This race was troubling on the whole for me. While I was living in Vegas at the time, I thought there was no better way to experience Sin City than to run through it. First: everyone should know that this is an evening race. Whether that is a positive or negative aspect for you, just know that the race is held at night and you should prepare accordingly.

The race started off with a party at the fairgrounds, which was impressive to say the least--Snoop Dogg and all. The beginning of the course takes you through the joy and craziness of the strip. You run down the streets normally blocked off for vehicle traffic only as the neon kisses your face. They even have run-through wedding ceremonies! This part is COOL. Unfortunately, shortly after experiencing the strip, you get snaked around through downtown Vegas so many times that you may die of boredom. Plain and simple, a majority of the marathon course lacks luster and you have to do spirals around city blocks to reach 26.2, which is a real drag. However, if you love Vegas and want to make a vacation out of this race, it may be a great option for you.

I think this race illustrated the issue with race companies like the Rock N Roll series--they are third parties that plop themselves in cities for the sake of an event. The do several things very well, like offer a well-polished machine of marathon model: the race packages, the entertainment, the expo and such are executed very well. However, this event, like I imagine some of their others, truly lacks a community spirit. There was little to know presence from Vegas in this event and the route was clearly made by someone who does not know the city well. Will be looking for events made by locals from now on.