Las Vegas Monorail extends operating hours to support Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 19, 2007) –   On Dec. 2, 18,000 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon racers won’t be the only ones running early on the Las Vegas Strip.  The Las Vegas Monorail Company is extending its service to 24 hours on Dec. 2 to help move visitors and marathon supporters along Las Vegas Boulevard South, which will be closed that morning to accommodate the start of the race.
“We are pleased to partner with the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon to provide a quick, convenient and reliable transportation solution when Las Vegas Boulevard is closed to traffic,” said Ingrid Reisman, vice president of corporate communications for the Las Vegas Monorail. “With Monorail trains arriving every few minutes, visitors can travel from the Sahara to MGM Grand in 15 minutes or less.”
From the MGM Grand, race participants and spectators will need to cross the Strip on the pedestrian bridges to the Excalibur, and ride the people mover south to Mandalay Bay.
Visitors can take advantage of the $9 unlimited one-day pass promotional fare, which represents a significant savings from the standard $15 all-day pass. A six-ride party pack ticket is also available for $20, and it can be shared for a total number of six entries onto the Monorail system.
For local marathon participants and spectators, the Sahara station customer service booth will open at 4:30 a.m. Locals who visit the booth can buy single-ride tickets for $1 with a valid Nevada ID. All other customer service booths will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Automated touch-screen ticket vending machines (TVMs) make it convenient to purchase tickets. These TVMs sell tickets 24 hours a day and are located near the entrance of each of the seven Las Vegas Monorail stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara.
ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS MONORAIL
The Las Vegas Monorail is an easy and convenient connection to the Las Vegas Strip, linking riders to the city’s world-class restaurants, shows, shops, clubs, hotels and casinos. Monorail riders can travel the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in 15 minutes or less in a safe, comfortable and clean environment – without the hassles of traffic or wasted time. Currently, the privately funded Monorail system has seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara. As one of the nation’s most environmentally friendly public transportation systems, the Monorail’s electric trains are zero-emission vehicles and consistently run at 99 percent operational efficiency, indicating an optimal level of performance from people, processes and technology. For more information on the Las Vegas Monorail or where to purchase tickets, call (866) 4-MONORAIL or (866) 466-6672; visit www.lvmonorail.com; or pick up a Monorail Magazine, available at all Monorail stations and station hotels.

SPECIAL OFFER TO ALL 2007 LAS VEGAS  AND LOS ANGELES ROADRUNNERS ONLY

Terry Collier, Executive Race Director is offering to allow your spouse or significant other at the finish line as additional inspiration and present you with your medal when you cross the finish line. Please email Tim Kelly at tkelly@thelvmarathon.com

DEADLINE: Please email Tim Kelly by Friday, Nov. 23, 2007 at 5 p.m. Please note that any emails after this date will not be honor.

See you all at the finish line!

Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon realizing benefits of new timing and tracking system

The SAI Timing & Tracking System is the next step in the evolution of transponder timing. This system was developed and designed with the technical expertise of RFID industry researchers and the experience of many race directors and timers from around the world.Arash Kia and David O. Simms were the main driving forces behind bring this innovative system to participatory sports. The 2007 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon will be the first marathon and half-marathon in the U.S. to use this new innovative technology.All tests have surpassed all expectations and it is now ready to be used around the world. Here’s how it works. Your SAI tag is attached to the bib. You peel the tag off and place it on your shoe. You run the race and keep the SAI tag as a souvenir. The SAI Tag is disposable. The race no longer has to worry about collecting chips when the race is done. This SAI Timing system saves event managers and timers many hours of work to prepare and clean up after an event. It also lets you do what you came to the race to do: compete and go home. You will never again have to stop and be chased down to return a timing device!We have a sample 2007 Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon Bib listed below.

INNOVATIVE MILE MARKER PLAN ANNOUNCED

Zappos.Com Las Vegas Marathon Executive Race Director Terry Collier announced an innovative mile marker plan for the 2008 race.  At each mile for both the full and half marathons, eight-foot tall color sail banners will be clearly visible to all participants.  Because wind is always a possibility in the desert, the banners will be visible in all weather conditions. And for an added “only in Vegas” touch, Elvis will be posted at each banner calling split times.  The course has been measured and certified by Ron Scadera of USA Track & Field, who will supervise the placement of the banners. Color banners will also mark the start line corrals and aid stations on the course