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212 couples say 'I Do' at Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Posted at 3:35 PM, Nov 16, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-16 18:35:36-05

Following the attacks in Paris, police ramped up security for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon this weekend along the Las Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department did not specify how many more officers they will have.

Race officials said there is no credible threat related to the Paris attacks but ever since the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, security has tightened up everywhere.

"The Boston Marathon is kind of when the marathon running world changed," said Dan Cruz, spokesman for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. "Runners have a little bit more presence at events like this. If you see something, say something. Something doesn't look right, something looks suspicious."

There are more than 45,000 people registered for the race, which began at 4:30 p.m. 

The marathon and 1/2 marathon on Sunday and a 10K race earlier in the day closed the Strip on Sunday afternoon and evening. Several other streets and freeway ramps were also affected.

In the middle of the marathon, hundreds of people took a quick pit stop.
 
At the three-mile mark, 212 couples either got married or renewed their vows in a mass shotgun ceremony.
 
It was free, legal and surprisingly intimate, even with all those people.
 
Kathleen Kauth and Andrew Fisher from Omaha, Neb., were there to reaffirm their love for each other after 22 years, and they said mid-race was a perfect time to do it.
 
"Marriage is a lot like a marathon," Kauth said. "It's hot, it's sweaty, it is dirty, you get tired, exhausted and I still want to be with him."
 
The ceremony was officiated by Morning Blend and Valley View Live host Dao Vu, who is an ordained minister.
 
Many of the couples began their married lives together by getting back into the rain-soaked streets and finishing the marathon.