FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Runners to Rock the Vegas Strip
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon
marks first ever Las Vegas Strip closure for a private event
Las Vegas, NV – June 10, 2009 – The inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas
Marathon & Half Marathon powered by Zappos.com to benefit the Crohn's &
Colitis Foundation of America will debut on December 6, 2009 with a
revamped, glitzy new course. In unprecedented fashion, the Rock 'n' Roll
Las Vegas event will close Las Vegas Boulevard to all vehicular traffic and
instead will rock with tens of thousands of runners in both the northbound
and southbound lanes of the Strip. Half marathoners will enjoy the sites
and sounds of the electrifying Las Vegas Boulevard for nearly the entire
13.1-mile course.
"Las Vegas is a natural fit for the Competitor Group's Rock and Roll series
of events and we are thrilled that they have stepped up to the plate to
make this experience the best it can be for the runners that come to our
town from all across the world to participate," said Clark County
Commission Chairman Rory Reid. "We have great expectations for this year's
race taking place on the famous Las Vegas Strip and to have a partner with
a world-class brand, known for their top notch entertainment, is not only
exciting but synonymous with what visitors to Las Vegas have come to expect
with everything they do in Vegas."
The Competitor Group, organizers of the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas
Marathon & Half Marathon promise an entertaining destination event for
runners and walkers of all abilities. Approximately 20,000 participants are
expected for the musical event that will showcase the glitz and glamour of
Las Vegas when it debuts in December.
"Never before have both sides of the strip been closed for the race," said
Adam Zocks, General Manager of the event. "This is a world-class course
that will attract elite and amateur athletes while providing a fun-filled
tour of the vibrant attractions that make Las Vegas the international
destination it has become."
The race will begin in front of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and will
head south on the Las Vegas Strip for less than a mile before making a
u-turn and proceeding in the north bound lanes. At approximately mile 7.5,
all participants will turn around and head back in the south bound lanes of
Las Vegas Boulevard. The marathon will split from the half marathon at
Spring Mountain Road at around mile 10.5. Half marathoners will complete
the remaining distance on the southbound lanes to the finish line at
Mandalay Bay.
Marathon runners will continue west on Twain Avenue, turning south onto
Rainbow before looping heading out and back on West Hacienda Avenue. The
marathon course will conclude, with a final loop behind the Luxor just past
mile 25, before finishing at Mandalay Bay.
"There is no better place to hold a marathon than in the world's greatest
city, fabulous Las Vegas. The lights and energy of the town will make this
a memorable experience for all of the runners, not to mention all of the
excitement that our city has to offer before and after the race when they
stay and play," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
In keeping with the true spirit of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, the
Las Vegas race features live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders
along the flat and fast course. Throw in the infamous Running Elvi and a
run-through wedding chapel where participants can get married or renew
their vows and you have one amazing event weekend.
A free two-day "Health and Fitness Expo" will be held December 4 & 5 to
kickoff event weekend. The Expo will be open to the public and feature the
latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for
sample and sale and fitness-related clinics.
With the excitement of the new course, the Las Vegas event is expected to
"sell out" based on the trend at recent inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
races in San Antonio and Seattle. For more information or to register for
the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas visit las-vegas.competitor.com or
call 800-311-1255.
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