2024 Review: “Original” Las Vegas Marathon
While I have issues with the name of this race, the actual race experience was great! I’d say it’s one of the best values in racing in Vegas.
The Original Las Vegas Marathon, a race by Elite Sports CA, despite it’s name, is new to Las Vegas this year. It offered distances from 5k up through a full marathon, and is certified for Boston Marathon qualification. I ran the 5k, as I haven’t been training at all, and includes some information for longer distances as well.
Since the Rock N Roll Marathon has pulled out of the full marathon distance, it’s a smart move to offer 26.2 miles, and Elite Sports isn’t the only organization that’s capitalized on the opportunity. Revel, which has hosted a BQ full marathon at Mt Charleston, continues that tradition, and another new entrant, Brooksee, is also offering a full-distance race.
But this review focuses on my experience with the “Original” Las Vegas Marathon. I was a little leery about signing up because I knew it wasn’t “original” – that goes to Rock N Roll, whether we like it or not. The race isn’t even in Las Vegas, it’s fully in Henderson. It claims to follow a portion of the first marathon in Las Vegas in 1967, and the research isn’t complete on that. If I find a map of that race, I’m happy to revise my opinion.
But what’s in a name anyway? How was the race itself? The running is the important part, right? Let’s break this down on:
- Registration, packet pickup, and pre-race
- Course
- Post-Race
Registration, Packet Pickup, and Pre-Race
Online registration was a breeze, done through RaceMenu. Packet pickup was easy too – no big event to walk through and sales pitches to hear, just give your name, get your shirt and jacket, and done. The team was happy to help you change sizes on your gear as well.
The pre-race situation was good – enough porta-potties for all participants, a few vendors to walk through, no corrals, as the size is still small. Race sponsor Celcius was giving out free cans, so you could power up before the race if you didn’t want to dip into your water stash.
The race is cupless, which, after having been through a few Rock N Rolls and seeing the trash piles, was pretty nice. For a 5k, water management isn’t a big deal anyway. Longer-distance runners should keep this in mind and sort out their water management strategies during their training plans. There were water stations at regular intervals, so getting water isn’t an issue.
The Original Las Vegas Marathon Course
The “Original” Las Vegas Marathon course starts and ends at the M Casino (which didn’t exist in 1967, opening in 2009). It heads directly east, into the sun, along Volunteer Blvd, for almost 3 miles. For marathoners and half-marathoners, that meant getting the Henderson skyline in the morning “golden hour.” For anyone after that, you’re squinting into haze for the first half of your run.
The 5k turns around on Volunteer Blvd and heads back to the M. There’s a lot of undeveloped land and a flash flood retention basin in the first bit of the route, so it’s not the greatest views for a short race.
After those first ~3 miles, the race turns onto a bike trail for a mile. This is great for safety concerns, and it gives you more shade and a better view.
A quick jog onto Bicentennial Parkway gets you to another bike trail for another mile, mile and a half. The course maxes out at 6.55 miles before you turn around and head back exactly the way you came.
For full marathoners, you make the loop twice. Neither of the other two full marathons in Las Vegas do loops – they’re both one-way races with a separate start and finish line. So if you want to avoid loops, the other races are the way to go.
Post-Race
Post-race was a good time! They were a little low on bananas, which was the only fruit offered, but fully stocked on Gatorade. They also comped 2 free tacos from a local taco truck, so quality grub, as well as a free beer. There was a medium-sized area with shaded tables. That could have been a smidge bigger, but the small size encouraged folks to mix and mingle with shared tables.
Post-race festivities included an Elvis impersonator, with a fun performance. Unlike Rock N Roll, there’s no music along the race course, so this is your only opportunity for a live musical experience. I’m going to guess that having live music on the course isn’t a high priority for most of us, so a few Elvis tunes post-race is just the right amount of hype.
Verdict: Original Las Vegas Marathon Great For Short Distance, Not Perfect For Full
I was really impressed with the value for the Original Las Vegas Marathon. With prices starting at $35 for the 5k and $100 for a full, the race isn’t that expensive to start with. And where most races at this price point give you a shirt and a medal, Elite Sports also throws in a windbreaker. Extra swag for no extra cost. Finally, free tacos and beer, too.
The announcer and post-race was a good time, although I think I missed the best parts of the course. Would run again!
Full disclosure: I was comped entry for the race.