2005 Las Vegas Marathon
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The Las Vegas Marathon celebrates is 40th anniversary in glitzy style this Sunday. A completely new course, new management and huge prize money should turn the mildly successful race into one of marathoning's major attractions.

After 23 years directing the marathon and half marathon, Al Boka sold the event to Devine Racing enabling the race to chase its potential. Its chairman, Chris Devine has the passion for running and respect for runners that manifests itself into first class, professionally organized events.

Devine Racing created the very successful Salt Lake City Marathon and Chicago Big 10km. They also purchased the City of Los Angeles Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon and are well regarded for using the highest level of professional service in the running industry. Its management team recognizes the very personal nature of a runner's accomplishment and they transform races into an enriching experience.

For the last twenty years the race was held in January along the Los Angeles Highway. For some it was a wonderful, peaceful marathon with an early morning view of the McCullough Mountain range. Its draw backs were no spectators, problems getting water onto the course and little connection to the strip.

Personally, I loved the event.   But my fond memories are helped by my successes. I placed second, first and third in the early nineties and was the top total prize money winner over the first 25 years.   Still, I can understand Boka's dilemma and vision to make the race into a priority destination for marathoners.

The New Las Vegas Marathon will now start and finish at Mandalay Bay with a spectacular laser display set to Elvis' "Viva Las Vegas" rocks . 15,000 runners are expected to funnel up the Las Vegas boulevard strip as well as long stretches on Martin Luther King Boulevard and Torrey Pines Road.

Organizers have been working to create the world's largest collection of Elvis marathon runners and start them all together.   Devine Racing is offering $400,000 in prizes and appearance money to elite runners. $20,000 in prize money has been designated for local residents of Clark County. Other highlights will include fireworks and a torch run to honor police, fire and military personnel.

Reverend William Peterson who has performed over 25,000 weddings in Las Vegas is in marathon training to perform a quickie wedding during the race at the Run through Chapel that will be covered live on television. One lucky couple will be selected to spend their honeymoon at Mandalay Bay Resort.

Early registered runners had the option of printing their names or nicknames on their racing bibs numbers so spectators could offer personalized words of encouragement. Elvis unfortunately was already taken.

Las Vegas continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Along with its luxurious hotels, fabulous food and top name performers the area is just a short distance away from some of the best hiking trails in the world.   Runners with a little extra energy can visit Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam or the Havasupai Reservation.   If Devine Racing wants steady controlled growth, it should be easy to manage.   Don't be surprised to see this race make the top ten attendance list.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226