by Larry Eder
The RNR Las Vegas starting line, by Ryan Bethke
The Las Vegas Strip is what people the world over see as Vegas in their dreams. RNR Las Vegas is a wonderful example of finding an iconic city, developing an event that is unique to the community and how many runners are looking for something fun!
Nice to see Geico getting involved in the event. Their commercials make me laugh.
GEICO Announced as Title Partner of Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon weekend to take place November 12-15, 2015
LAS VEGAS – November 3, 2015 – Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI) today announced an expanded partnership with GEICO, which now becomes the title sponsor of the GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon. The only running event that takes place on the Las Vegas Strip at night will welcome more than 45,000 runners to Sin City the weekend of November 12-15, 2015.
“We are thrilled to expand our longstanding partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series as the title sponsor in Las Vegas, which is certainly one of the most unique running events in the world,” said Melissa Halicy, senior marketing manager at GEICO. “It’s the only event of its kind in the world of marathons and it fits well with our brand. We look forward to elevating the runner experience over race weekend with our engaging activations starting with GEICO’s footprint at the three-day expo on Thursday and continuing through the nighttime race on Sunday.”
The GEICO Gecko will be stepping up to the occasion and will start the legendary nighttime race on Sunday, Nov. 15.
“There is no event that can match the excitement and energy of running down the Las Vegas Strip at night. When you combine the beauty of the flat desert course, lit by arguably the largest array of neon lighting on the planet, in the entertainment capital of the world, it’s going to be a unforgettable event,” said Josh Furlow, President of CGI. “As a longtime partner of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, GEICO has a tremendous culture of supporting athletes of all abilities. Having a fun brand like GEICO as our title partner in Las Vegas will add to the participant experience at one of the most unique running events in the world.”
The GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon returns to Las Vegas the weekend of November 12-15. Featuring an expanded race weekend illuminated by the Strip’s neon marquees, the race highlights the must-see Vegas sights from the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign to the Fountains of Bellagio. Both of the marathon and half-marathon routes finish at the base of the Mirage Volcano on the Las Vegas Strip
The one-of-a-kind event features live bands performing along the course, a Run-Thru Wedding for couples to elope on-the-go and the infamous group of Running Elvi. Pre- and post-event parties at Vegas’ top nightlife venues keep the festivities going throughout the weekend.
( Here is the new map of course: LV_15_CourseMap_10_27.pdf)
Multi-platinum recording artist Kid Rock will headline the pre-race concert on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 pm. Known for his hit songs, including ‘Cowboy,’ ‘Bawitdaba,’ ‘All Summer Long,’ ‘Picture’ and ‘Born Free,’ Kid Rock has sold more than 25 million records during his career.
Marathon weekend activities begin with a free three-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants go to pick up their race number, t-shirt and gear bag. This ultimate running showcase will kick off Thursday afternoon, Nov. 12, at the Las Vegas Convention Center featuring more than 100 fitness retailers, exhibits, free samples and interactive clinics. For more information or to register for the event, visit StripAtNight.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 13 million private passenger customers and insures more than 22 million vehicles (auto & cycle). GEICO’s online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes and claims reporting, and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent. GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available. For more information, go to www.geico.com.
About GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
The GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon will take over the world famous Las Vegas Strip on Sundaynight, November 15, 2015. Race participants enjoy the city’s lavish hotels, world-class entertainment and some of Vegas’ hottest music sensations performing on the course. In addition to live entertainment along the course, the Las Vegas event is renowned for hundreds of runners dressed as Elvis, known as the Running Elvi. Every year the event also includes a Run-Thru Wedding Chapel where runners in love can tie the knot or renew their vows on the race route. The finish line venue in front of the Mirage Volcano is conveniently located less than one mile from more than 15 resorts, offering runners a nearby walk back to their respective hotel after the race. Since 2009, more than $20 million has been raised by runners for various charities at the Las Vegas event, which annually generates $165 million in economic impact to the region. For more information about GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.
About Competitor Group
Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI) is the active lifestyle industry’s leading media and event entertainment company. CGI’s portfolio of media brands span the full range of the endurance industry including Velo, Triathlete, Women’s Running and Competitor with a combined monthly circulation of over 700,000. CGI owns and operates 38 events around the world, including the flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the TriRock Triathlon Series and Events DC Nation’s Triathlon, collectively delivering more than 600,000 professional and amateur participants in 2015. The race services division of CGI, Race IT is the second largest provider of online registration solutions to endurance event organizers around the world. Further information about CGI and its digital, publishing and event entertainment properties can be found at CompetitorMediaKit.com.
