I really enjoyed the new course. Fireworks over the strip at the start were great. If you plan on going to Las Vegas, expect wind. To all of the people who complained about the wind, we all ran in it, we all entered a marathon in a place that is typically windy, and it really wasn't that bad.

The volunteers were great, and it was nice to see a more suburban area of Las Vegas.

There is no denying the thrill of the start of this marathon, but after you have seen the strip and downtown, you are in for a boring run. The fan support was not great, which can be chalked up to a cold day and a 6 AM start, and there is a need to be very clear with the mile markers. Having the distance wrong at Mile 19 is a killer to the psyche! I agree with the comments about the porta-potties - please deliver what was promised!

Having said all that, I have to think that the organizers will have most of the kinks worked out by the next race, and it is worth it if only for the great spectacle of the start!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!