Posted: May 10, 2006

Athletics: New Las Vegas Marathon Adds Half Marathon To Run On The World Famous Las Vegas Strip

Search for first-time marathoners to be focus of reality programming

Las Vegas, NV, May 9, 2006---Building on the success of its debut race in 2005 which attracted nearly 11,000 participants, organizers of the New Las Vegas Marathon announced a series of initiatives today that could attract up to 25,000 participants to the 2006 race on December 10. Race Chairman Bernie Yuman announced the addition of a Half Marathon in response to the #1 request organizers received leading up to the inaugural race. Both events will start with a pre-dawn fireworks display in front of “official host hotel” Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and run the entire neon corridor of the world famous Las Vegas Strip.

The New Las Vegas Marathon is organized by Devine, the worldwide leader in endurance sports. Devine President and CEO Steve Miller also announced the search for one man and one woman with little or no running experience to be featured in reality programming focused on their quest to complete their first Marathon. Candidates are asked to complete an online questionnaire at www.lvmarathon.com prior to June 15, 2006 to qualify. Winners will have the opportunity to train with Biggest Loser Gary Deckman, who recently completed his first marathon. They will also receive free entry into the race, roundtrip air travel and a two night race week stay at Mandalay Bay.

The New Las Vegas Marathon debuted in 2005 to worldwide media attention with its unique blend of running Elvi, an “only in Vegas” Run Through Wedding Chapel and an unprecedented opportunity to run the Las Vegas Strip. In response to requests from participants to run as showgirls, the New Las Vegas Marathon has arranged for a costume designer to accommodate these requests. The race established itself as the most first-timer friendly Marathon in the world by holding a pep rally for neophyte participants on the Finish Line the day before the race, a tradition that will continue at this year’s race. More information about these uniquely Vegas Marathon experiences can be found at www.lvmarathon.com

The race will offer personalized bibs for anyone who registers before September 15, 2006. While “Elvis” is taken, participants can have their names or nicknames on their bibs so spectators can “personalize” words of encouragement as each step takes them closer to the finish line.

Participants will not only have the opportunity to run the electrifying corridor past such hotels as New York-New York, MGM Grand, Bellagio, The Venetian and the new Wynn Las Vegas, they will run through downtown’s Fremont Street Experience on a fast and flat loop course. The race will be broadcast live for the second year on CBS affiliate KLAS –TV, “the news leader” in Las Vegas.

The excitement begins with the New Las Vegas Marathon Quality of Life Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on December 8 and 9, when more than 200 exhibitors will showcase the latest in health and fitness. In another “only in Vegas” experience, participants will be directed to world class restaurants offering discounts in a “call your own shot” Carbo Load dinner. At 6 a.m. on race day, participants will be part of what is undoubtedly the most exciting new event in the world of “destination marathons”.

The 26.2 mile race will attract elite athletes from around the world and participants from all 50 states and more than 40 nations by offering $350,000 in cash prizes and appearance fees. A $50,000 Challenge bonus will be offered to the first man or woman to cross the finish line as part of a unique racing format that gives the professional female runners a head start based on a time differential to be announced race week. The race organizers will award the $10,000 Clark County Championship prize to both the first local man and woman to cross the Finish Line.

On race day, participants will be fully supported with water stations, Gatorade and gels, and University of Nevada School of Medicine teams under the direction of Dr. James Lenhardt. As participants cross the finish line, they will be awarded a specially designed medal commemorating their achievement. Post race, all finishers will be sent a personalized Certificate of Accomplishment and an Official Results packet.

Las Vegas Roadrunners training begins June 4 for both the full and half marathons. The training program includes weekly runs fully supported with water, energy gel, Gatorade and guest lectures organized by Olympic runner and NY Marathon winner Rod Dixon. New for 2006, the University of Nevada School of Medicine will track select participants with free blood tests, medical evaluations to chart their progress throughout the entire training program. Online training is also available at www.devinesports.com.

Early entry fees of $95.00 for the Marathon and $85.00 for the Half Marathon are available until November 20, after which the fees will rise to $105 and $95 respectively. For participants in the greater Las Vegas area, a special entry fee of $155 includes the 28-week Las Vegas Roadrunners training program for both the full and half marathons.

The Marathon will be capped at 15,000 participants and the Half Marathon will be limited to 10,000 participants. Online registration is open now at www.lvmarathon.com and the race is expected to sell out quickly. Questions? Please call Race Director Terry Collier at (702)731-1052 or email him at elvis@newlasvegasmarathon.com

The New Las Vegas Marathon is organized by Devine. Devine is a brand name synonymous with excellence in endurance sports, education and training. The Chicago-based company has fast been building a national reputation for acquiring and managing world-class amateur athletic events. The Devine portfolio currently includes the Los Angeles Marathon, the ‘New’ Las Vegas Marathon, the Salt Lake City Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon.

Established in 2003 to bring a new level of quality and professionalism to amateur road racing events in major market cities, Devine’s President/CEO is Steve Miller, former Nike Director of Global Sports Marketing.

The focus at Devine is to create community for runners and endurance athletes. Committed to the celebration on individual accomplishment, Devine believes it has the responsibility to deliver the highest level of professional service in the industry – for participants, sponsors and the communities where races are held.

Information about all Devine properties, as well as access to unparalleled industry information, can be obtained at www.devinesports.com or by calling 312/640-9700.

Tag and Save Tag and save this article to your Del.icio.us favourites. What is Del.icio.us?

Comment on this story.

Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest