GOOD: This was my 3rd marathon and my 1st out-of-town marathon (I live in LA). The course was definitely easier than my previous two (LA & Long Beach), and I thought the support and entertainment was as good or better than LA or LB. There were guys running dressed as Uncle Sam, a pimp, and of course a bunch of Elvises (running and as spectators). And that one guy running only wearing tan briefs. And where else do you run with people who got married along the course? The weather was cold and windy, which turned out to be perfect for me, since once I started running, it became the perfect temperature for me (not hot, not cold, just right).

NOT-SO-GOOD: Port-a-potties were hard to find & when I could find them, very few in number (maybe it is to encourage runners to run faster to find the next available port-a-potties =)). Also, mile markers, time clocks, and water stations were a couple of hundred yards apart, so you couldn't tell exactly where each mile was. It was discouraging to hear that I was at mile so-and-so at the mile marker, then again hear the same thing two minutes later at the water station. I guess it didn't have as much negative impact on me as I thought at the time, since it was my PR. I would definitely run again next year.

I had a great time at this race: I really liked the opening ceremony and the roadside entertainment, esp. gospel choirs and 70s funk band. Course had many supportive spectators and plenty of aid stations. Since it is winter, I expected cooler temps and maybe some wind. I recommend this race for serious and recreational runners.

This was my 125th marathon; this year alone it was #35. What a difference from the previus marathon. The course was much more scenic and fun, and the fireworks also a very nice touch. Congrats to the lady that sang the national anthem. Only one comment: We need more porta-johns for the future. Supporters and volunteers were great. Thanks to all of you, I was able to finish in 3 hours and 38 minutes, despite the wind. That was better than in previous years (Mother Nature deals). The music was great - hope next year you have more bands.

Congratulations to Devine Racing, see you next year, and the next year, and the next....

After running Salt Lake City, I knew with Devine Racing it would be a first-class event. Great medals and t-shirts. Plenty of well stocked water stops with friendly volunteers. Running down the strip and downtown was a great way to start. Unfortunately, the scenery after that was not very pretty. It would have also been nice to finish at least the last mile on the strip instead of that back road running next to the freeway, but I understand that it would mean closing part of the strip for many hours, which is probaby not possible.

I ran as an Elvis, and it was an experience I would recommend to anyone, although it wasn't always easy to intentionally put on the brakes. Many thanks to the runners who shouted out 'Go Elvis!,' the spectators who hi-fived and waved signs, the several gospel choirs and the hula girls who energized me, and to the incredible number of volunteers it took to stage this event! It would have been nice to know if there was an official awards ceremony, but I could not find anyone who knew what was going on afterwards. I couldn't believe how many male runners 'watered' the desert landscape along the way. Sounds like extreme hydration! However, more johns were probably needed.

We came into this race expecting all that was promised: A great course, lots of fans, well-run event, great after party.... The list goes on, but the problems started from the gun when there was no separation between runners/walkers of different ability levels. Things went downhill when people were running into casinos to find bathrooms because race organizers hadn't provided nearly enough facilities for the number of runners. We lost over 45 minutes throughout the race waiting... and waiting. We loved being in Vegas... but the event needs to improve big time before we would ever consider coming back. We did not feel like we got our money's worth from this event!

The weather was good, but windy. I could have done with less wind, but it was what it was. The course was wonderfully flat for most of the route. There were just enough little grades and hills to give my muscles a small break. There were some unexpected grades at the end, though that made it tough to run through. But, that was maybe just me. Overall the aid stations were great, the volunteers cannot be thanked enough. They were awesome. Spectators were wonderful and encouraging. Vegas became a very friendly place. The fireworks and entertainment along the way really did keep my mind occupied. I loved that no matter how fast or how slow I ran (or walked) there were always enough people with me to feel safe and secure.

The only complaint I have - and I do have one: The website promised porta-potties at every mile. There were not. People were peeing in the bushes and against walls because there weren't enough facilities to accommodate the large numbers of people. I had to stop a couple of times and go into convenience stores off the route - and wait in line in order to use a bathroom. Not good for my overall time. Other than that, it was an awesome experience. Especially at the end, I felt the energy from the spectators cheering us on - even calling each of us by name and encouraging us to the finish. It was like a giant sling shot to the end for the energy the crowd shared with us runners. Wonderful. I'd encourage any and all to try the Las Vegas Marathon!

The previous incarnation of the Las Vegas is a distant faded memory!!! The New Las Vegas Marathon is a destination marathon worth doing each year and was done right!!! For those who missed it, don't miss the next one. Devine knows how to do a marathon right!!! I'll see you and Elvis next year!!!

For a first-time race, overall I enjoyed the event. Below are the pros & cons I experienced:

Pros:
1. Course was scenic and had many downhill sections. Plus, running down the strip & through the Fremont Street experience was WONDERFUL. I did the 1/2 for the old Vegas Marathon, and this blew it out of the water.
2. The fan support throughout the entire course was far better than I had expected.
3. I've run 14 marathons, and this medal is by far my favorite.
4. I love the wicking t-shirt
5. Aid stations were well supported, and provided every mile - only complaint was that they lost consistency of the set-up later in the race (started out always having water before Gatorade, then switched & went back & forth from stop to stop).

Cons:
1. My biggest complaint for the race was that I believe the course was long. I used my GPS and in the end showed the total distance as about .7 miles long. While this could be a little off, I also asked a few other people wearing other brands of GPS systems near the end, and had the same response (they were all showing the course being long). This system has been reliable in several other races.
2. Finish line food was sub-par and hard to find. While it was an unusually cold morning, this time of year the average lows in Vegas are in the upper 30's. The only finish line food was a tiny bag of trail mix, a banana and an orange. Given the entry fee, they should certainly be able to provide something hot.
3. Starting line: I received a wristband with my number, but initially had no idea what it was for. After asking, I found out that it was to separate sub-4:00 runners into a different corral from everyone else. This was a great idea, however, race morning, with the thousands of people crowding the street, any signs that may have existed were not visible and I could not get to the area.

Despite the cons I listed above, I would consider doing this race again and believe that these areas can easily be improved.

A very well designed and flat course, with great mile markers and entertainment along the way. Water stops every mile and Gatorade stops every two miles, but a little lacking in the bathroom department.

For anyone who has done the previous Las Vegas Marathons, this event was superior in every way.First-class organization and course-work. Recommend it!! A run up the strip to start the race is great!