Las Vegas Weekly

June 11, 2009 · 2:12 PM

Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon comes to the Strip in December

By Robin Leach

Mayor Oscar Goodman said he was optimistic about Las Vegas' first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon to be run on Dec. 6 during a press conference held June 10.

Photo: Justin M. Bowen

For the first time, the new Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon will be run on the Strip, and it’s unprecedented that Las Vegas Boulevard will be closed to all vehicles for 25,000 runners in north and south lanes. The new marathon organizers promise live bands and cheerleaders, along with entertainment to be announced later.

The inaugural Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon powered by Zappos.com to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America debuts Dec. 6 with a revamped, glitzy new course. Half marathoners will enjoy the sites and sounds of Las Vegas Boulevard for nearly the entire 13.1-mile course.

“Never before have both sides of the Strip been closed for the race,” said Adam Zocks, general manager of the event. “This is a world-class course that will attract elite and amateur athletes, while providing a fun-filled tour of the vibrant attractions that make Las Vegas the international destination it has become.”

“Las Vegas is a natural fit for the Competitor Group’s Rock ’n’ Roll series of events, and we are thrilled that they have stepped up to the plate to make this experience the best it can be for the runners that come to our town from all across the world to participate. We have great expectations for this year’s race taking place on the famous Las Vegas Strip, and to have a partner with a world-class brand, known for their top-notch entertainment, is not only exciting but synonymous with what visitors to Las Vegas have come to expect with everything they do in Vegas,” said Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid.

The Competitor Group, organizers of the inaugural marathon, promises an entertaining destination event for runners and walkers of all abilities. The race will begin and conclude at Mandalay Bay.

“There is no better place to hold a marathon than in the world’s greatest city, fabulous Las Vegas. The lights and energy of the town will make this a memorable experience for all of the runners, not to mention all of the excitement that our city has to offer before and after the race when they stay and play,” Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said.

In keeping with the spirit of the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, the Las Vegas race will feature live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders along the flat and fast course. Throw in the infamous Running Elvises and a run-through wedding chapel where participants can get married or renew their vows, and you have one amazing event weekend.

For more information or to register, go to www.las-vegas.competitor.com or call (800) 311-1255.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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