Trail Trashed, put on in March by Triple Dare Running Company, is my favorite and the hardest trail…read morerun I've ever done. But, I keep going back every year for more torture . The scenery is amazing, the trails are tough, and the support is above and beyond! And, I always make new friends, sometimes from other countries, because people come from all over to participate. I've participated in hundreds of races in the Las Vegas Valley, and Triple Dare is one of the best in the city. Their staff wants you to succeed. From the clear markings of the course, to aid station amenities, to the cheering of the crowds and staff, everything they do is to enable you to complete your race in the very best way you can. They are very supportive of our community, especially veterans, offering them race discounts. They have friendly ambassadors to help answer questions and assist in needs you may have, sometimes offering up discounts to races. They care about our environment and don't harm it in any way. I've done several of their races and will continue to support them. I highly recommend this company!

just did Trail of Terror and it was awesome! everyone was happy, supportive and helpful. you can…read moretell they are having a great time throwing the race- almost as much as we had running. did the 50k relay, and I highly recommend!

I love the JusRun 5Ks- they're always well planned out, start on time, and provide your finish time…read moreacross multiple forms of contact (text, FB status, or a Tweet!). Staff are always friendly and helpful, pickup always goes smoothly, and it doesn't hurt that the medals are cool. This is the first time I've been to the Kellog Zaher park, and the route was along the Angel Trail- I appreciate that participants received an email about the terrain and elevation gains of the route, because this was not the flat, fast run I had expected. Participants were also offered the option of a 1.77 mile "walk" course, which a lot of families took advantage of. This particular run/walk was benefitting the Children's Heart Foundation, and registration included a shirt, nylon drawstring bag, and various updates about upcoming fundraisers and events to benefit the CHF.

The Turkey Rock is an annual Las Vegas Thanksgiving run hosted by JusRun. This year's schedule was…read moreon Thursday, November 27 at Floyd Lamb Park - Group Area 5 at Tule Springs. Just Run offers a 10 K, 5 K and a 1-mile walk/run. There is also a virtual run. I did participate in the Halloween (Hallowrock) and will be participating in the Rockin Reindeer race in a few weeks. I ended up leaving my residence around 7:20 since Floyd Lamb Park is only a few minutes away from my residence. There were a lot of runners. The race was sold out. Parking was a little difficult. The area near Group Area 5 was completely full. A lot of vehicles had to backup and park near the entrance to Floyd Lamb Park. Luckily, we were able to make it to the start of the race right at 8:00 A.M. The race didn't start until 8:10 A.M. The 10k runners went first. The overall route doesn't have much elevation gain which is great! Unfortunately, the map layout was strange this year. For the 5k, the route had us start from the start line, then cross over from where the additional 5k and 10k runners were, and then had to loop around. When I spoke with other 5k runners on the run, it felt like the course was a lot longer than just a 5k. When I had got to the 2 mile sign, my Garmin had 3.3 miles on it. By the time the race was finished, I had about 4.4 miles on my Garmin. Other runners had also mentioned for the 5k running a lot longer than normal at 5k. JusRun sent out an email addressing the mistaken course change. and had updated the timing to accommodate all of the extra miles for the 5k and 10k runners. I was super sore afterwards, but luckily it was a beautiful day for a run. A medal, cupcake, and water was provided after the race.

It's a fun well organized run. I'm more of a trail runner so I felt the course was boring it was…read moreall black top fairly level with maybe 200 feet of elevation change along a trail by the 215. It was an out back course. With that said for a city run it was nice that I did not have to cross any streets or worry about cars. Staff was friendly and there was a lot of water stations for the 10K.

