Confession: My cardio of choice in Las Vegas is NOT running…
However, I received some questions about where / how / why to run in Las Vegas so here it goes…
Running in Las Vegas
First off if you are going to run in Las Vegas, I say sign up for the Rock N’ Roll Las Vegas Half or Full Marathon. They shut down the strip so you run right up Las Vegas Blvd at night with all the casino lights shining on ya.
I ran the half again this year and even though running a ‘hung over half’ isn’t the most pleasant thing, I had a blast with my friends!
If that is not an option and you just want to run on your Vegas vacation then you can run on the sidewalk right on the strip. Wake up early OR party until about 6am, go back to your room, change and hit the road for a run before you sober up. #allegedly 
This is also known as the “Run Of Shame”.
As long as you get an early start running up the strip is pretty cool (plus you can try and beat the desert heat!). The crowds aren’t out yet before 8am, but there are enough people out that it is safe.
Added bonus: There are Creative Crosswalks that have walk ways with stairs so you get in an added challenge every once in a while.
From the south around Luxor to the top toward Harrah’s Casino (before it gets shady town) it’s about 3.5 – 4 miles one way.
Warning: I would try to stay on the strip though and not venture off on back roads. Traffic can be crazy and you don’t know what’s around a random, shady corner.
Disclaimer: Most of the time I try to live 80% healthy, 20% FUN. But, when I’m in Las Vegas is 100% fun and I DO NOT go there to run or eat healthy food. So, don’t feel bad if you partypartyparty in Vegas- running will be there when you get home.
And I’ve found that I do a lot of walking and dancing in Vegas, so I’m not worried about it in the least.
Have fun! I did. 
Question: Do you exercise on vacation?
okay lady, when are you going to share your secret of how you lost some weight recently…you look fabulous and clearly whatever you are doing is working and also making you run fast…please please share!!
Sometimes I exercise on vacation. It seems like most of our vacations, these days, are centered around a destination race – because that’s how I roll. In fact, the last time I was in Vegas was in 2011 to run the RnR!
I always try to work out while on vacation. My husband is not so happy about it, but he accepts 🙂
Since I live in Vegas I can offer a few other great places to run just off the strip. Sunset Park, off Sunset Road by the Airport, offers a great paved path that goes around one of our last “wild areas” in the city. It is a very large sand dune where you will see all kinds of wildlife. I have seen several coyotes and of course bunnies too. There is a more shaded area by the newly redone lake area. There is also the Pitman wash trail that goes in and around the city.
Every year in March is the Red Rock marathon and half marathon. It is out at the Red Rock loop off of Charleston. It is put on by Calico Racing and is fun but very hilly. Calico Racing really does a great job with this. Check out their webiste!
Come and run in Vegas!!
Thank you Tracy! I considered doing the Red Rock a few weeks back but knew I was coming out for this trip so I skipped it.
On some vacations I insist on waking up to run like when I went to Israel and made sure to wake up super early to run along the Mediterranean but Vegas is not one of those vacations.
Wow! You still run even when your in an out of town vacation? Me? I don’t do that. lol! I just enjoy the place, the food and the booze.
WOW, running in Vegas? Maybe one day…but doubtful. I love dancing and booze much too much. I’d have to have a heavy influence to drag me out of bed. Maybe you can join me next time and get me running on the strip!
Deal.
I always INTEND to work out when I’m on vacation but it doesn’t always work…except when the purpose of vacations are races, then it all works out fine and dandy!
I have two questions:
1. Do you run with a Spibelt? Or is it something similar? I just got one and I thought you could buy waterbottle attachments and it seems that’s not the case…but your running belt looks like it does?
2. I have been battling runner’s knee the past two weeks right in the midst of training for my first half. It’s at the beginning of May and I’m worried I’ve missed too much training now for that to be possible since I’m still not running (spinning, swimming, and weights still). Any advice?
Yes, I run with a Spibelt and love it for holding my phone, ID, keys and money.
I usually do run on vacation. It kind of keeps me grounded since there’s so much new stuff and partying and it’s a good way to find “me time” if needed when you’re with a group nonstop!
I love to exercise on vacation because typically I am in a warmer climate and I am able to explore the area a little more. My husband and I however will not be hardcore to working out as we are at home and allow a few more rest days during the vacation!
I always pack my running clothes but don’t feel bad if I don’t get it in.
I love your disclaimer about 80/20 except in Vegas!!!
I usually run (or workout) on vacation – I try to get up early and do it so it doesn’t take anytime away from the fun!!!
It’s really hard for me to motivate myself to workout on vacation. Running especially sucks. Not a big fan of venturing out into the unknown streets of vacation spots. I’m going to Vegas in a month, and I predict lots of NOT working out.
