Saturday, July 11, 2020 • Panaca, NV • Course Map
Surrounded by mountains and the semi-arid desert-like environment of southeastern Nevada — and a frequent stop for hikers and campers on their way to nearby Cathedral Gorge State Park — this small Mormon farming community has a few features that set it apart from its much larger neighbor to the south (“Sin City” itself, Las Vegas).
It’s the only town or city anywhere in the state that prohibits both the sale of alcoholic beverages and gambling, and it was actually once part of Utah, before being incorporated into Nevada in 1870.
Given the fact that Panaca also is the state’s oldest municipality, it’s a little surprising — though welcome, no doubt — that the town is holding its 9th half marathon race ever in the summer of 2019, when the Lincoln County Scenic Half Marathon & 10K makes its way along the roads and trails that connect Echo Canyon State Park, Meadow Valley Recreation Area and Spring Valley State Park just to the northeast of town.
To beat the heat, runners will start the race at 6:00 AM in Spring Valley State Park, after boarding the shuttle bus from Echo Canyon. From Spring Valley, which lies about a 32-mile drive northeast from Panaca, runners then head southwest along state highway 85, down toward the Eagle Valley Reservoir and through the Meadow Valley Recreation Area.
Runners remain on Highway 85 southward all the way down until it becomes Eagle Valley Road, all the way south to the finish line in Echo Canyon State Park.
After a roughly two-mile flat stretch through the roads between Spring Valley and Meadow at the start of the race, the course follows a very gradual downhill descent through the next 11 miles, interrupted by only the occasional uphill stretch.
Overall, the course features mostly paved but some dirt and gravel surfaces on park roads, and an overall drop from just over 5,800 feet above sea level at the start of the race to about 5,300 feet at the finish line.
Organizers note that because Panaca is a small town, lodging options are limited — entrants from out of town are encouraged to consider the Pine Tree Inn bed and breakfast in Panaca, or camping in either Echo Canyon or Spring Valley state parks.
Race Weather & Climate
Located in the southeastern corner of Nevada, roughly 170 miles by car from Las Vegas, Panaca typically sees some of its hottest weather of the year in July, which has brought record temperatures here as low as 40 degrees (in 1982) and as high as 109 degrees (in 1985).
On race day (July 11), the average low is 58°F and the average high is 95°F.
Course Map
See the race route map for the Lincoln County Scenic Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
5:30 AM
Fees
- $45 for the half marathon
- $35 for the 10K
- $25 for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in either the half marathon, 10K, or 5K at the 2020 running of Panaca’s Lincoln County Scenic races, register online at Active.com here.
Official Race Website
lincolncountyscenichalfmarathon.weebly.com
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the Lincoln County Scenic Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
[fbcomments]