Obstacles, mud, water, ropes, wood, hills, valleys, and tires, oh my!…read more This is my second time doing this race, and lemme tell you--the first time was brutal, but this second time that I did the race was even worse! There were 100 obstacles this time around, as well as a 5-mile (total) race on rocky/hilly/sandy terrain. I've done other races before (marathons, half marathons, the Scorpion Warrior, and the Camp Pendleton Mud Run, in addition to the last Rhino Race) and hands down, this is the hardest race I've ever done YET! And no, I'm not just saying that cuz I also happened to see an ambulance cart off some poor guy that ruptured his Achilles while attempting one of your obstacles (and happened to see someone else carted off during the last race that I participated in). I'm saying it cuz I mean it! There were upside down ladders, running up and down hills/canyons, an "elevator shaft" where you had to move up from the bottom to the top and climb down when you finished, tire hurdles, a balance beam, a seesaw, monkey-bars/ropes, a rope suspended over a puddle of water, cargo nets, logs, tires, and some obstacles where you had to do lateral jumps/hurdles. This is in addition to the rope swing, and the numerous rope obstacles + vertical walls (90 degree incline or 45 degree incline). The punishment for not completing the obstacle 100% correctly or skipping one? 10 burpees without a push-up, 5 with a push-up. Oh, and did I mention that there are three categories: mainstream, extreme (1 lap around), and extreme endurance (as many laps around as you want for 9 hours total). I'm sure that I missed out on some of the obstacles, but I apologize. My brain and body are taking a beating from the race that I ran today. Lol. So, if you DO decide to take on this race, make sure that you're prepared to wait for obstacles if you sign up at a later time. Otherwise, go early (competitive heats) and feel free to wear your crazy/interesting costume if you want. I actually saw some gymnasts/acrobats doing the race in tutus. Wow. I also recommend that you have some really good gloves (that fully cover your hands), since I came up with a few splinters this time around. A special shout out to the volunteers that helped put together this event, especially when it came to motivating us racers, as well as directing us, helping us sign our lives away via waivers, giving us our gear/checking in our bags, and finally providing us with water when necessary. I also am thankful for the smoothies provided by Tropical Smoothie King (for a small donation), and that someone took advantage of my beer ticket afterwards. I also liked the fact that there was an area for the kids to play in, with their own version of the obstacles. I'm excited to see what you guys have in store for us next time around, and I definitely know that the race is no joke. The three shirts that I have and two Rhino Course coins are serious proof. Honestly, the best $45 I've ever spent to get my @$$ kicked on a Saturday. Keep up the good work!

What can I say? The Rhino-Course is AWESOME!! The obstacles are killer and the up and down hills…read moreand the rocks........Dang!!. I love the fact that it is a family venture. They of course start in the first wave and finish the 5miles 100 obstacles in like 5 minutes so that they can help others (Kidding about the 5 minutes, but dang he was flying). I have done marathons and Tri's and I have to say this is the racing that I want to be doing and I am loving it in my own backyard. Congrats crew on a job well done.

Presented by the Bike Shop in Henderson, seven of my friends and I participated in the 3rd annual…read moreChocolate Chase Ride on 2/22/14. When we heard about a 70 mile ride that only cost $50 and had stops along the way for chocolate, we were immediately on board. My social circle trends towards food-loving active types, so this was right up our alley. Limited to 200 cyclists, the Chocolate Chase ride had four distances to choose from: 15, 30, 50, and the newly added 70 mile route. We opted for the 70 mile route and that's the route I'm reviewing; I don't know where the other routes stopped exactly. We didn't know what the route was until the day before the ride as the organizers wanted it to be a surprise. We got to see lots of Henderson, Boulder City, and Green Valley, plus eat some delicious carbs along the way. The ten stops were: Flemming's Bake Shop: brownie SouthWest Diner in Boulder City: chocolate-covered strawberry Lil Brown Sugar Cupcake Cafe: cake pop or mini-cupcake, your choice Mustang Sally's; chocolate protein milkshake Ethel M's Chocolate Factory: milk, dark, or white chocolate plus brittle Sweet Addiction: your choice of a cookie or a scoop of ice cream Sweet Ruby Jane's Confections: some kind of candy. I stopped eating after Sweet Addiction, can you believe it? I had reached my sugar limit. My friends had not. Layers Bakery: I think it was a Grasshopper brownie. I had water here. Popcorn Girl: popcorn sample of your choice. I stayed on my bike. Thrifty Ice Cream: I didn't even go in, but I'm sure it was ice cream. This ride benefited the Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation, so not only was it a fun time for all of us, but it helped a great cause. I've paid much more for events that did not offer this much stuff, so I'd highly recommend it if you are interested in doing it next year, especially with the different mileages to choose from. Kudos to the Bike Shop and all the sponsors for hosting such a great ride; we look forward to 2015 and more sugar!

