Race week is finally here. On Sunday, Dec. 2, thousands of runners will race down the Strip for the Las Vegas Marathon. And the field is going to be a crowded one.
Many of the runners in this year's Las Vegas Marathon have been in training since early summer. The executive race director says they won't be disappointed.
Terry Collier said, "If it was going any better, I couldn't stand it. It's going outstanding. All of the logistics are falling in place this year."
Many of those coming to town for this year's race are making up for the recent chaotic marathon in Chicago where a heat wave and subsequent shortage of drinking water proved disastrous. Only 25,000 of the 45,000 registered runners finished that race.
"They had a bad experience. So we offered them to come here to Las Vegas, have fun, forget about that. You know, get back on track and enjoy your running career still," Collier added.
Collier says the total number of runners expected is between 17,000 and 18,000, which is up 15-percent from last year. There will also be 4,000 to 5,000 volunteers on hand, also up from last year.
Good weather is expected with temperatures in the upper 30s at the 6 a.m. start and warming up to the lower 60s.
Terry Collier said, "Logistically, it's a nightmare. But it's a pleasure nightmare to have because you know you're building something that's going to be a featured event around the world. But even more so, it's going to be a featured event locally for the people that live in the community of Las Vegas and Nevada, period."
This year's marathon will include runners from 42 countries.
You can see the Las Vegas Marathon live on Channel 8, or watch it streamed live on LasVegasNOW.com on Sunday morning.
