By Areania Hewing
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas marathon series was held Nov. 10 to 13 on the Strip. It started with a health and fitness expo and concluded with a half marathon and full marathon. There was even a three-minute run-thru wedding ceremony that took place on the course.
CSN Serves, a volunteer and service-learning component of Student Life and Leadership Development at College of Southern Nevada, took part in the events.
Students with CSN Serves cheered on the runners and handed out waters as they ran past the stands.
This opportunity provided students a chance to volunteer, give back and meet some new friends. Students interacted with runners getting a lot of thumbs up and smiles.
CSN student Karasten Mikkelsen, said he knew that he would find enjoyment in helping the athletes. “When runners would yell and say ‘thanks for volunteering’ it helped me know that I was appreciated and it only makes me want to keep giving.”
Dannica Dalog, a student at CSN, said that she always volunteers. “I love it. I have done a few other volunteering projects with CSN Serves and I enjoy every minute.”
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series combines running with travel and entertainment in amazing cities. The Series originated in 1998 in San Diego and now goes to more than 30 cities annually including Las Vegas, Chicago, Nashville, Washington D.C., Madrid and Mexico City.
The run in Vegas started at Mandalay Bay and participants ran down the Strip until they arrived in downtown.
There were four different runs: 5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon. Runners were encouraged to wear their favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll gear while they ran.
In addition to beating their own times during the race, runners beat their fundraising goals for their favorite charities.
Since 1998 Rock ‘n’ Roll runners raised over $310 million for hundreds of charities, according to its website. Some of the charities include the following: Team Challenge, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nevada Homes for Youth, Delete Blood Cancer and many more.
Jennifer Yniguez, a runner for Rock ‘n’ Roll, said that these marathons help her feel good about herself: physically and mentally. “Not only am I running a half marathon but I also am able to choose to donate my entrance fee to a charity of my choice.” She chose Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.
Rock ‘n’ Roll’s goal in 2015 is to go to 17 cities, have 450,000 runners and raise $10 million, according to its website.
Some couples tied the knot or renewed their vows in front of thousands of runners and spectators. There was a three-minute group ceremony that took place at the boulevard outside Monte Carlo. It was truly an unforgettable Vegas experience for those who participated.
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