If ever want too go on bike ride with friends plus get some tasty treats along the way Chocolate…read moreChase Ride is way too go. It was my first one on top of first race/type on my road bike. Not timed but still as first year triathlon with Rage and Silverman 70.3 on deck great way too start my year. The third year for the event one that keeps growing cause they have cut off limit 200 riders. They offer three distances 30, 50, 70. So distance for just about every type of rider. I went for the 70 miler with fellow AJ teammates. Along the way stopped by Sweet Ruby Janes Confections, Pop Corn Girl, Chef Flemmings Bake Shop, Sweet Addiction, Ethel M's Chocolate, Layers Bakery, South West Diner, Ford/Mistang Sally, Lil Brown Sugar Cupcake Cafe, and Thrifty Icecream. I would break down every on but that lot of chocolate. Every step along the way love the encouragement gave the riders, smiles keep you going forward, and good sugar rush always keeps the energy up! =) The ride was charity so another thing refreshing see local establishment participating and enjoying the experience as much as riders. The portions were right size too not slow you down. The bike shop that put on the race hats off too them. Finish the race they had whole table of recovery food. Well organized from package pickup too sending out riders in waves based on mileage you signed up for the race. The only thing felt could have done better is more clear signage guide you along the way. They give you paper with the route but really looking at paper same time looking out for cars. Not greatest idea. The route was beautiful had some challenging parts but most part nice long cruise route. One that enjoy can 70 miles with friends and fortunate beautiful weather ride day! If want do relax bike ride for great cause this is the one too do.

The Windy 25 Memorial 5k celebrates the lives of 18 military members who lost their lives in…read moreAfghanistan. Proceeds from the race go towards T.A.P.S., a nonprofit organization that provides aid to individuals who have lost loved ones in the military. While the cause of the Windy 25 race is admirable, the race itself leaves something to be desired. My biggest and only complaint is about the course - it was probably the most dull course I've ever ran. There was no scenery to speak of, only the industrial sights of Harmon Rd. Even worse, the course required runners to loop back whence they came. Thus, the course was repetitive and unimaginative. Aside from the unexciting course, the check-in process was effortless and quick, a definite plus. Check-in tables were located in front of the Cosmopolitan casino entrance. For the extremely affordable Groupon price of $20, runners received a t-shirt and a medal with registration. The race started on time, two minutes early even (yay!). The pre-race festivities were lively, with the Andre Agassi marching band, UNLV cheer team, and the honor guard making an appearance. If there are changes to the course in the future, I'd love to participate in the Windy 25 Memorial 5k again. YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2016: #19

Ragnar Relay Series!…read more This one is definitely different. Hailing from San Diego California the experience was definitely different. I did miss the snow since I was in Van 2 and I didn't have to run until after lunch. My fellow Ragnarians who did So. Cal liked this much better. Pros: 1. We rented a house with a thousand bedrooms so we didn't have to sleep in the van. 2. The exchanges were within 30 minutes of civilization so we could shower and take power naps when we were not running. 3. Food was not a problem since we went to Costco and cooked our own food during the major exchanges. 4. The beer garden was a plus Cons: 1. Three of the major exchanges were within a mile of each other which created a lot of confusion for Van 1 so the stress levels were pretty high. 2. A little on the disorganized side since we didn't get a slap bracelet until after the following day. 3. The whole team did not receive their bracelets. 4. The box of pizza for six after running almost 200 miles is not enough. Actually it created friction on who is going to eat the extra slice. Would I do this event again? Heck yeah and we are looking forward the Trail Series.

