Runners To Rock The Vegas Strip 12/6 At Inaugural Marathon

The inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon powered by Zappos.com to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will debut on December 6, 2009 with a revamped, glitzy new course. In unprecedented fashion, the Rock ‘n' Roll Las Vegas event will close Las Vegas Boulevard to all vehicular traffic and instead will rock with tens of thousands of runners in both the northbound and southbound lanes of the Strip. Half marathoners will enjoy the sites and sounds of the electrifying Las Vegas Boulevard for nearly the entire 13.1-mile course.

"Las Vegas is a natural fit for the Competitor Group's Rock and Roll series of events and we are thrilled that they have stepped up to the plate to make this experience the best it can be for the runners that come to our town from all across the world to participate," said Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid. "We have great expectations for this year's race taking place on the famous Las Vegas Strip and to have a partner with a world-class brand, known for their top notch entertainment, is not only exciting but synonymous with what visitors to Las Vegas have come to expect with everything they do in Vegas."

The Competitor Group, organizers of the inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon promise an entertaining destination event for runners and walkers of all abilities. Approximately 20,000 participants are expected for the musical event that will showcase the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas when it debuts in December.

"Never before have both sides of the strip been closed for the race," said Adam Zocks, General Manager of the event. "This is a world-class course that will attract elite and amateur athletes while providing a fun-filled tour of the vibrant attractions that make Las Vegas the international destination it has become."

The race will begin in front of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and will head south on the Las Vegas Strip for less than a mile before making a u-turn and proceeding in the north bound lanes. At approximately mile 7.5, all participants will turn around and head back in the south bound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard. The marathon will split from the half marathon at Spring Mountain Road at around mile 10.5. Half marathoners will complete the remaining distance on the southbound lanes to the finish line at Mandalay Bay.

Marathon runners will continue west on Twain Avenue, turning south onto Rainbow before looping heading out and back on West Hacienda Avenue. The marathon course will conclude, with a final loop behind the Luxor just past mile 25, before finishing at Mandalay Bay.

"There is no better place to hold a marathon than in the world's greatest city, fabulous Las Vegas. The lights and energy of the town will make this a memorable experience for all of the runners, not to mention all of the excitement that our city has to offer before and after the race when they stay and play," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

In keeping with the true spirit of the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, the Las Vegas race features live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders along the flat and fast course. Throw in the infamous Running Elvi and a run-through wedding chapel where participants can get married or renew their vows and you have one amazing event weekend.

A free two-day "Health and Fitness Expo" will be held December 4 & 5 to kickoff event weekend. The Expo will be open to the public and feature the latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for sample and sale and fitness-related clinics.

With the excitement of the new course, the Las Vegas event is expected to "sell out" based on the trend at recent inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon races in San Antonio and Seattle. For more information or to register for the inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Las Vegas visit las-vegas.competitor.com or call 800-311-1255.

Produced by The Competitor Group, the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon series is known for lining race routes with live bands, cheerleaders and themed water stations. The original Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon in San Diego is still recognized for its record setting inaugural event that brought 15,771 participants across the finish line. Today, the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series has spread to eleven cities nationwide, creating the first national series of marathons and half-marathons, which annually attract more than 250,000 participants. Event weekend kicks off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, where all participants must pick up their bib number and race packet. Over 100 exhibitors feature free samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel and interactive clinics. For more information, please visit www.RunRocknRoll.com.

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