Purple Run - March 22, 2025
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“Let’s Go Crazy”
“Dearly beloved
We are gathered here (Sunset Park) today
To get through this thing called life
Electric word life
It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here to tell you
There’s something else
The afterworld”
….In 1984 Prince and the Revolution famously sang those lyrics to open both the album and film, titled “Purple Rain“. Sadly, on April 21, 2016 the earthly reign of the Purple Rain creator came to a tragic and premature end. At this anniversary, we will gather not only to “get through” this thing called life- but to CELEBRATE this iconic “Pop Life” figure.
Whether you were a fan of this “Musicology” legend or not, just like the color purple, or love the number “7” like Prince did, “Gett Off” the couch and “Let’s Go Crazy” and party like it’s “1999“.
Costumes are highly encouraged! Grab your “Raspberry Beret” or at least your favorite purple running gear- “Hot thing“, you know “U Got the Look“!
NOTE: The color Purple is also associated with several different causes. Unlike the color pink, which is almost exclusively linked to Breast Cancer Awareness, the color Purple is associated with a variety of causes. Among them include Alzheimer’s Disease, Animal Abuse, Eating Disorders, and Victims of 9/11 to name a few. You can read more here. Whatever the cause closest to you, I invite you to join us- We Run As One!
**We will be offering 5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon Distances in the morning only.
Registration
| 5K | 10K | 1/2 Marathon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Thru Nov 30 | $40 | $45 | $80 |
| Standard Entry Dec 1-Feb 9 | $45 | $50 | $85 |
| Late Entry Feb 10-Mar 20 @ 12 p.m. | $50 | $55 | $90 |
| On Site Cash Only | $60 | $65 | $100 |
*ALL race entries include a custom technical shirt, finishers' medal, event timing, post race food, award eligibility, aid stations, and a fun time!
CLICK HERE FOR MAIL IN ENTRY FORM
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Course
Sunset Regional Park: History Walk Trails (Paved)
2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
The History Walk paved trails are completely removed from vehicular traffic. The path is mostly flat with only slight inclines/ declines- setting the stage for a PR, or perfect for the beginning runner. The course is walker and stroller friendly. Enjoy views of the Las Vegas Strip, Frenchman's Mountain, landing aircraft, bunnies, and be close to the Vegas action!
5K: The 5K course starts at the History Walk near the Dunes Overlook and runs counter clockwise along the purple path (see map). The course utilizes portions of the purple, pink, and brown paths- finishing back where you started. Lap 1= 3.1 miles; total distance= 3.1 miles.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 5K MAP AND PROFILE
10K: The 10K course does 2 laps of the 5K course.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 10K MAP AND PROFILE
1/2 Marathon: The 1/2 Marathon course starts at the History Walk near the Dunes Overlook and runs counter clockwise along the purple path (see map). The course utilizes portions of the purple, pink, brown, and turquoise paths. The 1/2 Marathon makes 3 identical laps, turning around back near the start/ finish at their miles 4.37 and 8.74, and finishing back where you started. Lap 1= 4.37 miles, Lap 2= 4.37 miles; Lap 3= 4.37 miles; total distance= 13.11 miles. The 1/2 Marathon course splits off from the 5K and 10K at mile 1.85.
CLICK HERE FOR 1/2 MARATHON 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.
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Aid Stations
Aid stations will be spaced 1-2 miles apart and will provide cupped water and Gatorade (various flavors) energy drink. Please use the trash bins provided.
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Schedule and Packet Pickup
** RACE DAY PACKET PICK UP ONLY. PLEASE LEAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET CHECKED IN.
Saturday, March 22, 2025:
- 6am- 7:15am: Race packet pick up at the start line near the entrance to the History Walking Trails. 2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
- 7:30am: Start of the 5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon all together.
- 11am: Course officially closes
Please arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to your start time to collect your packet. Packet pick up will be located near the start/ finish line at Sunset Park at the entrance to the History Walk trails (paved).
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Parking
2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
Parking is at Sunset Regional Park near the start line. This area is best accessed from the EASTERN AVENUE side entrance, which is just south of Sunset and just north of Warm Springs. Front row parking if you drive a "Little Red Corvette".
- 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
***There are 2 entrances on Eastern Avenue, use the south entrance which is right next to the History Walk. So if you are heading northbound on Eastern, it is the first entrance into Sunset Park after crossing Warm Springs. If you are turning off of Sunset Road and heading southbound on Eastern, it is the second entrance into Sunset Park.
