Running in Las Vegas...

Bad.

Don't listen to the "one-word wonder" above. It's better than most people would imagine!

Tim Kelly and the Las Vegas Track Club are an organization of about 800 people who are extremely active in the local running community...

http://www.lvtc.org/

Also, Dan Campbell and his Las Vegas Running Team are a no-fee organization that also organizes many races in the Clark County area. Every Sunday morning he provides free "crew" support during your weekly long runs in his van...

http://www.lasvegasrunningteam.com/

The climate isn't exactly like Oregon or Southern California, but it's not nearly as bad as the scorching urban legend that others would perpetuate. One of the athletes that I coach is a 26-year-old young lady who lives there. She started running less than two years ago, but thanks to her own dedication and the support of organizations like those described above, she qualified for Boston two months ago!

There are also trail run opportunities in the foothills. Check out the message boards at those two web pages above...they can tell you quite a bit more.

I would say go for it!

Sorry, but I think the Las Vegas area is one of the worst areas in the country for training. Very few elite runners to push you through workouts. Very slow times in local races. Hot and dry during the summer. Colder than most think in the winter. Dusty air and wind add to the problems in running. The area is not conducive for healthy activity.

Granted Run5k, there are the base groups that provide running opportunity. I just don't think it's for anyone who is serious about training and becoming the best they can be.

Oh no wrote:

Granted Run5k, there are the base groups that provide running opportunity. I just don't think it's for anyone who is serious about training and becoming the best they can be.

Agreed. However, based upon what the topic creator originally said, I don't think he plans to resurrect "Athletics West" in Las Vegas.

If a person's primary focus is finding an ideal running environment, then Las Vegas certainly isn't the answer. On the other hand, if they are already considering moving to the Clark County area for other reasons, I am always quick to emphasize that decent training opportunities (and support organizations) DO exist!

Point taken.

these organizations are also a great way to meet new people, which is especially beneficial to someone moving into the area!

bumpy!

I'm moving to Vegas with Teach for America next year, and simply wanted to say I appreciate the advice and links, Run5k.

No problem at all!

Once again, nobody is going to mistake the Clark County area for Eugene or Boulder any time soon, but there definitely are some decent training opportunities available.