Driving up Mount Charleston through snow flurries with five other runners, a case each of water and…read moreGatoraide, snacks and too little clothing, I begin to wonder what I've signed up for. The event itself was AMAZING! I found that everyone on our team bonded and supported each other with incredible team work, humor and tolerance. I would do this again in a heartbeat. Now, you may wonder, with such glowing praise for the experience, why three stars? Ah my friends, this is where the story gets interesting... First off, this event is EXPENSIVE! I mean, break open your kids piggy bank, pull money out of savings and be prepared to shuck out lots of hard green. We did decide to do this late, so our registration came to $146 per person, which for an adventure race isn't out of line, but you will have to pay the full amount for the entire team in one payment. If you don't happen to have 12 runners already convinced that two full days of running is a good idea, that's a hefty bill. Now, I'm hearing you say, "That's not really that bad for a massive event like this" and I would usually agree, but then we added up the additional fees that were not apparent when we first signed up. You will have to rent two vans unless you've got a creepy uncle who's still clinging to the 70's with a hoopty sporting a "if this van's a rockin, don't come a knockin" bumper sticker (then you've still got to shuck out bucks to have that beast steam cleaned before any sane person would sleep in it) - So at about $300 per van and another $100 in gas, you're dumping another $800 into transportation. Ok, ok, I know you're thinking, "Of course you'd have to provide your own transportation, but that's it right?" and of course, you'd be wrong again. You also have to buy reflective vests for every team mate, at least two head lamps and two tail lamps for each van. I know were not talkin big bucks, but after already paying $1700 to register and $800 for rides, it starts to get annoying. Oh, and you can't just use any kind of vest or lamps. Got a cool shirt with reflective sleeves, nope, not good enough. You've got to buy one of the approved items listed on their site. Finally, I'm hearing you say: "I can borrow my brother's Escalade (He can give up one weekend pimpin', right?), and I've got some safety gear because I already run at night sometimes" but wait, there's more, If you so much as have one runner that lives within 100 miles of the course, you'll also have to convince three more people to volunteer to man portions of the race. Yup, you heard right, you've got to be a temp service for the race on top of the $2,500 you've already shucked out. Don't have any friends, or all of the good friends you do have you've already convinced to run this thing with you? It's ok, you can pay the race an additional $120 per missing volunteer. That could take this up to almost $3,000 in expenses before you even start. And if you're from out of town, plane tickets or gas will be even more expensive. Ok, so your rich and you bank roll the whole lot without even blinking. Your now expecting an amazing experience right? Well buckle up hombre, because this ain't no trained pony you've signed up to ride. The logistics of running this event are immense, and most of the staff are folks that local runners have guilted into working their weekend. We started off at the start line registration which had no signs telling us where to go, or what to do. The check in was spread over four locations, some required all runners while others just required one to sign, or pick up items. The safety briefing was over a distorted microphone in blowing snow, and focused more on chanting the emergency number than on what to do and what not to do. Oh, and even after shucking out money for vests and lamps, we were forced to pony up a credit cart deposit for safety flags that if not returned would cost us an additional $40. Once we got all of our info we found out that about a third of our courses had suddenly become non-support legs. What does that mean, you ask? Well a support leg is when you and your team leapfrog ahead of the person running to check on them and be a mobile water station. Yup, you've got to do the water station portion of the course yourself at your own expense (kind of a plus and a minus, It was great to support our team, but after paying this much money, you'd expect at least some water) Now a non-support leg means that you cannot stop and help your runner while they are running. On these legs, Ragnar folks set up water stations, though they were not staffed so your runner has to get their own cup then play go fish to find out which of the three coolers still has water. We saw many van's ignoring the non-support restriction, pulling off to help their runners anyway. Overall, It was a fantastic event that really needs some tightening up. I'm sure it's a great race the second time, but it's hell if you don't already know what you should and shouldn't be doing.

I have done this walk/run for ten years and it's a lot of fun to do. It's the Make A Wish…read moreFoundation of Southern Nevada's major fund raiser each year. There are generally several thousand runners and walkers each year. The fun thing about these events is the chance to see people dresses in all kinds of costumes like the Star Trek people. There are people who put different sweaters on their animals and it's fun to see them do that. Before the race, there generally is some entertainment and stretching exercises. After the race, there's a raffle and more entertainment. It really is a fun atmosphere. The volunteers for the Make a Wish Foundation are excellent! They are there to help in any way they can. The route around Town Square and over Sunset to Valley View is fantastic! Planes taking off from McCarran go almost directly overhead. Perhaps next year, I'll start a UYE so we can have a team there.