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Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 2.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 736 [displaying comments 661 to 671]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 65 66 67 68 69 .. 74 > ]

 

Stephen Schmitt from New Jersey, United States (12/11/2005)
"very disappointing" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 3


I had the displeasure of running the 'New Las Vegas Marathon 2005' this December and I must say prior to this race I thought that Elite Racing events were unpleasant, but after running a Devine Racing event, I think I will return to Elite events.... They at least have more then a couple of port-o-johns throughout the course, as well as more then just one aid station. Upon crossing the finish line I was also discouraged to see that all they had waiting for the runners was a bottle of water, two pieces of fruit, and a small bag of trail mix. Devine Racing had better work out whatever bugs they have or Elite will end up dominating marathons.

 

W. A. from Atlanta, GA (12/11/2005)
"Fabulous Vegas Marathon" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Don't know what else I can add that hasn't already been said about the great new marathon. I ran the old course in January & had a miserable time but thought running the strip would be cool. It was!! The first 8 miles on the strip then Freemont Street really pumped you for the rest of the course, which was typical marathon scenery, nothing particularly good or bad. The crowd support was sparse in areas but I still gave it 4 stars because I thought the people that were out were very enthusiastic. Especially the man that came out in what looked like his PJs to say good morning to everyone as we passed his house.

There were some mile markers out of place - there is no way I did an 8-minute mile at mile 21! - but I can live with that. And I never did find any food at the finish, although I really didn't look too hard for it either. The medal & shirt ROCK. I'll do this one again.

 

Don Pattison from Bartlett, IL (12/10/2005)
"I was suprised to see any spectators " (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


It was cool out there when we started, I think it was about 39 degrees and I was suprised to see anyone cheering us on but they were there. (Not only on the strip but in the back miles.) The folks that were out there were dressed for winter; God bless them for putting up with it to cheer on perfect strangers.

This course could be a record-breaker if there was no wind, LOTS of long flat and wide road. Of course there were LOTS of pissed off drivers that must not have read about the road closures. The wind was big factor in Sunday's race; it seemed to be in your face about 3/4 of the course (not sure how that worked out) but the last 4-6 miles it was at your back - just when we needed it.

The start was great, with lots of yelling, and the fireworks were outstanding. It didn't matter to me if the mile markers were a bit off, because it was still 26.2 miles. Outstanding job with the number of water stops and Gatorade stops.

Having timing mats every 5K was also a first. Most races only have them at 15K, 1/2, 25K, 40K or so. The text message alerts came through immediately whereas at Chicago the alerts were coming through 7 hours after the race ended. That could just be the number of folks that used the feature. It was great for following up on my split times.

Only big downside was that there were not enough porta-johns on the course.... Lots of guys and gals headed for the scrub brush. Another feature that would have helped was to have some pacers. There were lots of 1st-timers out there that could have used a pace group (even veteran runners use them). Keeps you from burning out the first several miles.

Loved the medal and the shirt was a technical shirt so that gets worn in the spring or summer.

Had a great time in Las Vegas and again this could be a record-breaking course.

 

B. H. from Minnesota (12/10/2005)
"Overall: good marathon" (about: 2005)

2 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


Could have been better. The course was great - pretty flat, but scenic. The route with the final mile running parallel/behind the strip allowed for few spectators near the end. I think that there were 3 porta-potties for the entire course. Lots of water/Gatorade stops. I will do this race again, but location and time of year trump all other reasons.

 

T. S. from Lancaster, Ohio (12/10/2005)
"Will definitely do this one again!" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Excellent marathon from start to finish. The fireworks as we headed down the strip set the tone for a fast, fun run. Running on the strip and Fremont Street was great. I felt like a true VIP. There was enthusiastic crowd support. The volunteers were friendly, cheering me along all the way. Plenty of water and Gatorade and snacks. (Thanks for the Twizzlers at mile 22.) There was entertainment at every mile - everything from showgirls to gospel choirs. And the finish medal is a one of a kind. I'm looking forward to running this one again next year.

 

genevieve bobyn from canada (12/10/2005)
"I had the time of my life!" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I had a wonderful experience, thank you Devine.... Next time more porta-potties, those lines were too much.

 

D. S. from Red Lodge, MT (12/10/2005)
"Great fans, fun, location - needs organization!" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


Let's cover the bad before the good: This was a $90 registration fee (early!) that got you... badly misplaced mile markers, no pacing placards at the start, lousy separation of runners & spectators, a too-narrow start chute for 12K runners, and at the finish, very nonchalant & UNexcited dispensers of medals, warmer wraps, and - worst of all - a feed that consisted of one bottle of water and a bag with an orange, a banana, and 1 oz. of trail mix. I ran a PR and it was a huge downer at the finish: No one to talk to, unless you paid for a photo with an Elvis or a showgirl. All of this is addressable and let's hope they do it, because there's much good about this new course & management: A flat course, a very informative website, tremendous volunteers and entertainment all along the course, a city with the most incredible restaurants for a post-race splurge, and - above all - great fun touches that are uniquely Vegas. (Like the 40 Elvis impersonator runners, and the 25 runner couples who ducked into the wedding chapel for 'quickie' Vegas marriages DURING the race.) This is the only U.S. marathon that has legal gambling (only on the pros). There's great potential here for a marathon that's Best in the West.

 

K. M. from Canada (12/9/2005)
"Pretty Cool!" (about: 2005)

3 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Quite enjoyed the Vegas Marathon experience! I agree with many of the previous comments - great start to race, good expo, and good support along the route. I'd change a few things, but one for sure is that runners need to know where to line up at the start (pace signs would have been good - and walkers should have known to get behind 10,000 runners). All and all, a pretty cool experience! Will do again!

 

J. F. from Oak Park, Ca. (12/9/2005)
"Well Organized & Fun 1st Event" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


My friend Dan Bleich (he likes to have his name mentioned!) and I drove up for the weekend event. The entire expo, etc., reminded me very much of the LA Marathon. Same type of atmosphere... frantic and crowded. We had both run the 'old' LV Marathon, and this is a definite upgrade. The beginning was strangely cool. With the fireworks streaming through the predawn sky.... Only in Vegas. The run was great going along the Strip and into downtown. After the Freemont however, it was like being on a movie studio lot and then leaving. The starkness of the desert jolted you back to the task at hand. The course was a bit dull (very dull according to Dan Bleich) but the spectators and volunteers seemed to make up for it. I loved being able to see the Mandalay Bay Hotel from about 3 or 4 miles out. It gave me that extra boost to finish strong. The finish area also reminded me of LA: No food other than oranges and trail mix. Not that I can eat immediately after a marathon, but I'm sure many runners (Dan Bleich) would have taken advantage if the refreshments had been ample. Otherwise, a very good start to will hopefully become a yearly tradition.

 

M. M. from Oak Park, Il (12/9/2005)
"Las Vegas did it right" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I ran my personal best. The course was great. Spectators were fun, and the police did a great job keeping the course closed for the runners. Fireworks, Elvis, weddings and losing in the casinos - great weekend.

 

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