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Apr 28, 2024

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon Runner Comments

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

Course 3.3

Organization 2.7

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 736 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 74 > ]

D. O. from IA (1/26/2015) "My first/last R&R marathon" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Most of marathon course was dark, isolated and just plain boring. Post-race food (or lack of it) was disappointing. A bottle of water, a bag of pretzels and an offer of a beer. Was told that all the bananas were rotten (big stack of banana boxes). R&R seemed to spend a lot of money on the 'start line' experience. Hope they consider spending more on post-race in the future.
T. S. from Indianapolis (12/10/2014) "Some roll, not much rock" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Echoing pretty much everybody else, this is likely a great half-marathon but just a so-so full. Pretty cool running The Strip, albeit a bit on the crowded side, but Freemont Street (marathoners only) was the best. Among the bad things: Traffic. Not sure the organizers can do much to improve it, but just make sure you plan for extra time to get anywhere. The start was a mess. Probably my own fault that I didn't realize there were 48 corrals, but I could only manage to get up to No. 25 when I was supposed to be in 15. Not a huge deal if it hadn't been so crowded. I was in that position because while waiting in the porta-potty line before the start, it was announced gear-check trucks would be leaving in 1 minute. ... 15 minutes before the scheduled start! So that resulted in a mad dash across the parking lot to check gear before getting back in the porta-potty line. Expo was OK packet pickup was well organized but it was super-crowded. Waited 15 minutes in line at the Expo to get a wrist band for beer after the race (which I didn't manage to find). An expo highlight, however, was getting to hear Meb give a talk. And finally, for a Rock 'n Roll event (my first, probably my last), there sure weren't that many bands. If it's entertainment you want, check out Indy's Mini-Marathon in May. It probably has two to three times as many acts as Vegas marathon does in half the distance.
E. G. from Murray, Utah (12/5/2014) "Awesome experience" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run this race every year since 2009, so my views are definitely biased. I love this race. There is nothing like running down Las Vegas Boulevard as night descends and seeing the lights and sites of the Las Vegas valley. That being said, I do agree with a lot of other people's assessments: if you plan on being near the cutoff point (5 hours) definitely move up in the corrals. The corrals, while I've seen worse, are generally a free for all. Most people were respectful but clearly there were walkers in the first dozen corrals. I was in corral 13 and I saw people who should've been in corral 30+ standing next to me. Competitor group really needs to look at this situation as it really hurts those seeking a personal best. The race has tried to spruce up the middle miles (12 - 20). They've added lighted bridges to keep you mentally occupied, but running through north Vegas isn't exactly the most scenic or inspiring. I think they are headed in the right direction and hope to see more improvements. Also don't expect much for fan support in North Vegas. However, running along the Strip and along Fremont street is just an incredible experience. Fremont Street was such a 'power up' in terms of getting high-fives and cheers from spectators and best of all you get to run along it twice. The shirt was okay this year. I definitely prefer 2012's but this one does glow in the dark. The medal is heavy-duty and it too, glows in the dark. Course support was the best this year. There were many fantastic volunteers and I found more than enough hydration stations - usually at each mile and a half or so. The number of bathrooms on the course seemed limited, especially early on. I did find that the runner village had more than enough bathrooms and I never had to wait more than 3 minutes. The swag bag was super weak as well as perks available to you while you are in Vegas. In years past you could get discounts at restaurants and such. This year, I found nothing I could use. To really get your money's worth, you need to visit the exhibitors at the Expo. Post race food was typical of a large marathon: fruit, protein bars, chocolate milk, pretzels and Gatorade. Unfortunately nothing fancy. Overall, I'd recommend this race for those seeking a truly unique experience of running the Strip at night. If you are competing, attempting a PR, or trying for a Boston qualifier, you really need to get in the first 3 to 4 corrals, otherwise you'll be hemmed in by walkers and you'll likely wind up short changed and frustrated. I am registered for 2015 and am looking forward to running it again!
R. B. from California (12/3/2014) "Half-marathon was fun" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I decided to run the half-marathon because I wasn't sure I could make the 5-hour time limit. I am glad I made that decision. My friends were rerouted early in the race and were on pace to finish within the 5 hour time frame. I had four hours and made the best of it. I stopped about every 2 to 3 miles to have a drink at the cheap bars. I ran with friends so I had a good time. I was disappointed with course and with the shortage of music/bands. I have ran the Portland and Seattle Rock and Roll and they had bands every couple of miles. The half-marathoners did not get the Fremont Experience, so the only fun part was about a mile on the strip where people cheered and held out their hands. I don't know why walkers decided to get in the early corrals. This generally is a problem with shorter races. I wish that organizers would make it clear, that walkers should start in the back.
