Half marathon in Carson City Saturday kicks off trail series

The Carson Canyons half marathon is slated for Saturday and is going to kick off a series of three half marathons in as many months.

“Doing a half marathon now is good for training as far as doing something longer for the summer,” said Kevin Bigley, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy, which is organizing and sponsoring the runs. “You’re getting a good base in for your running calendar.”

The race start will begin at Longview Ranch Park and traverse the length of the Ash to Kings Canyon Trail, the first formal event on the newly constructed trail.

“That’s what got me excited to do this race,” Bigley said. “It’s such a beautiful trail. The views of Carson City are incredible.”

The 13.4-mile race will be mostly single track, with a mile-and-a-half on dirt roads and one mile on pavement. There will be 2,400 feet of climbing, topping out at 6,754 feet.

“It’s a difficult half,” Bigley said. “There’s a lot of climbing.”

Other runs in the series are the Escape from Prison Hill Half Marathon on April 18 and the Silver State Half Marathon on May 16.

Runners who complete all three races will receive a special finishers award.

Bigley said they will also be treated to a variety of terrain — from the high desert scenery of the Escape from Prison Hill race to the alpine views of the Kings to Ash Canyon Trail.

The Carson Canyons Half marathon on Saturday will also coincide with the final race in the Ascent Runs Winter Trail Series.

The final run of that series — C-Hill, Run Hill — will also begin at Longview Ranch Park. There will be a 5K distance and a longer run of about 8 miles.

Bigley said it’s a good opportunity for shorter-distance runners to see the logistics of a half marathon.

“People who are going the shorter distance can see what goes into a longer run,” he said. “It’s good for goal setting.”

For more information about the half marathon series or winter trail series or to register for the races, go to ascentruns.com.