The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon is one of those truly unique race experiences…read more One of the reasons is that it's because of running down the strip at night with all the neon lights, the music, and people cheering for you that it will be so hard for me to forget the experience! The last time I was able to participate was 11 years ago during the 5k which was hosted, at the time, at the SLS, in the evening, which had an incredibly electric atmosphere. This time around, I had been looking forward to participating in the 5k on Fremont Street Saturday evening and was very excited about it especially with the energy of downtown Las Vegas and the fun party like vibe that makes the rock 'n roll series so much different than others. Unfortunately, after surgery I was not cleared to run. I was sad that I couldn't participate in the race, but it was still great to go down and support other runners in the community! I was able to get the help from the services team in the Expo Hall at bib pickup on Friday afternoon and they helped me understand what was going on. They told me I could still come out to the finish line on race day and get my medal. This really helped me out. Even though I wasn't going to be able to run the actual race, being able to still be a part of this experience, standing at the finish line and getting the medal, while supporting other runners, allowed me to finally complete something that I have been waiting to do for years again! I enjoyed the walk around the expo hall to visit the vendor booths to purchase official race merchandise and view new running gear. In the atmosphere of a race weekend there is always such energy with runners getting their bibs and shirts, and talking about what they plan to accomplish over the weekend. Even though I wasn't racing this year, the atmosphere of the expo hall helped me remember how much I enjoy going to races!

I've ran this race 4 times and they definitely have the logistics down…read more Race Expo: Located at Resorts World, the packet pick up is efficient and easy. There are tons of volunteer staff to move large crowds through quickly. There's tons of IG amounts in the tent and the merchandise and vendor offerings are great. Everything you need for race day is there. Starting Line: Located by the T-Mobile Center, it's a little cramped at the beginning as the 10K and Half Marathon runners are starting together. There are plenty of signs to help get you to the right starting corral. The race started promptly at 4:30 PM which I appreciated. The starter MCs on the microphone brought high energy and kept the racers motivated Course: You head South on Las Vegas Boulevard then turn back and run towards downtown, get back on the Strip and finish in front of the Bellagio fountains. There are plenty of water & gel stations so you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of water with you. Tons of porta potties throughout the course keeps everyone comfortable and moving. Finish Line: It's a little crowded, cramped and chaotic at the end but at that point you're just happy that it's over. Massage tents, snacks, water and other refreshments are ready for you along with the finisher's medal. All the medals have been quality for all the races I did. As a local, I'll keep running this race as long as I can. The organization makes and vibe makes it an easy call. Holiday Hack: The registration fee goes on a deep sale during the holidays. Check on their website on when that 24 hour discount day is to get even more bang for your buck. Cheers!

I ran the half marathon yesterday and it was super well organized. Packet pickup the day before was…read moreso smooth and fast it took less than five minutes. The day of the race was also super organized with many volunteers. I loved that they had tracking of the bib number with texting to those who are following your number. I wish they would have more than one tracking station besides at the mid point of the race. There were many aid stations and bathrooms along the course (about ever two miles). The course it's self was all placed roads along the neighborhoods of summerlin and was hilly gaining about 400-500 feet in elevation. I did find the neighborhood run dull at times as the views were of neighborhoods and the homes and streets began to look the same.

Apparently Facebook ads work. Had I known all the issues that this race would have, I might not…read morehave signed up- but at the end of the day I got to eat chocolate after going for a run on the Strip, so it can't all be bad. PROS: + The bowl of finish line fondue is actually really good, tasted like Ghirardelli. + One of the few runs to use the Strip area (Linq/Flamingo/Paradise section). + Super cozy zip up sweater instead of your usual cheap participant tee. + Training program and pacers available for the route for beginning runners. CONS: - Stupid early start time, likely due to the chaos of shutting down the Strip. 7:15 start with 6AM suggested arrival was not disclosed until a couple weeks before the event. And then we didn't even start on time! And why was the 5K before the 15K instead of after?! - No day-of packet pickup, had to go to Friday or Saturday afternoon "fitness expo" at the Linq to get your stuff. Tons of weekend Strip traffic, and there was no expo. I didn't stick around, but apparently there was no after-party either as advertised. - No finishers medal for the 5K. This is not explicitly spelled out on their website and only reluctantly answered when directly asking their social media manager. Really? Like it's so hard to leave the "1" off of the "15K" medal?! - One hydration/treat station for 5K route. Site advertises sweets throughout the run but heavily favors the 15K participants (they get 5 stops). Not sure if I'd sign up for this event again, at least not the 5K distance. Certain organization decisions make it seem like 5Kparticipants are not as valued as those doing 15K. Rather than subtly diss those who aren't up for the longer distance, maybe don't offer it at all.

