Thousands of runners enjoyed ideal conditions and an incredibly fast and beautiful course at the inaugural REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon and Half on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Participants described the Mt Charleston course as "beautiful and majestic" to "one of the fastest courses in the nation." With a Boston qualifier rate of 40%, "absolutely awesome" scenery, and "great volunteer support," it is easy to see why participants called REVEL Mt Charleston a "must do race."

The inaugural REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon and Half, on May 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a resounding success. In the marathon, over 600 runners began the race at the top of Kyle Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Almost as if on cue from a movie director, snow began falling on the marathoners only a few minutes into the race, and then disappeared as the runners made their way past the first two miles.

Meanwhile, 13.1 miles down the canyon, more than 1,150 half marathoners began their race in ideal mid-40s temperatures and comfortably dry conditions.

Overall, the incredibly fast downhill course yielded impressive results and rave reviews from the marathoners and half marathoners, and remarkable finish times from the overall winners in both events.

Top Finishers

In the marathon, Gary Krugger, 31, was the 2016 Mt Charleston Marathon winner with a finish of 2:33:16. Amber Green, 35, was the second overall finisher in 2:35:24, which placed her first overall in the women's field.

Rounding out the top 3 men finishers were Ryan Achatz, 38, in 2:38:12; and Matt Orr, 40, finishing in 2:47:24.

Katie Guisinger, 36, was second woman finisher with 2:55:18. Laura Gonzalez, 31, was third in 2:58:15.

In the half marathon, Steve Chu, 33, won with a 1:07:47. Zach Watson, 38, and Elliot Ball, 41, rounded out the top 3 with finishes of 1:11:37 and 1:20:27, respectively.

Kristi Jackson, 27, was the overall female winner of the half marathon with a finish in 1:23:47. In second place, finishing with 1:27:16, was Maureen Kimsey, 33. Coming in third was Melissa Terry, 40, clocking a 1:28:58 finish.

The Runners Speak: FAST and BEAUTIFUL

“This is one of the fastest courses in the nation,” said marathon finisher Othman Doubiany. “Gentle downhill all the way. This is a great race and I will recommend it to anyone trying to improve their personal best or trying to qualify for Boston.”

Half marathoner Melissa Fischer from Utah ran a PR on the course, saying “My PR before this race was set in 2010 and I really thought I wouldn’t break it again. I didn’t just break it, I shattered it by 8 minutes!”

Fred Winkler from California, who says he will be recommending this race to his running friends, described the marathon course as “the perfect grade…the course just pulls you along, not so steep that you need to waste energy by braking.”

But the race was not praised solely for being a FAST downhill course. Runners raved about the remarkable BEAUTY of the race. “Beautiful, majestic, VERY FAST,” is how marathon finisher Patrick Kearl from California described the day.

Likewise, Danny Williams from Florida described an “awesome” day on a “gorgeous” course, celebrating that he ran a PR "by almost 12 minutes and met my BQ standard by almost 15 minutes!”

More Than A Race: A Destination

Charlie Nelson from New Hampshire not only enjoyed the “absolutely awesome” scenery on the marathon course, but also raved about the local dining, entertainment, and a visit to nearby Hoover Dam during his trip. Likewise, half marathon finisher Shae Deschutter praised finding “lots of shopping/dining nearby.”

Adam Eliason praised the half marathon for the downhill course and “great volunteer support,” as well as the family-friendly attractions in town: “First time our entire family ran a race together…Mom, Dad and 4 children. Nothing like training and doing a race to bring together the family.” Adam added, “A well planned event by REVEL that I’m sure will grow in years to come as more people hear about it.”

Outstanding Support Before, During, and After the Race

Brandi Noble praised the half marathon, saying “this was one of the best half marathon courses I’ve run,” with a “downhill course with lots of support.” She raved about how the finish line activities were "amazing – fruit, bagels, pretzels, pizza, pumpkin pie,” and how the finish line announcer “MADE this race…to have his level of energy at 5+ hours really makes a difference for those people who battled for every single mile.”

Jennifer Unick praised the organization, saying “This was the most organized marathon I have ever participated in. The buses were on time, portapotties were set up, race started on time, water stations were well stocked, plenty of law enforcement and friendly volunteers, great signage, awesome medals and plenty of food and water at the finish!! Super impressed with this race series all the way around!!”

Jeree Johnson, a veteran marathoner and half marathoner, summed it up well: “I am an older runner who has run every major marathon, and nearly every half marathon in the USA. Without equal this was the best event from beginning to end...The course management by race organizers and local law enforcement made the day very easy for the runners. Finally, the finish line with cold water, pizza and variety of pies was a welcome surprise. The after race setting was great, especially the photo options and the ability to print out your individual race results.”

Half marathon finisher Caroldene Garcia summed up the day simply: “Beautiful. It’s a must do race.”