Check Out the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series has been going on since 1998, and started out as “a marathon with bands along the course celebrating each participant” in San Diego, CA. Living up to its Rock ‘n’ Roll billing, it has since grown into a large and elaborate event that provides both entertainment and resources for participants, their supporters, and spectators. Additionally, the series now sets up shop in over 30 cities around the world, giving everyone the opportunity to experience this unique racing environment and explore different locales at the same time.

While all of the courses are designed to show off great views of their host city, the setup in Vegas has to be one of the most unique in the potential sights it gives to both participants and spectators. With the main courses starting and finishing on The Strip, extending from LAS through downtown and to North Las Vegas Airport, and a timeline that allows the course to include a closed off Las Vegas Blvd. at night, the opportunities to see these areas of Las Vegas in a way that one cannot normally experience are plentiful.

The distances available include a 5K, a 10K which is brand new this year and shares the same finish line as the larger races, a half marathon, and a full marathon which both share the same start and finish lines. Each of the individual races have a pre-race concert associated with them, typically featuring a well-known headliner. This year’s acts include Matt and Kim and Kid Rock.

Beyond the pre-race concert, the courses themselves are lined with all kinds of entertainment, such as bands or performance artists, all of which are geared towards supporting and entertaining the runners as well as the spectators that are cheering the participants on. Another Las Vegas specific feature of the half and full marathon courses is the ability for runners to participate in a “run through wedding”. This group ceremony is a quick 5 minute way for couples to get married or renew their vows in a very unique setting. The ceremony is held in such a fashion that it is simple for friends and family to participate as well.

The Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon provides a lot of additional benefits to the runners themselves, beyond all of the focus that is placed on the race days themselves. There are three days of expos that provide an opportunity for racers to explore some of the latest gear, pick up some booth swag, and find discussion about health and nutritional information. There are also a collection of appropriately named “Runner Perks” that include a laundry list of discounts, deals, buy-one-get-one offers, VIP entry/open-bar, and many other items.

With all of the ways that this race exposes unique elements of Las Vegas, whether one is a runner or a spectator, one should definitely look into being part of the overall experience that is the Las Vegas edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series.

All images credited to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

gennadius

A former VegasChatter contributor, gennadius is a regular visitor to the Las Vegas area. Some areas of interest include aviation, sports (gambling, watching, participating), blackjack, craps, and science fiction.

When in Vegas, gennadius can be found looking for good food, spending time at the clubs, hanging out at the tables, and watching games with friends.