Why do I love this race? I love Las Vegas, and I love running. This is a big race, but I believe they do a great job. It is absolutely great running down the strip to downtown and back again. Also, it feels like a celebration of running with thousands of people descending upon Vegas to take part in this event.

The drawbacks can be that people are jumping into corrals that they should not be in and the start can be extremely congested, but I have had great luck at this race, including breaking two-hours for the first time in 2015.

They have altered the course, and I like the changes, as you spend more time on the strip. Whereas the start used to be by Mandalay Bay, it is now in-between the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan. Also, first timers should note that although you finish by the Mirage, it takes a while to get out of the finish area and you are actually released by the Bellagio or Cosmopolitan and it can be difficult navigating your way back North--or even South--since the Strip is shutdown for the runners. Therefore, pick your hotel accordingly. Finally, I love the Vegas themed medals. Again, I may be biased, but they are some of my favs. This race is expensive, but it is a big running party, which I like. I highly recommend.

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