LeShawn Braxton's Staging Area

What’s the best or most unique aspect of this race?

It’s Vegas! The most unique aspect of this particular race is the fact that the entire Vegas Strip is closed down only for the runners, volunteers, entertainment, supporters and security. To run the streets where the buildings we see on TV and in the movies are lit up at night, welcoming the runners is a sight to behold.

How would you improve the race?

I traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio for this event. This was my “3” half marathon. On top of that.. I set a personal record by almost 20 minutes. As exciting as that is for me, here are my “2 cents” for improvement: 1) CORRAL ORGANIZATION: Standing in that human, mass of bodies going absolutely nowhere was producing major anxiety. I must have been standing in the Yellow section for about an hour and some change before I actually began running. My feet were getting sore and I was worried that I would have a hard time finishing 13.1 miles.There has to be a better solution to keep the crowd moving at a much better pace.

2) PACE RUNNERS: I personally didn’t see any pace runners during the half. Maybe this is only to be a pure entertainment run or something. I would have liked to have seen pace runners just so that I could get a better gauge on how I am doing while running the course.

3) COURSE CLOCKS: What’s a Marathon/Half Marathon run WITHOUT clocks at the start, throughout the course and at the finish line to get an idea of your times? I found that very odd! I would HIGHLY recommend incorporating this in the near future. This is Vegas. I was expecting a whole lot more.

4) PORTA POTTIES: No need to go into this because the disappoint has been mentioned from others. This is highly unacceptable. We had a plentiful amount at the staging area and at the finish line, but it was a joke throughout the course. To see people running into stores, restaurants, gas stations, behind buildings and in parking lots is not cool. You have to do better.

5) COURSE CONDITIONS: There was a lot of bad pavement throughout the course. There has to be a better way for the organizers to help identify those areas for the runners. After all, we are running at night and it’s hard to see. Maybe set some flares or set up some type of hazard signage for us runners.

6) MILE MARKERS: Again… this is Vegas! Bring out the “Bling” and the lights for the mile markers. I didn’t see my first mile marker until mile 8? The majority of them were dark, bland and pretty much set up as an after thought.

7) COURSE SECURITY: My run going North of the Stratosphere, to Freemont and back down to the finish was fine. However, It wouldn’t hurt to have a stronger security presence North of the Stratosphere. It felt a little empty and vulnerable in certain areas, especially the darker locations without many lights.

8) THE FINISH LINE: Logistically speaking, it may be a challenge to do, but for those who checked in their runners bag…. That 60-100 yard walk to the trucks AFTER running 13.1 miles was torture. In addition to that, I’m one of the runners who didn’t get the Bennie that was “supposed” to be handed out after we crossed the finish line.

Would you recommend this race to friends?

Until some major improvements are made to enhance and cater to the intermediate/experienced “runner” experience, I dont believe I will run this event again. I wouldn’t recommend this race to my runner friends who are focused on their times and performance. As far as my novice friends, I would recommend to them that they would have to experience it one time.