Posted: May 18, 2006

Athletics: Las Vegas Roadrunners, Training Program for the New Las Vegas Marathon & Half Starts June 4

Two scholarships for first-time marathoners

LAS VEGAS - The New Las Vegas Marathon announced plans for the 2nd year of its groundbreaking official training program, Las Vegas Roadrunners, which will kick off with a training session on June 4 to be led by Olympic legend Rod Dixon.

The 24-week program is designed to help everyone from the beginner to the experienced marathoner to complete the 26.2 mile New Las Vegas Marathon. With the addition of a Half Marathon by popular demand to this year's race, the Las Vegas Roadrunners will also offer training for the 13.1 mile run. Both races are set to run the entire neon corridor of the world famous Las Vegas Strip and are expected to attract 25,000 participants from all 50 states and more than forty nations.

The Las Vegas Roadrunners will not only offer the expertise of the Las Vegas Track Club and its President Tim Kelly, it will include regular seminars organized by Rod Dixon, whose come from behind win at the 1983 New York City Marathon remains one of the most memorable in marathon history.

Dixon, who is Director of Coaching for race organizer Devine, plans to offer "professional marathon training for the everyday athlete" by bringing in experts in such specialized areas as sports medicine, podiatry and nutrition, along with world-class coaches and other legendary elite marathon runners - all for the benefit of Las Vegas Roadrunners.

The program is designed to prepare everyone from the non-runner to the experienced marathoner for race day. The weekly group runs are fully supported with water stations and the products to be featured on race day including gels, electrolyte replacement fluids and first aid. Participants will be provided with a training manual and a weekday training calendar.

The cost of the training program is $85. An all-inclusive, discounted fee of $145 includes entry into the race and the training program. Those who have already registered for the race can join the Las Vegas Roadrunners for a discounted fee of $50. Online registration is available at: LVMarathon.com

In-person sign-ups will take place on May 20 and 27 from 10am to noon. Details about the location can be found at LVRoadRunners.com. Refreshments will be served. Commemorative t-shirts from the debut of the 2005 New Las Vegas Marathon will be given to those who sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. A $10 discount will be offered at both in-person sign-up events.

The New Las Vegas Marathon is looking to "sponsor" one local man and woman with a scholarship for the training program and free entry into the race. Organizers are looking for individuals with an inspiring story and little or no running background. Those overcoming any medical or personal challenges or looking to inspire others though their effort are invited to complete the online questionnaire at LVMarathon.com by June 1 to be considered for the scholarship. Winners will be announced at the first training session on June 4.

The New Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon is set for Sunday, December 10, 2006. The Marathon is capped at 15,000 participants and the Half Marathon is capped at 10,000 participants. Any questions, Race Director Terry Collier can be reached by phone at (702) 731-1052 or email at elvis@newlasvegasmarathon.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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