New Las Vegas Marathon to Attract Record Field with „Only in Vegas“ Experiences – The $50,000 Challenge returns; inaugural half-marathon; running Elvi

LAS VEGAS – With seven weeks left until race day, the New Las Vegas Marathon has announced that more than 11,000 people have registered for the Sunday, December 10, 2006 marathon and inaugural half-marathon. That number is expected to grow by up to 50% between now and race day.

„We anticipated that there would be great excitement among runners to come to Las Vegas and have the opportunity to run down the world famous Strip, and our increasing numbers is a clear indication that we have been successful in making this fun and exciting race appealing to participants,“ said New Las Vegas Marathon President Dr. William A. Burke. „We want the race to reflect the energy of Las Vegas so we are planning to add even more entertainment per mile this year to enhance the unique nature of the race and its locale.“

Giving the race its Las Vegas flare is the return of the „Only in Vegas“ Run Thru Wedding Chapel, where more than 30 running couples from around the world will stop at the Chapel located at mile five to get married or renew their vows in a live television ceremony performed by Running Reverend William Petersen. This, combined with the first-ever group of running showgirls and the largest gathering of running Elvi, and „all Elvis – all the time“ music at the Start and Finish lines will underline the „Only in Vegas“ experience for race participants. Host hotel Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino will issue a limited edition collectible New Las Vegas Marathon gambling chip, feature custom-designed blackjack tables with Marathon artwork and the opportunity to bet on the outcome of the race.

„Of course, the best Vegas experience we can offer our participants is the opportunity to run down the Strip in all its glory, with all the lights, fountains and even a volcano, everything a visitor to Las Vegas wants to see,“ said Dr. Burke.

The excitement begins with the New Las Vegas Marathon Quality of Life Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on December 8 and 9, where more than 200 exhibitors will showcase the latest in health and fitness. In another „Only in Vegas“ experience, participants will be directed to world class restaurants offering discounts in a „call your own shot“ Carbo Load dinner. At 6:00am on race day, participants will be part of what is undoubtedly the most exciting new event in the world of „destination marathons“.

New to the race in 2006 is the New Las Vegas Marathon Invitational – opening the field to anyone who has run a sub-three hour marathon in 2005 and 2006. At stake is $65,000, including $50,000 for The Challenge for the first man or woman to cross the finish line, along with $15,000 for the male and female champions. The Challenge gives women a head start based on the best marathon finishing times of participants. The Challenge time differential will be announced at a race week news conference. Participants in the Invitational must register for the race and pre-qualify by contacting Tim Kelly before Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at tkelly@newlasvegasmarathon.com or by calling (702) 731-1052. The race organizers will award the $10,000 Clark County Championship prize to both the first local man and woman to cross the finish line.

On race day, participants will be fully supported with water stations, Gatorade and gels and University of Nevada School of Medicine teams under the direction of Dr. James Lenhardt. As participants cross the finish line, they will be awarded a specially designed medal commemorating their achievement. Post-race, all finishers will be sent a personalized Certificate of Accomplishment and an Official Results packet.

People from all 50 states and 38 nations are currently registered for the race. Participants have already booked 2,000 room nights more than last year at Host Hotel Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. In addition to supporting Opportunity Village’s work with developmentally disabled adults and children by encouraging participation in the Great Santa Run on December 9 to prepare for race day, the New Las Vegas Marathon has attracted 130 people who will be running to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Early entry fees of $95 for the Marathon and $85 for the Half Marathon are available until Monday, November 20, after which the fees will rise to $105 and $95 respectively.

Online registration is open at
LVMarathon.com.
Questions? Please call Race Director Terry Collier at (702) 731-1052 or email him at elvis@newlasvegasmarathon.com

Courtesy
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@RunningUSA.org |
www.RunningUSA.org