This week’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is Runners Gift Lists but since I am just back from an epic destination race remix weekend, I’m going to stray. One does not get any more glitz and glam than Las Vegas and RocknRoll Las Vegas keeps well with that theme. As a RocknBlogger, I am lucky enough to get a free entry to this race series.
After a flight delay that had us taxiing back to the gate for a mechanical repair, I finally arrived in Las Vegas Saturday afternoon. A little too close for my taste, since the 5k was happening that evening and I had yet to hit up the expo for my race packets. I whizzed through the expo at warp speed, but not so fast that I didn’t get a chance to snag a pint glass. Remember what happened to my RnRLV pint glass in 2015? May it rest in peace….and shattered pieces.
As Darlene and I navigated the monorail system, we grabbed a quick slice of pizza at a hotel food court then headed to the hotel to prep for the 5k. I knew I was dehydrated, depleted, and travel weary from being up at 4:30am but surely I could manage a snail-paced 5k.
We took the monorail to the starting area and I found #allthefab Tina. Next we found Tricia and her husband Greg and all headed to the corrals. Before we knew it we were off.
The 5k does not take place on the strip, but rather one street over from it. One lane is closed to traffic while the other is open. I found my easy breezy pace and banged it out. Unlike 2015 when I last ran this race, the course was a pretty straightforward out and back. I managed negative splits (slow ones) even with a water stop at mile 2.
Mile 1:10:17
Mile 2:10:01
Mile 3: 9:40
Remainder: 8:45
Finish Time: 31:14
Shortly after that we turned into the “finisher’s village” where we wove around for a bit before heading to the finish line. Soon after I crossed the finish line I spied Kim and her husband and then Mary Beth and her husband.
Here’s the blogger crew. L to R: Mary Beth, me, Tricia, Darlene and Kim.
Pros: This is a fun evening race with a Goo Goo Dolls concert afterward. It’s a fun kickoff to the race weekend and sets up your opportunity to score sweet swag including the coveted Remix Medal, which is a pretty spectacular guitar this year. I love the 5k medal. The Brooks race shirt is great but I would have preferred a fun neon color. We could not have asked for better weather.
Cons. The course, while better than 2015, still isn’t all that great, since it’s not on the strip. You do what you gotta do to score the remix and that’s pretty much it. Getting this far North on the strip is challenging, if your hotel is not close (ours wasn’t). However, because our hotel was near the first monorail stop, we were able to pack onto an empty monorail car and actually get seats. Logistics for this race are definitely a challenge.
Overall. This is a super fun evening. The race is very well done, swag is great and after party snacks and concert are on point.
Have you ever run RocknRoll Vegas? Have you run an evening race?
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Sounds like fun! I think I would struggle with an evening race, and a stressful travel day would just make it even harder. But it does sound like a good start to the race weekend!
It sounds like a pretty good race- and glad the course is better this year. I would not like and evening race through! I am a morning runner and with the time difference and travel I would be pooped for sure!
Goo goo dolls! Fun! My husband was also delayed for quit some time in your city (what is it about Chicago?) on his way home last night.
Can’t wait to hear about all the shenanigans.
OMG I was there to run the half marathon and I absolutely LOVED it! I ran it last year and I have to say, they have upped their game even since that event! So glad you were there to rock it and experience Las Vegas and all the running 🙂 The biggest challenge for me was being there for three nights BEFORE the half. Yikes!!!…but I did it. I was dehydrated and sleep deprived but I think that’s what it’s all about 🙂
How cool that you got to see Goo Goo Dolls! I liked the 5k when i was there is 2014. But I don’t recall the concert, so it must have not been anyone popular. I love being able to meet up with fellow bloggers at races, so fun!
Sounds like a fun 5k! I’m glad you got to meet up with the #holottafun gang. Looking forward to the half recap and a lunch recap–are you free on Thursday?
Sounds like so much fun! Glad you made it to Vegas with time to spare. Can’t wait to read your half recap!!
I felt the same way about the 5K. My friends and I dubbed it the “parking lot 5K” lol. But like you said, you do what you have to do in order to get that remix medal. At least the half marathon route is much better!
Fun, fun! I loved following along with everyone on social media! A night race is not my thing since I struggle enough to do well on a morning race. Lol! However, I have done a night 5k before. I’m sure I could’ve pushed myself through a 5k at night in Vegas, but definitely not a half! Kudos to all of you ladies who managed to rock a half after miles and miles of walking and site-seeing!
Looking forward to the half recap! Congratulations Marcia!
The night race sounds fun, but bummer that the logistical aspects of the race are challenging, especially for a popular destination race. Running on the strip would be so much fun!
So many people in my Instagram feed were there- looks like such a fun event!
Running the strip is so much fun!! i did the full marathon the first year they did the race, so it was still in the morning!
Oh how fun! I am glad you got to go! I wanna run Vegas sometime!
Yikes! Glad you were able to make in time, even with all the stress. I hope the concert was good. I was out with my friend, off the strip, and didn’t get back to my hotel until after 9.
I’m really regretting not making it out to meet up with you all. Next time for sure! 🙂
Great job on the 5k!
You had a fun crew! Glad to hear the 5K course wasn’t in a parking lot like last year – too bad they can’t figure out a way to carve out a little piece of the strip for the race. But that remix guitar medal is pretty sweet!
I agree with everything you said and you were a Super Roomie!!
Let’s plan another.
You do not have the best of luck with airlines lately! Your weekend looked like so much fun. Vegas is a fabulous place for a destination race with friends
Hello.
What a lovely trip! I love night races. It is so hot in my place so dawn and night races are so my favorites. I am also a fun of Goo Goo Dolls. They are my jam.
Congrats on your race! Love the 5K medal – and the shirt is definitely nicer than some of the other RNR races this year! I love seeing you with some of my favorite bloggers! I gotta get in on one of these meetups in 2018!
The 5k was a great warmup to the half. I agree I do wish it wasn’t as far away from everything but we did get to see some things we may not have.
I enjoyed the fun relaxed atmosphere of the 5k a lot and always enjoy meeting up with my peeps!
I need to get in on one of these blogger meetups soon. You guys always look like you are having so much fun.