We expected the New Las Vegas Marathon to be a big party, and we weren't disappointed. The first 6 miles of the course are the coolest 6 miles I've run in any urban setting. The next 20 were kind of boring, as we wandered off into residential areas. Crowd support was surprisingly good, considering the marathon was keeping many of our spectators from leaving their homes that day. Since the race was put on by Devine Racing, we were surprised at the lack of organization. While water was available at least every mile, there weren't nearly enough portable toilets. There were no instructions about where to go in the morning, or how to get around with road closures. We had to call the Mandalay Bay Resort and get information from them. We finished in the middle of the pack. There were empty gel packs all over the ground, but we never saw any being passed out. The entertainment was good, but sparse in the boring areas where it was most needed. The medal and shirt were great, and the expo was the best I've ever attended. The inconveniences were minor, and didn't keep us from having a great time. We plan to run it again in 2006.

The start of the course was incredible. We started at 6 AM, so it was still dark out (and quite cold). The entire strip was lit up, and they had fireworks going off at the start. We started at the southernmost part of the strip, and ran up through it, then went on to the Freemont Street experience, which was my personal favorite. It does get a little boring after that though. But I was running with a good friend, which helped a ton, so I'd recommend running this one with someone. Also, the course is great for fans coming out to watch you, as long as they have a car. The people that came to watch us were able to see us 5 times during the race, due to the square-shaped course. There was plenty of security and police to monitor any traffic.

The fans, although not great in their numbers, made up for it with their quality. Everyone was excited to see the runners. The people at the water stations were great too. I liked that there were water stations at every mile. And, as mentioned in other reviews, a few of the mile markers were misplaced. The clocks were all in the right places, but the actual markers were not. Something to fix for next year. The wind was pretty intense at times, and there are a few hills that sneak up on you, but for the most part it is very flat. Some pretty mountains in the background. One thing that was frustrating was seeing the strip/finish about 6 miles before you get there. It definitely made those last few miles seem even longer.

Race shirt was a really nice Dri-Fit. The medal was the coolest one I have ever gotten. A decent goodie bag with some new 'runner' food that was fun to try. The race started a little late which was annoying, and the announcer guy was pretty cheesy.

I would do this race again for the sole fact that you get to stay in Vegas. The 2 days following the marathon were so much fun, and it's a great city to visit. I heard really bad things about the 'old' Vegas Marathon, so I'd have to say the new one is a big improvement.

I run for my health and enjoy running for what it is. It's not about spectators, water, porta-potties, or even the finisher's medal. It's about running... to be amongst a family of health conscious people having fun. I enjoyed all the day had to offer and will run this marathon again!!!

The course seemed fast to me - I improved by 15 minutes. Volunteers were good. I never had to take a cup off a table because it was always handed to me. In the 'off strip' areas lots of people called out my name (it was on my bib). Plenty of police and volunteers to control traffic. Because the race started at 6 a.m., there was lots of time left in the day to recuperate and then party in the casino.

Having read all of the comments so far, here are those I agree with - the start in the dark to fireworks was like nothing else and as was the music played before we started it was quite emotional, then there was the run up the strip with all of the features going (fountains at Bellagios, etc.); this was unique in itself, the superb marshaling and traffic/crowd control throughout were fantastic and I loved the medal and thought the t-shirt was great - the first technical one I have ever received and this was my 8th marathon.

With regards to some of the other comments made, these are only my opinions but I feel that yes, once you were through Freemont St. the course became a little dull, but from what I've read about the previous LV Marathons, this must have been a hell of a lot more interesting. As a visitor to Vegas from England (my 3rd time) I guess I don't know the place well enough off the strip, but I can't see how they could have made it much more interesting without repetitive laps, also, there was so much entertainment on the way round it was easy to be lifted by that. The winds, yep, I think everyone struggled there, but again, with regards to previous LV Marathon comments, this was to be expected. And the comments about the food afterwards, I am amazed of what is expected here. Maybe it is an English thing, but all we tend to get afterwards is water and sometimes some energy drink or bar so I didn't go looking for food at the end; sounds like you guys must have had a feast at previous races.

I have to comment as well on the race updates that friends received. These were pretty much instant and it was good to hear that for my pals logged on at home, they could see how I was doing in real time... not 7 or 8 hours later - very impressive!

I think pretty much, the only gripe I'd like to mention is that I agree on the comments about the mile markers - 2 of them were way out, which is a shame for feedback to the organizers. There seemed to be a lot of effort behind each one.... I've not run a marathon before with a clock at each marker.

Overall, fantastic race; I got a PB and would love to come back

I would do a half-marathon, if they have one next year. But I have run twice in Vegas; maybe time to move on. A poster would have been nice. And MORE port-a-johns!!!!!!!!!!!!! But for anyone, this is a good 1st or 2nd marathon. Flat and somewhat easy. But windy. Go for it!

The race was a disappointment. There was a lack or organization at the start. We lined up on a first come, first serve basis which caused me to have to run on the sidewalks to get around the walkers. There were not many port-o-potties and I didn't see one aid station. The mile markers and clocks were WAY off! Once off the strip the run was extremely boring!!! It was mind torture!!!!

Las Vegas was my second marathon experience. Without much to compare it to, I would state that it was a great experience for me.

I agree that the majority of the race lacked scenery and spectators. But I was there to run my best time. I was not there to mingle and experience the 'warm-fuzzies' of a Devine Race.

What made this marathon great? The Las Vegas Police Dept. and the volunteers at every water station. We were safe and we were well hydrated and that was all I cared about.

I will probably not return to this race soley because I want to try different venues. But I would recommend this race to anyone interested in a fun weekend experience.

Thanks to the organizers for keeping me safe!

This marathon was exciting to run down the strip and on Freemont Street, but after that the course was somewhat boring. DEFINITELY NEED MORE PORTA-JOHNS on the course. I didn't like having to run in a church to use their bathroom. Also pacers would have been nice. I had a hard time seeing the mile markers. Some must have had spectators standing in front. Having them up high like in Boston would be nice. That way you can also see it coming as your running to it. Overall though, I would run this again. But again, more porta-johns on the course.

With all the wind and "distraction" of partying in Las Vegas, you really need to approach this as a fun run. Unfortunately, with the long, open straight-aways on this run, the course could only be described as boring.