Disclaimer: I received a free entry as Sin City Run Ambassador.

This was the inaugural year for this race, a part of the Sin City Shootout weekend. There was a Friday night packet pick-up at the Tropicana, and then the races were on Sunday at Sunset Park (just southeast of the airport). I didn't make it to the Friday night pick-up, so thankfully, there was pick-up available Sunday morning as well.

I'm a Las Vegas local, and have run at Sunset Park many times, so I had no problem finding the park, or the area of the park where the race was being held. I did see a lot of people taking taxis and was not at all envious of that hassle. I hear that they'll be adding shuttles in 2017.

It was a very chilly morning in Vegas - especially while waiting for the race to start. It was a pretty small race, and I got there pretty early, so the line to get my packet was still pretty short. The people manning the table were moving things along pretty well - probably trying to stay warm. :) Unfortunately, the was a shipping problem with the shirts and most of them did not arrive in time for the race. They assured us that they would mail them out individually to each participant.

I'm a runner that tends to need a potty at least once prior to a race, depending on how early I arrive. There were no port-a-potties or anything at the start - only the restrooms available throughout the park. Nothing really against the race, or its organizers, but the restrooms at this park are pretty sub par (no doors on the stalls!).

There were 3 options to choose - a 5k, 10k, or Double Your Luck and run them both. I ran the Double Your Luck challenge. This rest of this review describes the 5k.

With 5 and 10 minute warnings (I think!), the race directors gathered all the 5k runners to the start line. Like I've said, I've run in this park many times, so the course was no big surprise to me; however, I was still very appreciative of all the volunteers. There was never a question of which way to zig or zag through the park, and they all had such great energy cheering on all the runners. There was only one aid station, which was plenty, with fun music playing as well as water and fuel (I'm sure, though I ran with my own stuff and never actually stopped at the aid station).

The course itself was pretty flat and runs through a sand dune preserve; you'd never really guess it was such an urban setting. There were lots of bunnies and road runners to spot along the way. Plus, the views of the mountains in the distance were a gorgeous backdrop.

The finish line was nice. If you ran the 5k or the 10k, you received a pretty sweet medal after crossing. It looked like a poker chip, had a good weight to it, and didn't feel or look cheap.

Again, this was a pretty small race, but the post-race treats were great! There was water, a protein drink, bananas, as well as some salty treats. It was perfect!

Disclaimer: I received a free entry as Sin City Run Ambassador.

This was the inaugural year for this race, a part of the Sin City Shootout weekend. There was a Friday night packet pick-up at the Tropicana, and then the races were on Sunday at Sunset Park (just southeast of the airport). I didn't make it to the Friday night pick-up, so thankfully, there was pick-up available Sunday morning as well.

I'm a Las Vegas local, and have run at Sunset Park many times, so I had no problem finding the park, or the area of the park where the race was being held. I did see a lot of people taking taxis and was not at all envious of that hassle. I hear that they'll be adding shuttles in 2017.

It was a very chilly morning in Vegas - especially while waiting for the race to start. It was a pretty small race, and I got there pretty early, so the line to get my packet was still pretty short. The people manning the table were moving things along pretty well - probably trying to stay warm. :) Unfortunately, there was a shipping problem with the shirts and most of them did not arrive in time for the race. They assured us that they would mail them out individually to each participant.

I'm a runner that tends to need a potty at least once prior to a race, depending on how early I arrive. There were no port-a-potties or anything at the start - only the restrooms available throughout the park. Nothing really against the race, or its organizers, but the restrooms at this park are pretty sub par (no doors on the stalls!).

There were 3 options to choose - a 5k, 10k, or Double Your Luck and run them both. I ran the Double Your Luck challenge. This rest of this review describes the 10k.

The start line for the 10k was at the other side of the parking lot. Due some construction on the streets of Vegas, they had to make some last minute changes to the course, which included moving the start line. The separate start lines could have been a little better communicated, because it took me a second to realize I wasn't in the right spot.

As the 10k runners were lining up at the *somewhat* makeshift start line, the last 5k runner was rounding the bend to the final stretch. All the runners waiting to start the next race were loudly cheering her on! Gotta love the running community. :)

Like I've said, I've run in this park many times, so the course was no big surprise to me; however, I was still very appreciative of all the volunteers. There was never a question of which way to zig or zag through the park, and they all had such great energy cheering on all the runners. Sunset is a good-sized park, but there was still a lot of looping that needed to be done to get the course up to 6.2 miles. In addition to the volunteers, the course was very well marked, so there was never a question of which way to go.

