MOB Traffic lends speed, scenery, and seamless traffic control. 

The Mt. Charleston Marathon & Half Marathon by REVEL continues to earn a reputation as being one of Nevada’s premier marathons, offering runners a unique scenic course through the breathtaking Spring Mountains and a great chance to set personal records (PRs) and Boston Marathon qualifying times. Held early in April, nearly 4,000 runners turned out for this lighting-fast downhill race. 

“As a Boston Marathon qualifier, Mt. Charleston can’t be beat with the largest elevation profile of all our REVEL races,” says Joe Jurisic, executive race director for REVEL. “Starting at 7,600 feet near the site of the Mt. Charleston Lodge, the course descends nearly 5,100 feet over 26.2 miles, while the half marathon begins at 4,600 feet and drops more than 2,000.”

For both races, the consistent downhill grade averages four percent for much of the course. But beyond the top-tier downhill profile giving runners an edge, the course also offers some breathtaking scenery, including rugged peaks (sometimes snow capped), towering pines, and beautiful desert vistas. Some iconic landmarks include Cathedral Rock, Gass Peak, and the Las Vegas skyline emerging in the distance. 

Although other REVEL events — Big Cottonwood in Utah, Big Bear in California, and White Mountains in New Hampshire — draw only a few hundred fewer runners, Mt. Charleston’s gives it an edge as a crown jewel event. It’s grown by several hundred entrants every year for eight consecutive years.  

“This is a race where you can run through a pristine mountain landscape, but stay just minutes away in Las Vegas,” says Jurisic. “The city is easily accessible and still affordable for many travelers, giving us some hope to hit 5,000 entrants next year.”

While this might not seem big in comparison to some of the largest signature events across the country, ranging from 20,000 in the Marine Corps Marathon to 50,000 in the New York City Marathon, REVEL and its parent company, Brooksee, have a reputation as intimate event providers that inspire athletes to push their limits. Post-race surveys consistently rate Mt. Charleston high, with participants giving it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

“Part of the satisfaction is tied to making minor adjustments every year,” Jurisic said. “We are very attuned to the fact that with growth comes new challenges, like ensuring the start and finish venues can accommodate more runners, delivering the best expo experience, and providing safe parking for bus rides up the mountain.” 

This year, REVEL tweaked aid station logistics based on participant feedback and re-evaluated the course to navigate new developments in Centennial Hills. For example, construction near the Grand Teton overpass required additional cones, a solution developed in collaboration with MOB Traffic and local authorities.

“REVEL is one of the most thorough and professional companies we work with,” said Paul Ames, events manager for MOB Traffic. “They are very easy to work with and have an excellent understanding of the complexities of a developing city.”

Next year, for example, the race organizer will likely need new solutions to address any impact the planned Kyle Canyon Casino may have on the course. Likewise, Centennial Hills continues to see tremendous development since the race started eight years ago. 

“We’re already in discussions with the city and partners like MOB Traffic about navigating this,” said Jurisic. “We’re very fortunate to have them in on meetings with everyone who helps make our races possible, including multiple jurisdictions like the Nevada Department of Transportation, City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Regional Transportation Commission, and Nevada Highway Patrol.” 

According to Ames, acting as the backbone of traffic control for marathons involves working closely with jurisdictional partners, having large-scale event experience, and managing equipment. For example, MOB Traffic used approximately 300 signs, 2,200 delineators (stackers), and 450 water-filled barrier rails (2,700 linear feet) to secure the course from Kyle Canyon to the finish line on Durango Drive.

“Coordinating the pilot car operation setup is the most challenging,” Ames said. “We have a two-hour window to set 20 miles of stackers, so I deploy three separate teams starting simultaneously. We pick up directly behind the runners and wait for aid stations and trash to be cleared to ensure safe road conditions for everyone.”

The Nevada Highway Patrol manages the pilot car, guiding local traffic through the eastbound lane, while MOB Traffic provides the necessary control measures. To ensure smooth operations, REVEL refines the time and makes adjustments as early as six months before every event. For example, feedback from Metro and city traffic engineers led to the increased use of water-filled barriers in 2025, enhancing safety.

“MOB’s expertise in navigating multiple jurisdictions is invaluable,” Jurisic said. “They’ve proven themselves as a trusted operator for both Mt. Charleston and the Las Vegas Marathon in the fall. It’s important to us because Brooksee and REVEL are honored to be part of the city’s athletic foundation, alongside major events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1.”

As the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon prepares for its 2026 edition, Jurisic and MOB Traffic are already looking at adapting logistics and considering new finish line venues to accommodate more than 5,000 runners. 

With REVEL’s vision and MOB Traffic’s operational precision, everyone agrees that the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon are poised to remain a pinnacle of the running world. Its legacy as a fast, beautiful, and impeccably managed event will remain unmatched for years to come.