This is going to be a long weekend for motorists in Las Vegas.
The strip will be closed for the weekend to accommodate 35,000 runners from around the world who will be taking part in the only running event to be illuminated by the neon lights of Las Vegas and its signs and hotel marquees.
The inaugural Rock ’n’ Roll 5K, which benefits Opportunity Village, has attracted 5,000 runners and will close one lane of the Strip on Saturday.
For the big three races on Sunday, the Strip will have been closed down no later than 2 p.m., and southern portions will begin reopening at 7 p.m.
Pedestrians who need to cross the Strip can use the seven pedestrian bridge walkways, as no street crossing will be available.
Also use the monorail for its eight-station route and hotel trams at Mandalay Bay, CityCenter and Mirage-Treasure Island. The Desert Inn underpass will be open, plus 215 to the south, 515 to the north and 15 to the west.
Grammy Award winners Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will perform during the 3 p.m. pre-race concert Sunday with the marathon and half-marathon and Zappos Half of the Half starting at 4:30 p.m. traveling along both sides of the Strip in the dark. Those races start near the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign at Mandalay Bay and finish at the Mirage volcano.
The economic impact to the city will be tremendouse as nearly 50,000 visitors arrived last year filling 88,644 hotel rooms and generating more than $165 million.
This year is expected to be even bigger and better.
The entire event serves as a benefit for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
