This incredibly fast and remarkably beautiful road race takes runners from the forests of Kyle Canyon on Mt Charleston to Las Vegas, Nevada. Featuring a smooth downhill slope and spectacular scenery in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this race will be sure to help you set your PR and finally hit that Boston Qualifying time as it is the fastest marathon and half marathon in Nevada.
The marathon begins roughly 21 miles up Kyle Canyon Rd near the original Mt Charleston Lodge. Standing at 7,600 ft above sea level. The course meanders through the Cathedral Rock area for the first mile before reaching the main stretch of Kyle Canyon Rd. Once on the main highway, the route begins a 20-mile stretch of pure running bliss as the course heads downhill towards Las Vegas at a nearly steady 4% grade. The final five miles take runners through the beautiful palm-lined roads of the Centennial Hills neighborhood. Continuing its downhill slope the course ends at the Thunderbird Family Sports Complex.
*Weather data is from the finish line. Temperatures will be much cooler (15-25° F cooler) at the start and gets warmer as runners travel down the mountain.
The REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon was the 45th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 44th largest in 2023.
This year 38.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 41.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2024.
This gives the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon the 12th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 5th highest percentage so far in 2025.
Its Course Score of 107.03 ranks it as the 2nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Nevada.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon a PR Score of 107.03. This PR Score ranks it as the 1st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Nevada.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 7651 feet (2332m) Min Elevation: 2502 feet (762m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon
View available accomodations around the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon in 4:54:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
Nathan's review of 2025 REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
My 17th marathon and by far my fastest. Great organization, excellent aid stations along the way. Be prepared for a very cold start and a warm finish. Also, there are a few short hidden hills along the way. Finally, the audio accompanying the race app was amazing. Gave me very accurate, real time, mile splits.
Race Tips
Cold and dark start. Be sure to bring plenty of layers to shed. Excellent aid stations throughout the course so minimal need for carrying your own nutrition. Very few turns, but be mindful of your tangents on the long curves. Also, I read a prior review to half size up your running shoes. I did this, and it was a huge help on the down hill course. Finally, be prepared for some sore legs afterwards. Surprisingly the worst I have felt after a marathon, but only lasted a few days. Worth the pain.
Stayed at the Aria. Worked fine. But would stay at the Tuscany next time for more convenience regarding bus pick up. I flew into Las Vegas the night before the race and flew out of Las Vegas a few hours after the race. The airport is so convenient.
Steven Rein's review of 2024 REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well run race and great expo explaining how best to run the race. Not much crowd support but beautiful scenery. It is very cold 12 degrees wind chill and you have an hour or more wait, Bring clothes for the drop bag. They did have heaters that helped.
Race Tips
Train running many long downhills or repeats because it is extremely fast. Run at 70% effort and let gravity do the work because you need to save it for later when your legs are tired.
Stayed at the host resort and bought the bus ticket to make it convenient. Try to get as late a bus as you can so your wait is the least.
Markus Schatzmann's review of 2024 REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well organized start, was intimidated by the 3am wake up to make the buses to the start but was a none issue. Is cold at top (will be 10-15C colder then Vegas at 6am) so be prepared for below freezing start. Beautiful scenic run down the valley, super fast!! As long has your are ready for the temp variation on the run you will PB.
Race Tips
I ran conservative the first half and built speed from 13-21miles, then tried to hang on during the flatter last 5miles, worked out well.
Stayed at Flamingo which was walking distance to Tuscany (Strip Bus to Start pick up). This was fine but next time will stay at Tuscany, or wherever the Strip Bus pick up is (for convenience).
Cheryl Spano's review of 2023 REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I run almost 100 marathons. Revel marathon - especially Mount Charleston. It's an early bus ride, but very organized, and the volunteers always make sure everyone makes it to the start (even if you are rushing trying to find a parking spot, looking for the bus, and at the tail end of the line).
The course is fast!!!! beautiful and full of water, electrolyte and gel stations. I've never carried my own.
I have never got lost (which is a horrible deal) The crowds and volume of cheers is awesome at the finish!
No better race!!
Race Tips
This year (I've run it 3 times), I paid attention to the suggestions about running downhill - very helpful on getting me through last 6 with more leg energy
jh's review of 2022 REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
All around great race! I'm in pain now, but very proud of my performance.
Race Tips
There were warnings not to go too fast the first half. I ignored these, banked as much time as I could, and by the time I hit the harder last 10K I could have almost walked and still BQ'd, which is a great feeling.
Strip bus was convenient. You have to get up early so if you are traveling from the East Coast, DONT ACCLIMATE; I went to bed at 6 PDT pre race, up at 130AM.
