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.

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