I’ve been travelling for quite a while now, so I try to exercise as much as I can. Sometimes I run and other times I just workout in my room. There’s always lots of walking involved on vacation too though.
Vegas will always be Vegas! Having fun is more important since after your vacation, you’ll be back to your old healthy lifestyle. There’s nothing wrong in having a cheat day. Ha Ha. What matters is you’re having fun. Run of shame sounds cool! You totally had fun, and that’s good to know. 🙂
I make sure I walk a lot but nothing formal.
Yup and I always do it in the morning to get it outta the way.
This post makes me happy, I was in Las Vegas last weekend too and I really wanted to bring running stuff but couldn’t fit it in. It would have been in vain anyway, there is just to much fun stuff to do in Vegas, you can at home!!
I rarely “exercise” while on vacation, but my trips usually involve running half marathons or walking around extensively like in New York.
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to run Las Vegas (we go ~3x/year), but never have! We’re going during the middle of my training, so I play to run the first morning we’re there…and then take rest days the remaining mornings… 🙂
I usually try to do something while on vacation. I have 2 kids, so getting in about an hour of “me” time, whether that is a run or on the elliptical, is a great way to start my day. Plus I live for the endorphins and it just makes me happier all day long. Our last vacation was in Sedona and we hiked every day, so no other exercise was needed.the kids loved it and so did we.
I absolutely run on vacation. It’s the best way to sightsee and get off the “tourist path”! I am headed to Thailand and Malaysia in a few weeks and look forward to seeing the sights and sounds during my morning runs. Plus, it gives me the excuse to eat, drink, and be merry the rest of the day!
Hey there! I’m in Kuala Lumpur! Do buzz me if you need help with run routes etc.
never been to vegas. i’m probably the only one.
i always workout so a vacation is no different. a little addicted to sweating i think.
I want to do RnR Las Vegas soon!
I try to workout on vacation nowadays
but it’s not a TOP priority
and though I hate the dreadmill
I’d probably got run on that
rather than going for a run in an unknown city/neighborhood
I’m actually going on a cruise in May and I’m looking
forward to going running on the outdoor track.
I just think it’d be cool to be running
“in the middle of the ocean”
🙂
I’ll to some extent exercise while on vacation – I’ll do a race early on, then spend a few days to have fun and explore!
LovE Vegas!!! My husband and I always run on vacation (LV included) because it’s so nice to just have the time to exercise and we enjoy going together. Your trip looked so fun!
I was recently in Aruba and ran on the treadmill one day at the fitness center but also walked the beach a lot. It all adds up!
I have never been to Vegas and really want to go!! One day!! Yes, I exercise on vacation. I work for a company that allows me to travel to awesome resorts and teach at their fitness centers for 7-10 days. Best part….most of the vacationers are too hungover to attend class! 😉
That is very cool!
You look beautiful and oh so skinny! Keep up the great balance of running, fun, and food! On my vacations, I try to do active things, but, let’s be real, it’s vacation!
Glad you had a great time! When on vacation, you’re usually burning so much energy doing everything there is to do in a smaller frame of time, so there’s no reason to feel guilty if you miss a run. Though, I would TRY to run on vacation simply because running keeps my brain in line. If I don’t run, I usually stress over small stuff and get anxious! But I wouldn’t go on vacation and do anything else, like weights or ab workouts.
I love to exercise on vacation! It’s a great way to explore the area. I try to get a run &/or a hike in.
thanks for this post! it’s a great reminder that we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves all the time and just enjoy being on vacation (or at least that’s what i took away from it – i need to be reminded of that sometimes).
i’m actually going to vegas this weekend with family and friends to celebrate my brother’s 21st birthday. 🙂 i’m not planning on running/exercising during this trip, but when i was in maui last spring, i ran a couple times along the beach just because i couldn’t pass up such a beautiful run!
Have fun!
I do try to workout on vacation. My husband and I just went on our honeymoon (18 months after getting married) in February and I was able to get in a few decent runs. On a more active trip, like dancing and walking through Vegas, I probably would be slightly less motivated.
I wish I lived closer to LV. This makes me want to go back soooo bad!
Yay for the Run of Shame! I only run on vacation if I am either taking a relaxing vacation on the beach or in the woods and need to get out and move or I am training for something. Usually I am hiking and walking a lot no matter where I go so I count that as my exercise.
I love it!!! That’s my kind of vacation! I don’t blame you for having a lot of fun! That’s Las Vegas! Enough said! 🙂 LOL!
Ill be taking the kids to Disney World at the end of July and with the amount of walking and the heat im expecting I definitely will NOT be running.
This post made me laugh so hard! “Run of Shame!” I do try to exercise while on vacation – I was able to get in 6 runs while on vacation in Puerto Rico last week!