The inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon event was held on December 6, 2009. More than 27,000 runners were on hand for the event held to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. The marathon was produced by Competitor Group and powered by Zappos.com.
Starting the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
The course began on Las Vegas Boulevard. Bengal tigers greeted the runners on each side of the road. Music was playing early and included Blues Brothers impersonators and a Cher impersonator on hand to sing God Bless America and the national anthem. Elvis skydivers and Vegas showgirls entertained and kept with the theme. Over 15 minutes of fireworks sent the runners off and racing.
Running in Las Vegas
For the first time, the Las Vegas Strip was closed for this private event. Runners were joined by 225 running Elvi. Dozens of participants even got married along the way in the run-thru wedding chapel. Live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders met the runners on each mile of the course.
Finishing the Race
All runners finished at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino and received medals. The marathon finished with a post-race festival with concert, beer garden and family reunion.
Over 5,000 participated in the marathon and both winners were from Kenya. Christopher Toroitich, 28, finished in 2:15:15 in the men's division and Caroline Rotich, 25, finished in 2:29:47 in the women's division. Over 17,000 finished the half marathon and both winners were from Ethiopia. Bekana Daba, 21, finished in 1:01:40 in the men's division. Werknesh Kidane, 28, finished in 1:10:55 in the women's division.
Not only were the cheer squads inspiring the runners as they made their way through the race, they competed for prizes and bragging rights. Southeast Career Technical Academy won the award from most spirit on the course.
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series
The original Rock 'n' Roll Marathon was held in San Diego 12 years ago. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series put on nine events in 2009 and has events in 13 cities nationwide planned for 2010, creating the first national series of marathons and half-marathons, which annually attract more than 300,000 participants. The races are considered sports tourism destinations, with more than half of the participants arriving from outside the host city. Event weekends kick off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, where all participants must pick up their bib number and race packet. Over 100 exhibitors feature free samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel and interactive clinics.
Start planning and training, the next Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for December 5, 2010.
Krista Sadlers - Krista Sadlers is a freelance writer, based out of Sebastian, FL whose education, work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a ...
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