3.5 stars Likes:…read more- Awesome finisher's medal (has amazing and accurate details of landmarks in Las Vegas, distance, name of the run and year on the medal. It's a nice size and is pretty heavy without being gaudy. The ribbon it comes on also says the name of the run and distance. If you collect running medals, you'll know why this matters.) - Relatively flat course with shade here and there - Gender specific jackets (because Tshirts are a dime a dozen and let's face it, men and women have different curves) and a thin plastic draw string knapsack included with registration - Greatly appreciate the pacers & volunteers; police did a great job of blocking traffic and keeping runners safe, frequent mile markers so you're not just guessing how far you've gotten - Chocolate fondue was pipping hot and suuuuuper delicious. Stuff to dip in it was perfect. - Nice photo opportunities in front of their (3) blow up displays. - Had chocolate chips, M&Ms, strawberry marshmallows & chocolate marshmallows throughout the run. Dislikes: - No expo or after party as promised. This was really disappointing consider how much they promote and it's a well known and popular run. We booked an extra couple of days anticipating an expo with sponsors, freebies, etc. - Pretty weak giveaways (just papers: discount coupons and flyers) - Free photos, but they were only at the finish line. Expect only one to two pictures of yourself, max!

This is a fun non-competitive themed 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk that anyone can participate in and…read morehave a good time. The Color Run is social media friendly af.. The 2020 event was very well organized.. Starting Line: They play upbeat music and the emcee is high energy to keep you hype until you're released on the course. They were throwing out free tshirts in the corral to people who were dancing away. lol The group funnels into the starting area and they release the participants in waves so the color stations don't get congested. Smart Color Stations: You get a white color run shirt to wear on race day. you run through the 4 color stations where the volunteers douse you with colored powder. Blue, yellow, green and Pink were the colors this race. The powder kind of smells like cotton candy to me but please don't try eating it. FYI. the powder washed off easily in the wash. =) Bonus Foam Station: There's a foam station you run through that was a blast. Your shoes get kinda soggy but you can get some cool pic opps in there for sure. Finish Line: The energy continues as a DJ has everyone dancing and they're throwing more powder out into the crowd for a fun dance floor. There's more props for more social media moments, a Color Run store to buy more gear and vendors setup with booths for samples. Overall, this is a great run to do while drinking with your friends on the course. Think of it as a moving colorful party on a Saturday morning. The race crew vibe is energetic, happy and so are the runners. See you at the next one! =)

I participated in the 2014 Color Run and declined to do the 2015 run because the price was ridic…read more Even on Livingsocial and Groupon, the going rate was $45! The 2014 packet included a t-shirt, temporary tattoo, sweatband, bag, and a packet of color to use as you saw fit. BTW it was a lot cheaper last year ($25). The course was held in Downtown Fremont and drew a huge amount of people. They had to release runners in waves every 5 minutes or so. Needless to day, I didn't start the race on time because I was stuck among the crowds for 20+ minutes. There were points during the race where volunteers powdered you with color. The color is basically dyed cornstarch, so it's safe, although you're likely to have colorful boogers for the next few days!! Color Runs have become massively popular in the 5k fun run arena. Yes, they're pretty fun but after doing 5+ different variations on Color Runs they start to get a little old. PRO TIP: This a run for casual runners. Also, tutus are a hit here. YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #83

An awesome, well-organized run benefiting our community. Craig Ranch Park is a beautiful location…read moreand the trail was the best I've run here, without requiring participants to cut through grass or make multiple laps. There was a rather large pre-race party going on with different military groups and organizations participating and providing treats and some items for sale. There were some minor delays with race timing info due to the spotty wifi, but overall everything was well executed and the start line was convenient to several parking areas. As an added bonus, I ran (ha!) into some other Yelpers at this event for a bonus layer of fun! Looking forward to running again next year.

