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Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas: The Ultimate Half Marathon!
- Feb 10
- 6 min read
No longer a marathon event and now moved to February this is very much a party weekend. Full of costumed runners and even some getting married along the way it's now a half marathon and 10km on Sunday and a 5km race the day before. Running down The Strip at night is an incredible experience and if it's experiences you're looking for then this is very much one for you.
The Destination
One of the 25 biggest cities by population in the US, with a population of 650,000, Las Vegas, in the state of Nevada, is one of the world's most iconic global destinations. Known primarily for its gambling and entertainment it's famous for its huge casino-hotels, which help it attract over 3 million visitors a year. The vast majority will tread the famous Strip, the home of the Half Marathon. Just over 4 miles long it runs from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere and takes around 90 miles to walk from one end to the other. Every day the sidewalks of the Strip see up to 41,000 people per hour.
As well as spending some time in the casinos there's plenty to see and do in Vegas. Sin City as its known, hosts many famous musicians, many of whom will have residencies at the major venues for weeks at a time, like Adele, Elton John or Britney Spears. There's also a legendary culinary scene and some leading attractions like the Eiffel Tower! It offers visitors spectacular Strip-side views from 46 stories in the sky. It's a half-scale replica featuring a nightly light show and a French restaurant at the top.
There's the Gondola Ride down the Grand Canal at the Venetian Resort and the Bellagio Botanical Gardens, another hotel favorite. To see the Strip from a different angle there's the High Roller observation wheel that brings visitors 550 feet up in the air and takes 30 minutes to fully rotate. There's the Mob Museum and Area 15, a huge arts and entertainment complex just off the Strip. Before and after you're race you need to leave plenty of time to explore this intriguing destination.
History
The Marathon was one of the oldest in the US, starting in 1967 and finishing in 2019 when Covid hit.
From 1969, the recently formed Las Vegas Track Club managed the event and growth was slow, with average numbers from 100 to 200 until the running boom of 1978, but this was short lived. In 1983 Al Boka assumed directorship, changed the course and added a half. This had the desired effect and steady growth followed. Devine Racing took over in 2005, changed the date to December and formed the all important partnership with Las Vegas Events. Four years later Competitor Group acquired the rights and the focus was very much on the half and the party vibe. In 2014 the overall entrants exceeded 38,000 participants with only 3,208 runners completing the full 26.2 miles. Over 25,000 ran the half with many in fancy dress costumes. The original goal of the Las Vegas Marathon was for it to be a world class, competitive running event like New York, Boston and Chicago, but this never happened. The costs of closing the Strip means it must have big volumes of runners and the full marathon distance was not able to achieve this. There is only so much to see in Vegas. The half is very different and its appeal will be enduring.
Race Organiser
It's part of the Rock 'n' Roll series, operated by the Competitor Group, which is part of the Ironman Group; ultimately owned by Advance Publications, a privately held American media company.
When?
The race is held annually in February, having moved from November.
Distances
Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. The marathon is no longer available.
Is there an Expo?
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon, 10km and 5km features a two-day Health & Fitness Expo prior to the race, which all participants must visit in order to pick up their race packets. It features the latest in running technologies, fitness apparel, health & nutrition information and interactive displays.
Those unable to attend the Health & Fitness Expo will need to purchase the Race Day Bib Pick Up.
How many runners?
25,000 - 30,000
Course
It's a weekend of entertainment starting at 3pm and finishing at 9pm on Saturday at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. The 5k event starts downtown at 5pm and also has a downtown finish, at Fremont Street. There are nightclub events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. While the focus is still running, this weekend is more entertainment based than any other running festival.
On Sunday the half and 10k start at 4.30pm behind Planet Hollywood (East Harmon Avenue and Audrie Street). The entire course runs on Las Vegas Boulevard with the finish at the world famous Mirage
From Planet Hollywood it's south to the MGM Grand and soon after to the Tropicana. At 2 miles you're at the Welcome sign, the site of many millions of Insta posts! Here it's the first of two turns, this time to head north and a mile later it's the Mandalay Bay Hotel, the formal start of the Strip. Just before 4 miles is New York, New York where runners head past the Statue of Liberty and shortly afterwards the Bellagio. The Bellagio, located on 77 acres, opened in 1998, with 3,005 rooms in a 36-story tower. Built at a cost of $1.6 billion, it was the world's most expensive resort up to that point. A 33-story hotel tower, with 928 rooms, was added in 2004. The world's largest glass sculpture is in the hotel lobby!
The famous landmarks are almost too many to mention at this point. Caesar's Palace is off to the left and to the right is the observation wheel, The Linq. Caesars Palace is probably the most famous hotel in Vegas. It was founded in 1966 and now has around 4000 rooms in six towers, a large number of restaurants and a massive convention facility. Its casino has to be seen to be believed and its theatre has hosted a who's who of the entertainment world, from Frank Sinatra to Tina Turner. It's known in the sporting world for its high profile boxing matches.
Just past Treasure Island the 10k and half course splits and the 10k runners head to the finish. From here the half runners have an out and back section, turning at mile 9 at Fremont Street, before heading south back to the finish. still on the Strip. There's plenty to see on both sides of the road, including the Convention Centre, Circus Circus, The Sahara and the Fashion Show Mall. The finish at The Mirage, yet another of the City's long list of high end casino hotels, is absolutely spectacular.
There is plenty of water and Gatorade Endurance on route and as you'd expect in Vegas there is definitely a showbiz feel to the aid stations. This is the entertainment capital of the world! Talking of entertainment, a Rock 'n' Roll event would not be a Rock 'n' Roll event without the course entertainment. There is plenty of it.
What's unique?
Running down arguably the most famous road in the world! And the Rock 'n' Roll medals are well known for being amongst the best in running events.
Do charities benefit?
Historically lots of charities have been involved with the Rock 'n' Roll events, and since 1998 over $335m has been raised. Now the focus is on St Jude Children's Hospital who have a number of options for runners wanting to fundraise.
Our verdict
This is one of the ultimate destinations and being able to run the Strip closed to traffic is very, very special. It's a shame it's not a marathon anymore, but you get all the best bits with the half, the 10k and the 5k. Definitely worth considering.
How to register
Online via the website. There are regular price increases as the race gets nearer so the earlier you enter the better. There are VIP packages available and you can run for free with St Jude, the partner charity; if you raise a certain amount you get certain perks, like free accommodation etc.
Race website
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