No, no, no, not running, but being part of the organization & planing of it. I started in 1997 when asked by the old director to be part of their team and stayed with it, even when new ownership took over in 2004. (now new owners again and we've met and are discussing the future) I don't know why anyone would pay to: get up very early on a cold winter morning, stand in the dark among other's with the same goal, look for a port-a-potty as start time nears, shed warm clothes as you run, then push yourself for either 13.1 or 26.2 miles and say you had FUN. I don't see the word fun in run. But, there are folks who do. Big ones, little ones, old ones & young ones. And, Vegas drew approx 16,000 this year from all over the world and US. 
My day started at 0400. I was at the command post by 4:15, fielding questions, answering my phone, and doing my best to play liaison between traffic control, sag wagon pickup, medical, NHP, barricade company and our staff at the finish line. All said and done, this year went better than prior years and the weather was perfect. (A little trivia: I was able to get a metro academy class to run the half marathon FREE. I spoke to their class leader, a young cop I knew prior to my retirement, who said his entire class of 23 cadets ran in formation the entire 13.1 miles. Never been done before.)
We had running Elvi and several who
stopped for a quick marriage on the route. Only in Vegas!
I've suggested an "annulment booth" at the end, but that hasn't happened yet. :-)
5 comments:
That's too cool- My father in law who is getting up there in age, runs the St. George marathon every year-Yikes. I think he is awesome. Wish I could do that, but watching people run past the finish line and start vomiting is not my idea of fun. But I bet Vegas has some great weather for this kind of thing...well in the winter. Glad it went good, and I think your booth idea sounds great!
The wedding thing is hilarious! I can't believe you were there at 4:15 brutal! My sister in law Jane does this kind of stuff. Right now she is training for a half iron man.
I really admire people who run marathons. I think its great you keep involved with these! Way to go Ron!
I didn't even lift my head when you went out the door at 4:15 a.m., but I admire the fact that you like this stuff. I would probably run the marathon if that held it a little later--yeah, right!
You amaze me Dad and all your ambition to complete all you do. Glad you made it through alive, and there weren't that many problems.
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