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Travel
AIRPORT AND CAR RENTALS
Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) serves the Las Vegas Valley. Numerous air carriers and rental car companies service this airport. This airport is located within 10 minutes of "The Strip", and ~10 minutes to the race venue at Sunset Park.
There is no race provided transportation from the Strip. A rental car, taxi, or uber is advised.
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Awards
* All finishers get medals. **
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 (5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon) go 3 deep. Overall winners will be taken out of the running for age group awards.
Age group: Male and Female winners for each event (5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon) 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 5K and 10K 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
- PAISLEY PARK TOUR: In June 2017 I visited Paisley Park (Prince's home and recording studio) in Minnesota after running the Grandma’s Marathon. What a fun visit! After the tour I took a walk along a pedestrian trail that connects Paisley Park, under the roadway to the other side to a city park. Under the roadway is called Riley Creek and has become an impromptu “Graffiti Bridge” where there is spray painted Prince dedications, decorations hanging in honor of Prince, etc. There is a chain link fence where people hang their “offerings”. It was here I was taking a bunch of pictures when a very eccentric looking man walked up with a dolly, easel, and paintings. He had on a bizarre knit hat which I later discovered was a pancake skillet, and he goes by the moniker “Painter of Pancakes”. I’m glad I had the courage to go up to him and talk because it turned out to be a highlight of my trip. I bought 4 paintings from him took some pics, and talked for quite a while.
- “Riley Creek” Prince Dedication: Inspired by this impromptu “Graffiti Bridge” along Riley Creek just outside of Paisley Park in Minnesota, we will have a specified area along the Purple Run course close to the start/ finish line that will be our version of “Riley Creek’s Graffiti Bridge”. Runners are encouraged to hang their Prince dedication offerings in this area- use your imagination! Purple boas, purple hat, purple beads, stuffed animal, a painting, Prince poster or memorabilia, etc. Please no spray painting or chalk on the pavement. In compliance with our permit we will need to take these items down at the conclusion of the event. Feel free to re-collect your item, or swap with others- but please bear in mind these items are not guarded or checked, so it is possible you may not get yours back. Any uncollected items will be removed by event management at the end of the event.
A little Joyce (your Race Director) history....
I have long been a fan of the musician Prince (and the color Purple- seriously every bedroom I've lived in since I was 10 years old has been purple!). Heck, even my tennis racquets have always been the brand, Prince!
Interestingly I was introduced to Prince by my grandmother- by accident. Back in the early 80s, my older sister, Julie asked my grandmother for a Michael Jackson cassette tape (you people my age remember those, right!?). Jackson's album "Thriller" was topping the charts, but somehow my grandmother got confused and gifted my sister the tape of another rising star, Prince and his album "1999". While my sister was disappointed, I quickly embraced Prince's sound, and became a life long fan.
In my teen age years, my fitness goals were in body building. At 16, I competed in 2 amateur body building competitions, and my posing routines were each performed to Prince songs, "Little Red Corvette" and "Kiss". At 19, I competed in a Miss Fitness Competition with a routine choreographed to another Prince song, "U Got the Look". Apparently I did not have the look, as that was my last of subjectively judged fitness competitions. At 27, I started running marathons and quickly embraced the clear objective in running- finishing time. Though, decades later, you're still sure to find at least once Prince song on my iPod.
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Hotels
Hotels closest to Sunset Park
- Hampton Inn & Suites, Las Vegas Airport; 0.39 miles away
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas Airport; 1.98 miles away
- Homewood Suites by Hilton, Las Vegas Airport; 2.64 miles away
- Best Western McCarran Inn; 3.03 miles away
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Directions
2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
Sunset Regional Park: History Walk: CLICK HERE FOR MAP
(This is the southern end of the park, closest to Eastern and Warm Springs.)
- 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
***There are 2 entrances on Eastern Avenue, use the south entrance which is right next to the History Walk. So if you are heading northbound on Eastern, it is the first entrance into Sunset Park after crossing Warm Springs. If you are turning off of Sunset Road and heading southbound on Eastern, it is the second entrance into Sunset Park.
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Gear Bags
GEAR BAGS
Parking for this event is within steps from the start/ finish line, so most people will choose to leave their belongings in their cars. For those without a vehicle, 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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