Being the first, I was prepared for problems but I was pleasantly surprised; from the expo to the finish, it was a very well-run event. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!.

Although Vegas had marathons previously, with a new course, a new race director/organization, and a new time of year, many consider this to be an inaugural event. As such, they did a great job, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone in the future.

Better than average expo; we saw Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit Samuelson speak there - is there a more famous American marathon duo?

Nearly 12,000 started the race, and as far as I can tell it went off without a hitch. Great fireworks at the start, great running down the strip and seeing the fountains at Bellagio and the volcano at the Mirage, then through downtown and the Fremont Street Experience. Rest of the route was so-so, but there were many bands, gospel groups, jugglers and clowns, cheerleaders and showgirls (Santa's Hot Little Elves!) to entertain you along the route. Crowd support was lacking in some areas; I think if the weather was better the crowds would have been there. Really think this can be one of the country's mega-marathons, could easily see them doubling the field next year if they can overcome some of the challenges.

Running down the strip was very distracting - wish we could have finished the same way. Great race, just need more bathrooms. Would definitely consider this one again. What a fun trip.

Try November in '06.

This was my 6th marathon this year and the most fun. The course is relatively flat and fast. The race was well organized and to run down the strip before the sun rises was quite a rush. The support was solid; lots of children volunteering and all the bands (especially the gospel band) were AWESOME. My only recommendation would be better crowd control at the finish line and a designated family reunion. Loved the medal and watching the marathon in the evening.
Thank you, Vegas, for this great inaugural race.

The best thing about this marathon was the finisher's medal and the fireworks as we ran down the strip in the morning. Once you left the strip the course was boring and flat, and did I say boring?! I think the morning organization was ok, but the post-race area was out of control. The water and Gatorade on the course were well provided, but after running 26.2 miles most runners are starving a bagel isn't asking for to much is it! The advertised bands were nonexistent, and the spectators were OK. Did I say the course was boring! I guess I was just expecting more; the old Las Vegas Marathon must have really sucked, because some people think this race was awesome in comparison. Would I run the race again? Maybe it gives you something to do while in Vegas for the weekend. PEACE.

It's great that Devine Racing purchased the rights of the New Las Vegas Marathon and moved it to The Strip, because that's what got me to run this marathon. The best part of the course was when they shot off the fireworks at the start on Las Vegas Blvd., as well as running through the Fremont Street Experience. Although the course does go through some depressed sections of North Las Vegas and although it was cold and windy, I thought that the course was fairly decent. Maybe they can fine tune the course in the near future. It was also nice getting your finisher photo taken with 1 of the 2 showgirls. They need to improve the directions in terms of getting to the expo and also the gear check-in area. Because Mandalay Bay is such a huge resort, they need to specify in the brochure on which streets the expo is located. The expo was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Bayside B. They need to specify that it is located on Mandalay Road off Las Vegas Blvd. They need to also specify that the Convention Center is West of the Mandalay Resort. I had to walk almost 45 minutes to 1 hour to find The expo. Same for the gear storage area on race day. They said it was located in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center parking lot, but there are 2 huge parking lots at Mandalay Bay. They need to specify that the Convention Center parking lot is along Las Vegas Blvd. and Russell Ave. and behind Frank Sinatra Drive. Because I did not know where the Convention Center parking lot was, I had to get up extra early to find the gear storage area. They also need to place more porta-potties on the course. Overall it was exciting to run down The Strip, past all of the casinos. It was more of an experience for me since I haven't been to Las Vegas in 22 years. With a little better organization, The L.V. Marathon can only get better. Now you can call it a true Las Vegas Marathon.

I enjoyed the course and the frequent water and Gatorade stops, which were very well staffed. This was my 7th marathon.

I liked the cold and the wind. You can plan for this by layering and using wicking materials like 'Under Iron.' Those looking for perfect conditions should try Chicago but there you have to deal with the crowd at the start.

I was skeptical after reading old reviews but the new organizers did a very good job.

For those commenting about porta-potties, that is what the street is for. But if you needed to use one, the lines were much shorter than other races I have run.

I would have liked to have had some beer at the race's end, and maybe some team challenge tents like Chicago.

I stayed a couple of days after and took in entertainment; Mama Mia was great and I also recommend the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris.

This was my first Las Vegas Marathon and I was very impressed with how organized this event turned out to be. The fireworks show at the start was spectacular, and the entire city seemed to be in support of this huge event. The view of the strip at sunrise was breathtaking, and this course was tough to get through, but very rewarding. I eagerly look forward to running again next year.

This was a great first effort. The first 6 miles of the race were great. After than the course was a bit boring and not very attractive but it was flat. Weather was terrific. The running Elvises mentioned previously were a great help. I found them at mile 15 and they gave me a real pick-me-up. Race coverage was good. I've run larger races many times where locals didn't even know it was happening. Local TV coverage, huge signs at the Mandalay Bay, etc. Really picked up visibility. Crowds were thin, but may get better in future years.

Pit stops were good and volunteers great.

A couple of things could improve the race. First, clear signs for starting groups. There was a lot of passing due to slow runners in front. Second, porta-johns as previously mentioned. I'm not sure they were not there. In some cases I saw them but they were so far off the course they could easily be missed. Third, (I hate to say this as volunteers are always the greatest) tell the volunteers to cut up the oranges before they hand them out. A whole orange at mile 15 is hard to deal with. Fourth, better directions at the finish. It was hard to find food, etc.

The above are minor complaints. Overall it was a fun race.