Letter: Marathon changes a 26.2-mile move in wrong direction

Thursday, June 2, 2005 | 9:12 a.m.

I am an avid runner who for the past four years has run in the Las Vegas Marathon. I have run two marathons and two half-marathons. I was planning to run in the upcoming Las Vegas Marathon, but when I read the application form I changed my mind.

The entrance fee is an outrageous $95, a $35 increase over the last marathon fee.

An out-of-state firm is promoting the next marathon and the usual format has been changed radically. The only event will be the 26.2-mile marathon. Starting at Mandalay Bay, it will be run down the Strip to downtown and finish back at Mandalay Bay. The Strip probably will be overcrowded, swarming with rodeo fans. This could be hazardous.

Why should popular events such as the half-marathon, the 5-K and walking events be eliminated?

For years, race director Marlene Hedrick and her associates have done a superb job of providing an array of events.

We need the services of an out-of-state firm like a snail needs running shoes.

ROBERT ULREY

Henderson

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