Event not ‘just a fun run,’ says spokesman

The various Rock 'n' Roll Marathon events across the country have a reputation for creating a festive atmosphere, an almost running party of sorts.

But race spokesman Dan Cruz said the first edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon also will feature some serious competition, with a number of elite runners in both the marathon and half-marathon.

"This is gonna be a world-class marathon and a big-time race," Cruz said of Sunday's event, which has a 6 a.m. start time at Mandalay Bay and will take over a huge chunk of the Strip and Las Vegas Boulevard for several hours. "This isn't just a fun run. Some of the fastest athletes on the planet will be in front, and there will be a big old party going on behind them."

The field is bursting at the seams, totaling 27,100, and online registration closed Sunday. Cruz said the event can take 500 more entrants, with registration reopening at 11:30 a.m. today, when the marathon's expo begins at Mandalay Bay's convention center. Runners who have entered can pick up their race packets at the expo from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Approximately 20,000 are expected to run the half-marathon, which will be run almost entirely on the Strip, and the rest of the field will compete in the marathon.

"This definitely exceeded some of our early expectations," Cruz said. "It's a great success already, and we haven't even started running yet."

• MEET MEB -- American distance running ace Meb Keflezighi will be at the expo today for two autograph and photo sessions, from noon to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Keflezighi, who last month became the first U.S. runner since 1982 to win the New York City Marathon, will be at the expo's Nissan booth. He agreed to fill in for fellow American marathoner and training partner Ryan Hall.

"Meb's pinch hitting for Ryan, and I'll take it," Cruz said, noting Keflezighi won the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose half-marathon in the lead-up to his New York win. "Meb has Rock 'n' Roll experience, he's a great guy, and he's a great American champion."

• KIDS ROCK RUN -- The Kids Rock Las Vegas 1-mile fun run is at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the UNLV track. The event is open to children from kindergarten through the fifth grade.

Registration will be accepted today at the expo at Mandalay Bay, and participants also can enter at the track Saturday beginning at 8. Participants will be sent off by grade every 15 minutes, with fifth-graders going first.

Former New York City Marathon winner Rod Dixon is spearheading the event to promote fitness in children and also will participate in the run.

• RUN-THROUGH WEDDING -- Sunday's event will again include a run-through wedding ceremony, at the fountain at the foot of the Eiffel Tower outside Paris Las Vegas.

Organizer Lawrence Cohen said a record 85 couples registered, with 16 pairs getting married and the rest renewing their vows. With all the Elvis-costumed runners and wedding parties, Cohen expects a gathering of 750.

Wedding parties and Elvis runners will start the race in the same wave Sunday. The ceremony is to take place at 7:30 a.m.

• PASTA PARTY -- The weekend also will include a Saturday night pasta party, beginning at 5 p.m. at the South Pacific Ballroom in Mandalay Bay's convention center. Those interested in attending can sign up today and Saturday at the expo.

• SANTA RUN -- The fifth annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run also takes place this weekend, with the event aiming to set a world record for largest gathering of Santas.

The 5-kilometer race and 1-mile Kris Kringle Jingle fun run will be at Town Square on Las Vegas Boulevard South. Runners can enter on-site beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the race at 10. Registration includes a five-piece Santa suit.

NASCAR star and Las Vegas native Kurt Busch will serve as the event's grand marshal, and Mayor Oscar Goodman also will be on hand, along with other notable local guests and musical acts.

For more information, go to lasvegassantarun.org or call 880-4055.

Contact reporter Patrick Everson at peverson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0353.