2012: Full Marathon
Let's be clear: the 4 stars are for the race, the course and the overall logistics. I am in no way encouraging anyone to think that running a marathon after eating at buffets (twice the day before), sitting around in smoky casinos and drinking is a good idea.
The expo was fantastic. Easy to get to, tons of vendors and I even got to meet Scott Jurek! Loved the t-shirt as well.
We stayed in Excalibur and it was stupid convenient for the race start. Basically just walked straight downstairs.
The course was mixed for me. I LOVED the first couple miles running down the strip and through the older parts. Saw the Pawn Stars store and all the landmark sites. Also loved the fast chance to get your pic taken with the Las Vegas sign. Miles 10 - 20... totally different story. Running at night is neat and super neat-o when in downtown Las Vegas, however running in the desert at night? Not super neat-o. Not much to look at and when feeling like uber crap thanks to said buffets, drinks and smoke... torture! Towards the end, we ran under the dancing lights and music of Fremont and that is hands down the very best part of the race. The energy goes way up!!.. then right back down since it is back in the darkness for a couple miles. Then finally we get back on the strip for the finish line. The finish line is fun, but for advertising "running the strip at night", we are barely on the strip towards the end... but the part we were on was CRAZY packed with spectators!
The finisher's chute was very long, but it is important to keep walking once you are done running. Got a mylar blanket, a chocolate milk and my medal and then headed out. Our group planned to meet up afterwards at Wild Bill's and that was the best idea yet. They have a bar in there called Slush!.. and you know what is super awesome after a long run? A booze filled slushie.. or 10.