Combine a run through a desert-like environment, the crystal-blue waters of Nevada’s Lake Mead nearby and the majestic Hoover Dam in the distance, and then you’ll begin to get a feel for what it’s like to run the Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon, 12K & 5K Run, open to runners and walkers.

The course for the race, which takes runners along a mountainous trail road through the hills of Lake Mead National Recreational Area to the world-famous dam, was newly paved and graded two years ago, which makes for an even smoother race for participants.

Named for the tunnels along the converted railroad track trail road to and from the Dam (yes, runners and walkers will actually travel through the tunnels), the course once served as an access route for train cars and trucks hauling supplies to Hoover Dam.

Thanks to its original construction, the route offers largely smooth, gradual inclines and declines, though there are some big climbs on the route. The views are also spectacular, including the mountains around the lake, the desert sagebrush and other vegetation, and the tunnels themselves, a unique architectural feature to find at a road race.

Organizers add that because there is no vehicle traffic on this road, participants may take as long as they like to finish the race — another unusual perk for road races. The National Park Service notes that along the trail, it’s common to find wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, ravens and owls, and antelope ground squirrels, among other creatures.

Several hundred runners and walkers have finished the combined individual half marathon and 5K in recent years, in addition to dozens of half marathon two-person relay teams, so it’s definitely a well-attended race — sign up early, because the race can and often does sell out.