The rugged Ward Mountain Trail Run, hosted by Ely Outdoor Enthusiasts offers a rare chance to experience the single-track grandeur of southern Nevada’s Egan Range. Now in its 2025 edition, the event expands its offerings with distances from 2-mile all the way up to a full marathon, including a debut 26-mile option alongside established 2, 5.5, 8.5, and 13.3-mile routes.
Starting from the BLM recreation area at Ward Mountain Campground (Group Site A), the trails wind over sagebrush-strewn ridges, pine-studded slopes, and ATV access paths, accumulating between roughly 270 feet (short loop) and 1,850 feet of elevation gain on the half-marathon course. Runner support is thoughtfully scaled: a few self-serve aid stations cater to mid-distance routes, while longer distances enjoy three manned water stops and pit toilets at key junctures.
A laid-back, community-first trail event, it limits enrollment to just 100 participants, ensuring a tight-knit field and wilderness serenity. Dogs are welcome on leash for a $5 fee, starting at the back to respect other runners. Most paths are unmarked, so course flagging and trail signage are critical—consider it a guided backcountry adventure rather than a polished trail race.
Post-race awards include top-three medals for each distance, dog, and youth finishers, and every participant walks away with a branded shirt. Packet pickup the evening before, local logistics, and a no-day-of-registration policy reinforce the grassroots spirit.