J. B. from California (12/3/2014) "Needs a lot of work" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 This race has serious problems. Very disorganized. I thought it would be a fun experience to run Vegas at night, but the route was mostly dark and boring with limited spectators (with the exception of Fremont Experience). I didn't get to finish the race due to the misinformation of the cutoff time. We were told in the corrals that the cutoff time would not start until the last person left the corral. I was feeling good and keeping pace when I was instructed to move off course. It was ridiculous that they rerouted people so early in the race. I was in corral 28 and had to either walk or try to zig zag around all the walkers. I don't know how anyone who was in the later corrals could have finished since it was based on expected finish time. It was a very disappointing race that was extremely expensive. I also had to change my flight to pick up my packet since they didn't allow morning pick up.
L. M. from El Paso, TX (12/2/2014) "Worts. Experience. Ever" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Will never run another Rock & Roll event. 30th marathon, 1st Vegas/Rock & Roll. From packet pick-up to the 5K to the marathon, absolutely the worst event I have ever experienced. The 5 hr limit was bogus. Started in 34th corral behind many half runners; don't advertise a 5 hour limit under conditions like that. Half folks had 18+ minute pace and trying to pass throngs of them walking on The Strip was frustrating to say the least. I ran injured (recovering from ACL surgery) but figured I could manage a 5 hour race. Maintained a 4:59:50 pace up to 1st cut off where I had to fight with a rude marshal; this within steps from a person funneling full runners onto the full course. At each cut off it was another fight with arrogant people; again the course was literally closed as I approached and I continued to pass people right up to the end. The stop and fight, run fast to maintain pace took its toll and ended up with a 5:14 and change finish. Do not run this event unless you like bullies who are only interested in your money, not your experience.
C. S. from Orlando, Florida (12/2/2014) "Marathon course was an afterthought" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Run the half! As many have commented, this is a half marathon event with a marathon option as an afterthought. I would have rather run the 1/2 course twice. No people after leaving Fremont St until returning to Fremont some 13 miles later and I do mean no people, much less spectators. Just you and the police. The half looked fun, the full was not. You'll only run the strip outbound. Inbound it stops just before you hit the meat of it at the Mirage. If they put the finish line at the start line this would be a significantly better marathon experience, maybe even a 5 star route if done right. The corral situation was a good idea in theory but was chaotic in practice. Walkers are a hazard for the first couple of miles but thats normal nowadays. The expo and pre-race concert were solid and deserve mention. For an event with so many participants overall, there just didn't seem to be much interest in the race unless you were running. I would not recommend the full unless it's a 50 state option or your a runner who likes spending money to run long boring routes. I would recommend the half though.
A. B. from Alexandria, Virginia (11/29/2014) "I'm glad I ran this marathon!" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon on November 16, 2014. Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, runners, spectators, and everyone who made it happen. I ran this marathon because I want to run one in every city in which I have lived. So far, I have run Buffalo, Chicago, Houston, Mexico City, DC, and Vegas. Buenos Aires is left. This marathon was well organized, the expo was good, and running under the lights in Las Vegas was amazing. The run through the Fremont Street Experience (twice) and the finish at the Mirage, under the Cirque du Soleil Love sign, were awesome. That said, I am one and done with night marathons. It started at 4:30 p.m. so it was dark soon, and continuously watching out for ruts in the street and other runners was distracting. My system didn't adjust properly to the later start time so I had 'intestinal issues' throughout the race. It confirmed that I am a morning runner. The section between miles 10-22 was isolated and lonely at times but overall it was simply another opportunity to excel. For future marathons, I suggest that there be markers at every mile, and lights on each of them. The markers were gray in color and I missed a few because it was dark and I didn't always run on the right side of the street.
Christine McCarthy from England (11/22/2014) "Missed the marathon split" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 Entered the marathon. Missed the split. Ended up only doing the half. Devastated.16 weeks hard training wasted. Can't understand how it happened. I was focused and feeling good. I didn't see any sign or Marshall instructing me tor see anyone go in a different direction. I was on for a sub 3.15 marathon. This would of been my 18th marathon. Travelled a long way and spent a lot of money to end up only doing the half.
E. B. from Ca (11/22/2014) "Fun, Fun, Fun Race!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We were happy to run on the LV strip & Fremont St! We missed the pre-race concert due to too many taking public transportation. We could have walked and made the concert if we had thought it through. Race was well organized and the only complaint was that the exit was too long. We expected to have the opportunity to exit sooner and picked the hotel with that in mind. Course was good and well lit, we would have enjoyed more music, but the bands and piped-in music that were playing were excellent. Great photo opps and finish-line. Race support & expo were great as well. We were fortunate as the wind and weather were not an issue this year.

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