Friends Shadow Each Other to the End (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – Travis Feeny of Cedar City, Utah, outpaced friend Kevin Kirk in a thrilling photo-finish effort to capture the men’s title at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series half marathon Sunday on the Strip.[1][2]
Friends Shadow Each Other to the End
Travis Feeny and Kevin Kirk dominated the front pack for most of the 13.1-mile course. The pair pulled away from other elite competitors as they headed south along Las Vegas Boulevard toward the Bellagio fountains.
Competitive fire ignited just past the 12-mile mark. Feeny summoned a powerful surge down the homestretch. He crossed the line in 1 hour, 5 minutes, 9 seconds, edging Kirk by a mere seven seconds.[1]
“I was able to unleash a little bit of a kick at the end,” Feeny said. “I knew that it was going to be a tough battle. (Kirk) had a lot of strength, but I was proud that I was able to hang and stay comfortable, even in the last mile.”[1]
First-Timer Feeny Tunes Up on Iconic Strip
The victory marked Feeny’s debut in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas half marathon. He had not raced since September and viewed the event as preparation for upcoming long-distance challenges.
More than 26,000 runners filled the weekend’s festivities, which included a Saturday 5K downtown and Sunday’s 10K alongside the half. High-energy music and cheering crowds lined the route, where participants donned costumes ranging from Elvis impersonators to showgirls.[1][2]
Standout Performances Across Distances
Jessa Hanson of Flagstaff, Arizona, seized the women’s half-marathon crown in 1:14:47. The Adidas professional entered on Thursday to escape winter chill and challenge herself.[1]
She outran last year’s winner, Ellie Stevens, by over three minutes. “I’ve been trying to find new ways to push myself and make myself a little uncomfortable and challenge myself,” Hanson said. “Throwing a race on the schedule last minute was a good way of doing that.”[1]
In the 10K, Sam Juson of Hereford, England, led the men at 31:57. Henderson resident Rachael Robnett topped the women’s field in 37:39.
| Race | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Half | Travis Feeny (Cedar City, UT) | 1:05:09 |
| Women’s Half | Jessa Hanson (Flagstaff, AZ) | 1:14:47 |
| Men’s 10K | Sam Juson (Hereford, UK) | 31:57 |
| Women’s 10K | Rachael Robnett (Henderson, NV) | 37:39 |
Local Heroes and Traditions Shine
Local stories added heart to the spectacle. Las Vegan Marisa Romero-Sandlin finished the half a year after a major heart attack. Henderson’s Ron Gay marked his 65th birthday with the distance, 15 years post-cardiac event.
Team Hoyt Las Vegas kicked off the races in turquoise shirts. Rider-athletes with disabilities and their partners led the field. “They’re the star of the show,” said founder Eden Capsuoto. “They get to feel free. They’re included, and many times some of our rider-athletes have said that they don’t feel like they have a disability.”[1]
- Over 26,000 runners from worldwide locations.
- 18th edition of the “World’s Largest Running Party,” sponsored by CELSIUS.
- Course highlights: Strip at night, Welcome sign, Downtown, Bellagio finish.
- Post-race yoga drew 300 on Monday morning.
Feeny’s narrow triumph underscored the event’s blend of competition and camaraderie. Runners chased personal bests amid neon lights and festive vibes. What stories from the Strip races inspired you most? Share in the comments.
