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| - This was the WORST race I have had the misfortune of participating in. It was extremely dangerous due to overcrowding and no policing of the starting corrals. I spent the majority of the time trying not to trip or be tripped by other runners, or trip over the sloppily placed parking cones. I saw at least 3 people seriously fall alongside of me. Additionally, the volunteers scooping water (rumored to be from a fire hydrant - which is not necessarily potable) bare handed out of a large container is disgusting and a great way to spread disease as I'm sure many runny noses were present in that weather (I am always thankful for race volunteers though, and I'm sure this was a Management call that was out of the volunteer's control). The finish line was chaotic and I was only able to grab a single energy bar as I was being herded by the mass pileup of people trying to get into Mandalay Bay. The scene inside Mandalay Bay was chaotic and dangerous as a fire would have endangered thousands of lives. I was nauseated and it took over 4 hours for me to get back to my hotel room and find something to eat.
I will NEVER participate in this event again and I may NEVER participate in another RNR series again. I can't believe there are even thoughts of expanding the number of people to 60k next year... that is ridiculous!
One of my favorite parts of the race that was ruined for me were the race photographs. I saw 2 photographers during the entire half marathon course, 2... that is ridiculous for a crowd of 44k people. Needless to say, I have no pictures of me during the race and only one of me crossing the finish line that is so far away it is hard to see. Because of the cluster at the finish line I didn't even get to take my medal picture.
With the money I spent on flight, hotel, exuberant RACE FEE, etc. I was highly disappointed in this event.
Besides the fact that we were on the strip and the enthusiasm of other racers who dressed up in costume, nothing about this race screamed Las Vegas and was fun, entertaining, or worth doing again. I can guarantee that neither I nor the other people in my group will be doing this race again.
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