Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon Review (2 of 3) Kids Rock Las Vegas

Since I’ve started running, I’ve tried to encourage my kids to be more physically active since they’re really not into any sports. Earlier this year, we all ran in Mickey’s Main Street U.S.A. 5K as part of the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. With the inaugural Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, another opportunity presented itself with Kids Rock Las Vegas.

This event was part of a training program by Rod Dixon and sponsored by McDonalds and Springfield products. As part of the event, kids were asked to partake in an 8-week training program which would total 25.2 miles. Then on December 4th, all the kids got together at the UNLV track and ran the last mile together. Although the boyz and I did not complete the entire training program, it was a great event to keep them active and running.

It just happened to be the coldest morning of the winter so far in Las Vegas but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the hundreds of kids at the track. There were a number of schools that participated and they showed up by the bus load. On the infield, they had areas for all the kids separated by grades Kindergarten thru 6th grade. Members of the UNLV track team were there and did a great job warming up the kids and getting them to the starting line. My only suggestion next time would be to have the younger kids go first. Waiting over an hour for the younger kids seemed to make things a little harder on the kids AND volunteers.

The event started with the national anthem and a flyover by two military helicopters – we didn’t even get a flyover for the marathon!!! Just as they would eventually do in the marathon, the kids were started in waves. Not only did this prevent some crazy smashups but it also allowed more than one runner to jump out to a lead. Ronald McDonald was in the house and ran the first half lap with the kids and then stayed at the finish to high five the runners as they passed (yes, this was a big deal). After completing 3 1/2 laps, they had a entire finish area set up for just the kids. They got to take photos, receive a goodie bag and were treated to free food and drinks. The biggest deal of the whole thing was getting an actual metal medal!!!

I really thought it was cool to have Rod Dixon at the event. Not only was it his program but he personally ran with each age group. And he didn’t just run up front. He picked out a kid that was slow or struggling and ran the entire mile with them encouraging them the whole way. In between races he signed autographs and chatted with a bunch of the kids.

Overall it was a great event and I can only hope that it grows with more kids and schools participating every year.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon Review (1 of 3) Health & Fitness Expo

With a day of rest (work) under my belt, it’s time to look back at the weekend that was. To give you an idea of how much I enjoyed the expo and it’s efficiency, I ended up going twice. I had to go to the expo on Friday and pick up my boyz bibs and t-shirts for Kids Rock Las Vegas. This worked out quite well because the crowds were not as intense as they were on Saturday. If I could sum up the expo in one word, it would be EFFICIENT!!!

The lines were fast at the bib pickup. With over 20+ stations, they were easily marked and the volunteers were quick and knowledgeable. I heard the woman next to me rattle off a bunch of information to a fellow runner. The t-shirts and goodie bags were in separate areas and fully staffed. It maybe took me a total of 5 minutes to get my bibs, shirts and bag for me and my boyz. Even though I didn’t go thru the bib lines on Saturday, I didn’t see very long lines.

I’ve been to enough expos now to be able to compare the race apparel and this race by far had the most logo gear I have ever seen. This puts the logo wear at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon races to shame. But for all the clothing options I had one big problem with it…the price. There wasn’t much to be had for under $20 and the really cool stuff (jackets, technical apparel, etc.) was way out of my price range. Here’s to hoping that there is a very large Holiday Sale online right around the corner.

Their was nothing really special about the exhibitors. It seems the same sunglasses and clothing exhibits were there as every other expo. There were a couple that really stood out though. CLEAR had a very cool booth were you could sign up for the online text updates and Nissan booth loomed large in the back. Nissan had Meb Keflezighi there on Friday and they also were partnering with Runner’s World on a photo booth. Props to the Pearl Izumi exhibit (just because that’s the kind of shoes I wear), Calico Racing (local running event organizer) and the Rock-n-Roll hallway with all the marathon events on the way in.

The thing about the Health Expo that always makes me laugh is that it’s right next to the Cowboy Christmas every year. For those of you not aware, the National Finals Rodeo is in town the same week and they have this Christmas expo next door. There’s nothing funnier walking down the long hallway to the expos with runners and cowboys walking together. Talk about polar opposites!!!

If I had to guess, this expo is only going to get bigger and better every year. Way to go Rock-n-Roll – day one and you already exceeded expectations.

As part of the the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, the Competitor Group is also offering Kids Rock Las Vegas presented by McDonald’s and Springfield. Basically, kids are asked to run 3-4 times a week for 8 weeks. After the 8 weeks, their total mileage will be 25.2 miles. Then, on the Saturday before the Las Vegas Marathon, all the kids participating in the program get together at the UNLV track facility to run the last mile.

Included in the $25 entry fee you get:

• A Springfield Training Guide & Activities Booklet that includes a training program, kid articles on fitness and nutrition plus some activities and games.
• Rockin’ Race T-Shirt (I thought it funny they didn’t ask for sizes when registering)
• Official Race Number (kids love anything “official”)
• Finisher’s Medal (we’ll see if they’re actually metal)
• Kids Goodie Bag
• Post-Race Refreshments (if McDonald’s doesn’t have chicken nuggets at the finish, my boyz are going to be so disappointed)

My boyz aren’t into any team sports but they love running with/like dad. With so many of our youth obese and inactive, I think we should all encourage our kids to run and exercise as much as possible. If you’re running the Las Vegas Marathon, check this program out and get your kids involved.

RMFR

I have two young boyz and they’re some of my biggest fans. They don’t think much of dad heading out for a run and coming back two hours later. I’ve been doing it long enough that it’s not that big of deal. They’re not really into sports. Neither of them wants to go out for baseball or soccer and are content with their Nintendo DS, Wii or computer.

With that being said, I’ve tried to coax them towards running – at least every once in awhile. We trained for and ran in Mickey’s Main Street USA 5K in September and we had a blast. This year, with the Competitor Group taking over the Las Vegas Marathon and making it a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, they’ve added some cool things.

Kids Rock Las Vegas is a training program for kids grades K-6. Upon registering, you receive a training program that totals 25.2 miles. You do it in short segments and on your own time. Then, on the Saturday before the race, everybody will gather to run the last mile of the “marathon” together.

In a country of access and lethargy I think we owe it to our kids to keep them active and healthy. It’s programs like this that are going to make a difference. If you’re running Las Vegas, I highly encourage you to bring along the kids and enter. You know what they say…the family that runs together, stays together (or something like that).