Runners to race long miles at Lake Mead event

Marathon, half-marathon to be held Oct. 31

marylene hickok/special to viewRace director Joyce Forier, owner of Calico Racing, does a test run on the Hoover Dam Marathon course at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in June. marylene hickok/special to viewRace director Joyce Forier, owner of Calico Racing, does a test run on the Hoover Dam Marathon course at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in June. Advertisement

If you enjoy running long distances while experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, the Hoover Dam Marathon & Half-marathon at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area might be a perfect way of spending the morning of Oct. 31.

"I just had to do this race because the course is so amazing," Calico Racing owner Joyce Forier said. "It's so beautiful out there, running through the historic railroad tunnels. You get a great view of the dam from the completed River Mountains Loop Trail."

The inaugural Hoover Dam Marathon is being organized by Henderson-based Calico Racing and also will include a half-marathon option. Since it will be run on the morning of Halloween, runners are encouraged to wear costumes, and Best Costume Awards will be presented to one male and one female, Forier said.

Forier, whose company is in its third season organizing marathons at some of Southern Nevada's most scenic spots, said she hopes to make the Hoover Dam Marathon & Half-marathon an annual event in the fall.

"This stunning course promises to quickly become one of the nation's must-do races," Forier said. "Running 100 percent on paved and packed dirt trails completely removed from vehicular traffic, you'll traverse the Mojave Desert, running through historic railroad tunnels perched atop a sweet view of Lake Mead. The 'money shot' comes at your turn-around with an expansive view of Hoover Dam."

The marathon (26.2 miles) begins at 7 a.m., and the half-marathon starts at 8 a.m. The course will officially close at 2 p.m.

"I'm looking forward to running in the first Hoover Dam Half-marathon," Henderson runner Casey Chernesky said. "I love running in Joyce's races, and I've entered several of them. She puts on such wonderful events. This Hoover Dam Marathon should be a great race. I've run in the area before, and it's so beautiful and scenic. It's so different than the usual runs around the Las Vegas area. It's so exciting running through the old railroad tunnels."

Forier schedules several events annually in Southern Nevada: the Running from an Angel Marathon at Lake Mead in January; the Mardi Gras Masquerade at River Mountains Loop Trail near Boulder City in February; the Red Rock Canyon Marathon in March; the Labor of Love Marathon at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area west of Las Vegas in April; the Running with the Devil Marathon at Lake Mead in June; the E.T. Full Moon Midnight Marathon near Area 51 in the town of Rachel in August; and the Hoover Dam Marathon in October.

Runners can register at www.calicoracing.com until race day for the Hoover Dam Marathon & Half-marathon. On Oct. 30, runners can pick up their packets at the host hotel, Hacienda Hotel and Casino, located on U.S. Highway 93 two miles north of Hoover Dam on the Nevada side of the river.

All finishers will receive medals, and winners in various age groups will each receive a hand-painted slate plaque cut into the shape of the state of Nevada.

"I love running," Chernesky said. "I'm a mother, and I think it's such a positive thing for my kids to see me trying to stay healthy. My kids are interested in running, too, now that they're older. I love the feeling that I've accomplished a goal when I finish these races. It makes me feel good about myself, healthy and happy."

Forier said she expects 300 runners from 48 states to participate on Oct. 31. It is expected to be a very competitive group of runners taking part in both the full- and half-marathon events, she said.

Calico Racing needs volunteers to make its events successful, Forier said. For those who volunteer to assist the race staff while also running in the event, Forier will waive some or all of the entry fees. Those who are unsure if they want to run the course are encouraged to volunteer for a Calico Racing event and see what a marathon is all about, she said.

"We are always looking for volunteers and reaching out into the community," Forier said. "We're very accepting, regardless of ability."

Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Forier by calling 617-3213 or e-mailing info@calicoracing.com.

Calico Racing was born when Forier competed in a 15-mile run at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area three years ago.

"Recently back from a fantastic ultramarathon and vacation up in Moab (Utah), I felt completely at peace surrounded by the serenity of the canyons," Forier said. "Though thoughts of putting on races in Las Vegas' beautiful places had crossed my mind for years, this would be the day I put that dream into motion and start Calico Racing."