Runners to take over Strip for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon

By Rich Coleman

Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

The Strip and some surrounding streets will be temporarily closed Sunday as runners compete in the second annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

The race begins at 7 a.m. on South Las Vegas Boulevard in front of Mandalay Bay. Runners will travel north along the Strip to the El Cortez Hotel and Casino downtown and then head back south. Those participating in the half marathon will finish the race at Mandalay Bay.

Runners participating in the full marathon will head west at Hacienda Avenue and turn around on El Camino, finishing back at Mandalay Bay.

Event organizers said most of the road closures and detours will be in effect between 5 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Streets will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as the last runner passes and the course support materials have been removed.

Several Regional Transportation Commission transit routes will be altered because of the event. Routes will be impacted Sunday between 2:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Deuce and Strip & Downtown Express service on Las Vegas Boulevard will not operate until the roads are reopened.

The Las Vegas Monorail will open at 4 a.m. Sunday to accommodate marathon participants. Tickets start at $5.

The inaugural marathon took place December 6, 2009, and sold out with more than 28,000 registered runners from all 50 states and 39 countries. More than 30,000 participants are expected to compete in this year’s marathon, event organizers said.

“We are really excited about the number of runners who are registering for this year’s race and with the changes we have made to the course. We are on track to surpass last year’s record and have another sold-out event,” race General Manager Adam Zocks said.

Former Poison frontman and “Rock of Love” star Bret Michaels will perform at the Mandalay Bay parking lot for the runners as they cross the finish line. The race will also feature live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders along the flat and fast course.

Event organizers expect a $20 million economic impact from the race and the two-day Health and Fitness Expo, which is being held in conjunction with the marathon at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.