Running through Las Vegas at night isn't just a race. It's basically a neon-soaked fever dream where the smell of buffet salt meets the grit of a 6-minute mile. Honestly, if you've ever tried to navigate the Strip on a Saturday night, you know it's chaos. Now, imagine doing that while trying to hit a personal best.
The las vegas rock and roll marathon results from the 2025 weekend tell a story of speed, sure, but also of massive endurance under the glare of millions of LEDs. Over 27,000 runners showed up for the 17th anniversary of what many call the "World’s Largest Running Party." It wasn't just locals either; people flew in from 60 different countries just to sweat through the desert air while a generic Elvis impersonator cheered them on at mile four.
The Speed Demons: Breaking Down the Top Times
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of who actually won. In the half marathon—which is really the "main event" now since the full 26.2 distance was phased out a few years back—Johannes Motschmann absolutely crushed it. He crossed the line with a time of 1:04:13.
Think about that for a second. That is a pace of roughly 4 minutes and 54 seconds per mile. For thirteen miles.
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On the women’s side, Ellie Stevens from the UK took the top spot, clocking in at 1:17:21. She was followed closely by Katie Watson, who was just ten seconds behind her. That kind of finish is agonizing. You can see the tape, you can smell the finish line, but your legs are just... done.
Half Marathon Top Finishers (Men)
- Johannes Motschmann (GER) – 1:04:13
- John Gay (USA) – 1:08:02
- Jordan Cross (USA) – 1:09:16
- Dominic Henriques (USA) – 1:09:33
Half Marathon Top Finishers (Women)
- Ellie Stevens (UK) – 1:17:21
- Katie Watson (USA) – 1:17:31
- Anika Kimme (USA) – 1:18:49
- Melissa Berry (USA) – 1:19:22
Why the Marathon Distance is Complicated Here
So, here is the thing. A lot of people search for the "marathon" results specifically, but if you actually look at the recent history, the full 26.2-mile distance hasn't been the focus for a while. The race organizers shifted the event to be more of a "night experience" on the Strip, and logistically, shutting down Vegas for a full marathon is a nightmare.
The "Original Las Vegas Marathon" is a separate entity that happens at a different time of year. For the Rock 'n' Roll series, the half marathon is the crown jewel. In 2025, the 10K and 5K also saw some serious competition. Ronald Loewen took the 10K win with a 33:37, which is moving. Sullivan Clarke won the 5K in 16:55.
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What the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Marathon Results Don't Tell You
The numbers on a spreadsheet don't capture the actual vibe. Most runners aren't there to break 1:10:00. They’re there for the "Run-Thru Wedding" at the Monte Carlo (now Park MGM) or the fact that they get to run past the Bellagio fountains while they're actually firing.
It's a flat course. That's a huge draw. If you’re looking to set a PR, Vegas is a good spot for it, provided you can handle the late start time. Most races start at 6:00 AM. This one? It doesn't even start until the sun goes down around 4:30 PM or later.
- Pro Tip: Your nutrition plan has to be totally different. You can't just eat a big pasta dinner the night before and call it good. You're basically waiting all day to run, which messes with your stomach.
- The Crowd Factor: With 27,000+ people, the "wave starts" are essential. If you’re in a later wave, you might not even cross the start line until an hour after the elites.
- The Wind: People forget Vegas is in a bowl. Sometimes the wind kicks up off the desert and hits you like a wall on the North end of the Strip.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If you missed out on 2025 or you're looking at these times thinking, "I could beat that," the next chance is already on the calendar. The 2026 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas is set for February 21–22, 2026.
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Registration usually opens up almost immediately after the previous race ends. If you want those "early bird" prices, you have to move fast. Also, keep in mind that hotel prices on the Strip triple during race weekend.
Actionable Steps for Future Runners
- Check the official results portal: If you ran in 2025 and want your specific chip time, head to the Rock 'n' Roll series website or Athlinks. You can search by bib number or last name.
- Book your 2026 hotel NOW: Seriously. Don't wait until January. Look for hotels near the finish line so you don't have to walk three miles back to your room on jelly legs.
- Train for the dark: Do at least three of your long runs at night. Your depth perception changes when you’re running under streetlights versus sunlight.
- Study the 10K vs. Half: If you aren't ready for 13.1 miles, the 10K still gives you the "Strip" experience without the brutal final 3 miles of a half.
The las vegas rock and roll marathon results prove that while the "party" is the marketing hook, the competition remains incredibly high. Whether you're an elite like Motschmann or someone just trying to finish before the sweep bus comes, there’s no other race like it. Just watch out for the tourists trying to cross the street while you're in the zone.