Canyon. A few suggestions are:
-
Mandalay Bay: (877) 632-7800
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The Luxor: (877) 386-4658
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MGM: (877) 880-0880
HOTELS OFF STRIP IN THE SOUTH VALLEY:
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The Silverton: (866) 946-4373
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South Point: (866) 791-7626
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Wingate by Wyndham (Henderson location): (702) 568-0027
- The Orleans: (800) 675-3267
- Doubletree Club Las Vegas Airport: (702) 948-4000
OTHERS:
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Coast Casinos (several properties throughout the valley)
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Stations Casinos (several properties throughout the valley. Try Red Rock Station Casino for true pampering approx. 32 miles to Lovell Canyon.)
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Directions
DIRECTIONS
Lovell Canyon is located southwest of the Las Vegas Valley and is accessed via Lovell Canyon Road off Highway 160 to the north, roughly 13 miles west of the junction between Highways 159 and 160. A gorgeous part of the Spring Mountains N.R.A., Lovell Canyon can be considered the backside of Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.
- As a courtesy, the below Google Map link is provided for those who choose to follow GPS. Please note this is a courtesy only, and we accept no responsibility for you not arriving at the proper location. Following the clear and easy written directions below will get you to the race.
- GOOGLE MAP
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from The STRIP:Take I-15 South to I-215 West to Durango. Exit Durango heading LEFT (South). This is a local road thru a few traffic lights for a couple of miles. At Blue Diamond Highway (Rt. 160) go RIGHT heading toward Pahrump. After several miles you will come to the junction of 160 and 159 (to Red Rock Canyon)- GO STRAIGHT (remaining on Highway 160). Beyond this point you will continue another 13 miles, passing the summit of Mt. Potosi. You will come up to Lovell Canyon Road on your right. This is the start/ finish line. Total distance from most areas of The Strip is 30 miles. Plan on about 30-40 minutes drive.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from Henderson, Boulder City, East Las Vegas:
Follow directions above (from The Strip) starting with I-215 West. From my house in Green Valley, Henderson it is 35 miles and takes me around 35-40 minutes.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from Summerlin:
Take Charleston Blvd (159) West crossing over the 215. Continuing South on Highway 159 you will pass Red Rock Canyon, Bonnie Springs, and the town of Blue Diamond. At the junction of 159 and Highway 160 (Blue Diamond Highway) take a RIGHT heading west toward Pahrump. From this junction it is roughly 13 miles to Lovell Canyon Road. A few miles after reaching the summit of Mt. Potosi you will come up to Lovell Canyon Road. From Red Rock Station Casino at Charleston and the 215 it is roughly 32 miles and 35-40 minutes drive.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from Southern California:
Take 1-15 North to I-215 West. Follow directions above (from The Strip).
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from Utah:
Take 1-15 South to I-215 West. Follow directions above (from The Strip).
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/ FINISH LINE: from Arizona:
Crossing over Hoover Dam bypass bridge continue along Highway 93. This will become 93/95/515. Continue to Lake Mead Parkway and head West. This will become I-215 West. Follow directions above (from The Strip).
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Gear Bags
GEAR BAGS
There will be a tarp laid out at the start/ finish line for you to leave your gear bags. Please use your own bag and label it with your name. Please note these are not checked nor guarded, so no valuables please. Please also remember to retrieve your bags after the race, as bags will not be mailed after the event.
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