There was only one aid station, which was plenty, with fun music playing as well as water and fuel (I'm sure, though I ran with my own stuff and never actually stopped at the aid station).

The course itself was pretty flat and runs through a sand dune preserve; you'd never really guess it was such an urban setting. There were lots of bunnies and road runners to spot along the way. Plus, the views of the mountains in the distance were a gorgeous backdrop. Unfortunately, the course did run a bit long - closer to 6.5+ miles. Lots of runners were upset by this, but I know there were some extenuating circumstances. I'm hoping that next year the construction outside of the park will be completed and the course will be more properly measured.

The finish line was nice. If you ran the 5k or the 10k, you received a pretty sweet medal after crossing. It looked like a poker chip, had a good weight to it, and didn't feel or look cheap. If you ran both, you received a 2nd medal; this one spun! Equal in quality to the first medal, both medals are definitely ones to make you proud of the race you ran.

Again, this was a pretty small race, but the post-race treats were great! There was water, a protein drink, bananas, as well as some salty treats. It was perfect!

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to this race as a RunLaughlin ambassador.

I LOVED THIS RACE! From the expo/packet pick-up to the finish line, I was really impressed - especially for a small inaugural race.

I arrived in Laughlin a bit later than originally intended, but still in time to catch the small expo. The flow of the expo was perfect and manned by the friendliest of volunteers. Everyone seemed so excited for the race the next day, and really helped set the mood and get me pumped up for the race.

There were lots of lodging options within walking distance of the start line, which was at the Laughlin Outlet Mall. It was a chilly morning, but there was coffee and banana bread to help keep the runners warm. There was a gear bag check which was also very helpful.

Everyone was excited to get started (and warm up!) when they called all the runners to the start line and loosely separated us into two waves.

This was not a flat, easy course! The night before I had taken the time to read the course overview in the packet, so I was prepared for the hefty incline for the first 2+ miles. I pushed through and appreciated the lovely downhill that was the reward. Unfortunately, it was the first of many tough hills.

The middle few miles of this race were off-road. It was a nice change of pace from a standard road race. The trail portion was uphill with an aid station at the top before turning around to run right back down the hill. There was a fun cowboy on the trail harassing the runners. ;-)

After the trail, it was back up another big hill to the top of Davis Dam, across into Arizona, back again, and then down the same hill. The course then moved to run along the river before weaving back through town back to the Outlet Center where the race began.

There were several aid stations along the way, and the volunteers were definitely some of the best! They all seemed very excited to be there and to have all these runners in Laughlin. Each aid station had a little something different - more than just water or other hydration.

Post-race was pretty fun! Each runner received a free beer. I'm not really a beer drinker, but even I redeemed my ticket. I don't usually stick around for post-race parties, but they had laid out some grass in one of the huge parking lots and there was a band. It was a nice, little place to relax and enjoy the post-race treats.

All-in-all, you could really tell that Mark V put his everything into this race and pulled off a great feat! I would definitely recommend this race and am looking forward to running it again!!

This was the 2nd year I've run this, and it was just as fun the 2nd time around that it's become one of my new must-do local races.

It takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, so it's a bit far out there from the heart of Las Vegas, but it's well worth it. Plenty of parking at the speedway! It's a evening race when you run through the Glittering Lights display before it opens for the season. Basically, you run 3 miles through Holiday lights! It's such a unique experience, and really gets you in the holiday spirit. It's called the PJ 5k, so pajamas are highly recommended and really adds to the fun.

I think there was an option to pick up your bib and packet prior to race day, but I've always just gotten to the Speedway early enough before the race. I have always preregistered, which I highly recommend because it allows you to go through the shorter line. The pickup area isn't the most organized, though. I think plenty of people go to the wrong line, and that area in general seems to be a little confusing and chaotic.

After getting your bib and packet, there's a dj, some local mascots, and photo opps while you wait for the race to start. The course is mostly flat, with a couple of decent hills. It goes fast, though, because of the distractions of all the lights. This race is perfect for new and/or slower runners. It's also good for families; strollers are allowed on the course and I think kids would have a great time doing this race.

Santa and Mrs Claus greet you as you cross the finish line. The post-race treats are... Cookies and Milk, of course! There were other treats as well. Water, too.