This is Hands Down the Craziest Marathon in the Entire World
Get ready to pound the pavement. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Sneakers, check. Water bottle, check. Elvis impersonator, check! On Nov. 16, runners will have the chance to compete in the craziest marathon ever to take place in the entire world. Where? Las Vegas, of course.
From a run-through wedding chapel to a performance by Snoop Dogg, you won’t even need to rely on that runner’s high to get you through those 26.2 miles.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon masquerades under the guise of a running event,” says Laurie Gestal, marketing manager for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “But really, it’s a mobile party.”
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Unlike most marathons, this one takes place at night, which helps runners to beat the heat but still bask in the lights of the famously lit-up Vegas Strip. The race starts on Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of Mandalay Bay, and runs on both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard, featuring the must-see Vegas sights. “Every step of the way, runners will be entertained by volcanoes, fountains, and looting pirates,” adds Gestal. “They’ll also get to see the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and the Fountains of Bellagio and will finish at the base of the Mirage Volcano, adjacent to Caesars Palace and the Mirage Resort.”
Running through the streets of Las Vegas at night is awesome, but simply awesome wouldn’t do. In true Sin City fashion, the creators of the event made sure it would be downright wild. Everything you’d possibly want to do on a drunken night out can still be accomplished all while doing the ultimate healthy activity. “In addition to live bands performing at each mile along the course, the event is renowned for hundreds of people running dressed as Elvis,” says Gestal. “The infamous Running Elvi will rock the strip in white lycra, sequins, and wigs and set the mood and cheer on others with crazy costumes and a boom box in a stroller that plays Elvis tunes while they run.”
So where exactly can we find a white sequined jogging suit? (Photo: Thinkstock)
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But, what’s a night out in Vegas without a quickie wedding? Every year, the event also includes a Run-Thru Wedding Chapel, where runners in love (or not) can say “I do” during their run. “Couples can tie the knot or renew their vows in front of more than 30,000 runners and spectators along the way,” says Gestal. “It’s one of the highlight events.”
If the Vegas lights, Elvis impersonators, 26 bands, and on-the-go wedding chapel isn’t enough to keep you entertained, than the pre-race Snoop Dogg concert will be sure to get you pumped up. The famous rapper will “Drop It Like It’s Hot” for runners and their guests before they set off on their athletic fete. “Snoop Dogg is one of the most legendary entertainment icons of the past two decades,” says Gestal. “There is no better way to get amped to run a marathon or half-marathon than an epic performance of his chart-topping hits and party anthems.”
When you think of healthy living and exercise don’t you think of Snoop Dogg? (Photo: Instagram)
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The Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Nov. 16 as part of a weekend-long health expo, which will benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. For more information or to register for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.
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