Editorial: Let’s turn marathon into national event

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 9:27 a.m.

The most famous foot race in the world, the Boston Marathon, sported nearly 15,000 runners at the start of its 106th event in April 2002. The race attracted entrants from 80 countries, drew support from big-name sponsors, enjoyed enthusiastic cooperation from the eight cities and towns along the route and brought worldwide attention to its historic host city. New York City and a few other cities also have outstanding marathons. But most cities just sigh at the task of building such a tradition.

Las Vegas, however, should be shouting and waving. It has the tradition -- the Las Vegas Marathon has been running steadily since 1967. It has the numbers -- the race on Saturday drew 8,000 runners (including half-marathoners). Yet Las Vegas in recent years has been sighing. Public and private sponsorship is low. Cooperation from local government is nil. Publicity is sorely lacking. We'd like to see Clark County, the city of Las Vegas, the gaming industry and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority really get behind our local marathon. With some financial help and more logistical cooperation, the Las Vegas Marathon could become one of the country's premier races.

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