The first annual Mesquite Marathon, scheduled to be run in three states Nov. 21, has been certified by the Boston Marathon to meet guidelines which enable participants to qualify for the legendary East Coast event each year.
The certification was announced recently by Mammoth Marathons organizer Cory Haddock of Centerville, Utah. Officials rode the course to make certain the layout covered the 26.2-mile route before granting the certification.
Runners from as far away as Kenya are expected to participate in the Mesquite Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.
Among the competitors is Justin Nelson, who is the head of IT for Black Gaming in Mesquite.
“I have been running seriously for about three years,” said the 32 year-old Nelson. “There is nothing that a good run won’t cure. You never regret a run or a workout. I am definitely hooked. The sport clears your head and helps you focus and it helps me tackle the day.”
Nelson said his goal is to run 100 marathons. He has now run ten of them and the Mesquite Marathon definitely will provide its own set of challenges.
“I don’t know any other marathon that covers three states,” said Nelson, who is considered the hometown favorite. About 10 Mesquite residents are expected to compete.
Nelson, who is originally from Salt Lake City, likes living in Mesquite.
“I especially like the small-town atmosphere,” he said. “I love not having to fight the traffic when I’m running. Then, too, we’re actually close to quite a few good mountain trails here.”
Nelson said the event covering a tri-state region is especially interesting.
“I don’t know any other marathon that is run in three states,” Nelson added. “The layout definitely makes this unique, that’s for sure.”
The race route will begin near Beaver Dam, Arizona and start just over the Utah border before running along the Virgin River and making its way on U.S. 91 to Littlefield, Ariz. From there, the race will be concluded after following the frontage road to Mesquite.
Supported by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the City of Mesquite and the CasaBlanca Resort Hotel, the event features an impressive payday for the top finishers.
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