The 2015 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is back in town this weekend.
More than 35,000 people participated in last year and the race generated more than $212 million in total economic impact, including more than $84.8 million in direct (non-gaming) visitor spending according to a study conducted by the San Diego State University (SDSU) Sports MBA program. Organizers say they are expecting 45,000 participants this year.
The marathon and half-marathon will both start at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. Competitors will begin at the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign" on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The unique course and nighttime start attracts thousands of participants from around the world to experience the one-of-a-kind event with live bands along the course, a Run-Thru Wedding for couples to elope on the go, the infamous group of Running Elvi and exclusive runner parties throughout the weekend at Vegas' top nightlife venues.
In addition, a health and fitness expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. The expo features more than 100 running and fitness retailers, exhibits and a full series of interactive clinics.
The marathon and 1/2 marathon on Sunday and a 10K race earlier in the day will close the Strip on Sunday afternoon and evening. Several other streets and freeway ramps will also be affected.
Las Vegas Boulevard will be closed from Mandalay Bay to Ogden Avenue at various times.
Ramp closures include:
-- I-15 northbound and southbound at the Tropicana eastbound off-ramps from 3:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
-- I-15 southbound at the Sahara eastbound off-ramp from 2:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
-- I-15 northbound on the Charleston eastbound off-ramp from 2:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
-- I-15 northbound and southbound at the Spring Mountain Rd. eastbound off-ramps from 2:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
-- U.S. 95 northbound and southbound at the Martin Luther King Boulevard on-ramps from 4:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
-- I-15 southbound at the Martin Luther King Boulevard on-ramp from 4:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES
There is also a 5K race on Saturday. However, that race will be run on the Rock in Rio festival grounds this year and on portions of South Industrial Road and South Bridge Lane instead of the Strip. That race is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Race organizers are encourage spectators to use the Las Vegas Monorail to access different locations on the course.
Other special events taking place over the weekend connected to the races include a concert by Kid Rock on Sunday afternoon. The five-time Grammy nominated artist will perform as part of the Toyota Rock 'n' Roll Concert Series at 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at the MGM Resorts Village. Admission is free for runners and their friends and family.
Before that, Matt and Kim will perform at 6:45 p.m. Nov. 14 on the MGM Festival Grounds. Matt and Kim’s career flourished around 2009 with the release of “Daylight,” one of their most popular songs which was featured in several commercials, TV shows and movies.
BetaMAXX, an ultra high-energy group from San Diego, will hit the stage at 2:45 p.m. Nov. 15 near the SLS Las Vegas hotel-casino.
Bands on the race course will include Kissed Alive, Count's 77 and Chasing Sevens.
In addition, 41 couples will marry for the first time and 115 couples will renew their vows while running through a wedding chapel at the Monte Carlo. Non-running family members and friends are invited to watch the ceremony officiated by Dao Vu, host of KTNV Channel 13’s popular shows, “The Morning Blend” and “Valley View Live!” from a designated viewing area at BLVD Plaza.
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