I ran the 2nd annual USO 5K today, held at Craig Ranch Park. Overall, the event is very well run…read moreand the race started on time. Your timing chip for this race is on your bib, which makes it convenient because there's no separate chip to wear. Registration is held the night before, but if you couldn't make it they also had registration and packet pick-up on site. Registration fee includes race entry, t-shirt, finisher's medal, and ticket to the after party at Stoney's that I didn't partake in. My only gripe with registration was that I didn't get the t-shirt size I registered for because they "ran out". Really? Registration started at 4:00 pm and I was there by 4:15! The event starts at 8 am, with vendors giving out free swag, coffee and doughnuts before the race which started promptly at 9 am. Creech AFB even had a drone on site for photo ops. I was disappointed that I didn't see the hot air balloon rides or swag bags that were advertised. It was nice though that they had supporters cheering us on and handing out waters/Gatorade along the way, as well as at the finish line 100% of proceeds support the USO Las Vegas and their military outreach programs. I am looking forward to running this race again next year.

I spent a portion of my 2015 Valentine's Day participating as a Cupid's Undie Runner. Despite it…read morebeing February, the weather was beautiful. I was probably the most clothed runner at this event. Most people chose to run in their literal skivvies - boobs and butts were popping out like no one's business. But hey, I was wearing my boyshort undies over tights so there! The pre-party was held at the Commonwealth. Drink specials were offered to runners and a cool photo prop/booth was available for photo ops. The race started and finished in front of Commonwealth. Cupid's Undie Run was only a mile long. :/ I'd prefer a 5k but whatever! The course was a simple run around the block but runners still had to wait for lights to take their turn. I'm used to runs that close off streets for the event. A cool part of the run was the final stretch, where you ran through a main thorough way on Fremont and were cheered on by onlookers. Run Forest, Run! The charity the run was benefiting was the Children's Tumor Foundation. Cupid's Undie Run was heavy on the fundraising bit and participants were given a page online to fundraise from. You had to raise over $5 to get a t-shirt. I registered on livingsocial.com for $20. I look forward to participating in the 2016 Cupid's Undie Run and promise to fundraise next time! ;-) YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #40

You have to be at least part sadist to sign up for this 5K- it's halfway through June, and even…read morestarting at 7AM, temperatures are 90+. But Floyd Lamb Park is probably one of the better places to do this, since the water off of the lake cools things off a bit for the beginning and end of the route. There was plenty of parking and no entry fee. Trail itself was okay, I really enjoyed the beginning/end portions near the lake and liked seeing the ducks. However, the major portion around the basin, with some gravel/rocks, are not my preferred terrain and it was extremely hot in the exposed area. Luckily, there were two aid stations with water and wet towels, which were perfect for cooling off! Shirt and finishers medal were attractively designed with a tie theme, and there was a "coolest tie" contest. Race was open to kids, adults, dogs, and even strollers- those last two were not so much to my liking, but whatever. Those who also participated in the Moms Rock 5K on Mothers Day weekend received an additional Parents Rock medal, which was a fun way to encourage people to do both. Sponsors included Rachels Kitchen- who offered free mimosas and discounted smoothies at their nearby location after the run. Packet pickup was quick and easy at Red Rock Running Co on Cheyenne.

We did the Bubble Run at the Grand Prix where they have F1…read more Great venue, I thought when I signed up 2months ago. Yesterday was 100degrees at 8am and it was so not enjoyable. There was no shade when we picked up our bibs the day before. The full run was outside around the race tracks and not one piece of shade. There were minimal bubbles that it was so disappointing overall. There was about 4 locations and then we just are being sectioned off to zig zag thru the concrete directly in the heat. The poor kids who were looking to bubbles didn't get much but the hot sun straight at them. Besides the stage that was set up and the awesome announcer, it was a dud in my eyes. And I literally got burn from the sun.

This is definitely the most disappointing and disorganized 5k I've participated in. Their marketing…read moreis definitely high quality because they market this as a bubble FILLED fun run. There were maybe 5-6 very measly bubble machines that differed greatly from the images of bubbles up to your hips and for long stretches of the run. There was a single water station in the middle of the run, despite 100° heat in Vegas. They had a large lot for the "after party" that had one taco truck, one snow cone truck, and a Red bull car that had run out of Red Bull. I would probably skip this one next time.