Saturday, March 13, 2021 • Boulder City, NV • Course Map
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.
Race Weather & Climate
Located roughly 30 miles east of downtown Las Vegas and just miles from the southern shoreline of Lake Mead, Boulder City typically sees March temperatures that average between 46°F and 65°F, while rainfall is scarce here year-round, averaging just under an inch for the month (making March its wettest month of the year).
On the day of the race (March 13), the average low is 46°F and the average high is 66°F.
Past Results
- 2020 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2019 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2018 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2017 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2015 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2014 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2013 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Run Results
- 2012 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 7:30 AM – half marathon
- 7:35 AM – 12K run/walk
- 7:45 AM – 1-mile stroll, 5K
Fees
- $70 – $105 for the individual half marathon
- $95 – $130 for the relay half marathon
- $40 – $75 for the 12K
- $30 – $65 for the 5K
- $10 – $45 for the 1-mile
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2021 running of Boulder City’s Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half Marathon, Relay or 5K race, register online at the event website here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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