The Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge starts at 9:00 AM on December 26th in Reno, Nevada, giving you time to settle in after the holidays. This 5K running event takes place at 4400 Alexander Lake Road and costs $45 to enter. If your travel plans are uncertain, the race offers a virtual participation option, so you can complete the 5K on your own schedule and still be part of the event. Whether you're running in person or remotely, this post-Christmas race provides a solid opportunity to get back into training during the holiday season.
From the Race Organizer
Enjoy a trail run in the beautiful Rattlesnake Mountain and Huffaker hills. This course is all trail. A finisher medal, long sleeve performance shirt, and sticker are included in race registration fee. The 5k race will begin at 9am on Saturday December 26th, 2026. 5k and virtual 5k available Youth and adult athletes are welcome, ages 5 and up. This is a recognized and sanctioned race by USA track and field. EMT services will be provided by REMSA. This race will be officially timed and results will be posted online after the race. Professional Photography Services We will have professional photography at this year's event by Comet Creation. Comet Creation's signature work is movement. Specializing in candid and intense in-motion portraits of people's passions, love, life events and hard work that reflects who they are, and what they do with purpose. You don't have to pause. Live, enjoy, and let Comet Creation do the rest! Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/cometcreationllc/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CometCreationLLC Website : www.comet-creation.com Packet Pickup Packet Pickup will be available at the Huffaker Hills Trailhead from: 2-5pm on Friday December 25th and 7-8:30am on Saturday December 26th. Huffaker Hills Trailhead 4400 Alexander Lake Road Reno, NV 89521 Parking Parking is limited at Huffaker Hills Trailhead, once the parking lot and side of the road parking is full, volunteers will direct participants to park at the Longley Town center parking lot at the bottom of the mountain where a shuttle will be available. We encourage participants and fans to ride in the same vehicle and arrive early to the race. Shuttle Service will be available from 7am-11am from the parking lot at the Longley Town Center. In front of the former "Wasting Arrows" store which is now vacant. 5260 Longley Lane Reno, NV 89511 Please park and wait for the shuttle, we have a 15 passenger van which will depart every 15 minutes or when the van is full to assist with getting participants and fans to the starting line. If you have questions please email the race director Aztecafc15@gmail.com This is a fundraiser for the Azteca FC Cross Country and Track and Field program. Every season members from Azteca FC work hard to qualify for the National Championships. This 5k is a fundraiser to assist the athletes who qualify to attend and compete in National Championships. Azteca FC is a registered 501C3 with a core mission of providing athletic opportunities in the sports of: Soccer, Track and Field, Cross Country, Trail Running, and Futsal. We appreciate the support of all our sponsors in the Día De Los Muertos 5k race. The generous support of the community helped us send three Azteca FC athletes to national competitions this year. In February 2026, Gamaliel Gomez and Osiel Soto competed at the USATF Master's Indoor Track and Field National Championship and placed 3rd and 4th in the 800M and 1500M. In July 2026, Jaciel Reveles competed in the 800M and 1500M at the USATF Junior Olympics National Championship. In July 2026 Gamaliel Gomez competed at the USATF Master's Track and Field National Championship and placed 5th in the 800M and 4th in the 1500M. In July 2025, Jackson Sevilla and Ethan Tang, represented Azteca FC at the Junior Olympics In Savannah, Georgia. Your generous support helps athletes compete at the highest level and gain national recognition to help them earn opportunities to compete at the college level. www.aztecafc.com
Course & Travel Notes
The Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge takes place in Reno on December 26th, with the race kicking off at 9:00 AM—you'll have plenty of time after sunrise at 7:18 AM to get settled. You're looking at a high elevation venue at 4,583 feet, so factor that into your training if you're coming from lower elevations. Reno Tahoe International Airport is just 2.5 miles away, making it super convenient to fly in, and pack layers since December weather typically ranges from a high of 47°F down to 26°F, with about a one-in-five chance of rain.
⛰️ 4,583 ft elevation☀️ Typically 47°F / 26°F · 21% chance of rain✈️ Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO) — 2.5 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Reno, NV.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge 2026 — Reno, NV?
Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge 2026 — Reno, NV takes place on December 26, 2026. The race is held in Reno, Nevada.
Where is Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge 2026 — Reno, NV held?
Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge 2026 — Reno, NV is held at 4400 Alexander Lake Rd in Reno, Nevada.
Where can I find hotels near Rattlesnake Mountain Challenge 2026 — Reno, NV?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Reno. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
