Las Vegas Marathon 2014: Route, Course Map, Times, Rock 'N' Roll Event Details

The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon combines the bright lights of the popular tourist haven with one of the United States' oldest road races to create a unique event.

Of course, the location makes it one of the most talked-about stops during the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, which includes races around the globe. Along with the races, there's also a health and fitness expo as part of the festivities.

Let's check out all of the important information for race day followed by some of the interesting details about the annual event.

Key Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 16

Times: 3:30 p.m. PT (Zappos.com 1/2 of the Half); 4:30 p.m. PT (Marathon and Half Marathon)

Routes: Course Maps (via race's official site)

Event Details and Preview

Last year marked a race sweep for American runners. Jason Brosseau was the top overall finisher in 2 hours, 35 minutes, 26 seconds, while Nuta Olaru was the top women's finisher at 2:58:46.

Interestingly, it marked the second straight victory for Olaru, who had previously represented Romania before becoming a U.S. citizen.

Before this year's race kicks off on Las Vegas Boulevard South there will be a performance by the duo of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The first race will start in the middle of that show and then the main events start one hour later.

While the marathon is usually the main focus, the half marathon has a special guest serving as a pacer this year. It's Meb Keflezighi, the American running star who captured the Boston Marathon crown earlier this year.

Sarah Feldberg of Las Vegas Weekly notes Meb will pace the 1:45 group in the half. He explained how much he enjoys this type of experience:

"

I have a blast. My career has been fulfilled, but a lot of people want to run with me and break an hour 45 or an hour and a half. Let them run with me, and I communicate with them and try to guide them and coach them throughout, think how the mechanics should be, what to do with their hands, focus. You get to tell them about the Boston story to take their minds off racing. You try to make jokes. Obviously, I’m going a lot slower than what I train for, but I love people and I love running with people and having that experience.

"

Getting a chance to run with that group would be a memorable occasion in itself.

The other unforgettable aspect of the race is getting to run down the Las Vegas Strip at night. It's one of the most distinctive settings for a competitive race imaginable. And many runners will probably head back there after they finish for a night of entertainment.

Of course, there will be different types of runners. Some will be racing competitively to see how high they can finish. Others are just taking part in the event for the entire experience or working to reach personal goals.

A veteran Rock 'n' Roll runner has been posting various tips ahead of the race. That includes one key factor people may not think about before taking part:

Ultimately, even for runners with a lot of experience in distance racing, the Las Vegas Marathon has a must-participate feel. It's far from the most prestigious race on the calendar, but the atmosphere makes it special anyway.

Las Vegas tends to have that type of impact.