I am planning a 10 day solo trip to Vegas from the UK and was hoping you might be able to help me decide between either 5th - 15th Nov (around the RocknRoll Marathon weekend) or 3rd - 13th Dec (Most of NFR Rodeo Week).

I have been to Vegas many times but not at this time of year. The price of Flight/Hotel is effectively the same for both so not a factor. I appreciate that it will be colder in December, but November isn't pool season either. I am looking to play a lot of poker but also looking to have some fun too and as both of these events offer something a little out of the usual I wondered which will have the biggest impact on the 'normality' of Vegas and/or is the most fun to be around.

Do marathon people party and gamble or are they just in Vegas to run? Do the cowboys take over the whole strip or stay in one particular area? Are they fun? I appreciate any insights that you can give.

Given the choice, all other things being equal, what would you do?

Not sure about marathoners, but when I look across the casino floor and see cowboy hats, I know I'm in for a good session/weekend at the poker tables. Mostly I've spent time at MGM or Caesar's Palace during NFR, and the action always seemed good. That said, once NFR is done, the town dries up til NYE.

Thanks for the reminder, I'm going to see if I can swing a long weekend around 9/10 Dec.

Marathon runners don't gamble. I run with a pretty big group of people of different speeds and I don't know a single other person who even goes to the casinos around here regularly.

There are a gazillion reasons for that, but a pretty big one is the time commitment for serious marathon training. Right now, 6 weeks before my first fall race, I average 55 miles a week, that alone takes up a lot of time. I also don't go out or drink on Saturday night because I have to get up at 5 on Sunday for the ~20 mile long runs and after doing that, I have zero desire to spend time in a casino.

That said, the Rock'nRoll marathon also has 5k/10k/HM races and lots of those runners do it just for fun and might be up to party at least after their race. But even the most casual 5k runner is probably way less likely to gamble than the average rodeo visitor.

Rodeo is a good time to be in Vegas. Cowboys have a lot of personality and like to drink and gamble.

Runners are disciplined people. If we're generalizing, not exactly a fun crown.

I go to Vegas every year in early December for a different event. I see a number of cowboy hats meandering around the casinos, but I can count the number of cowboys I've played poker with on one hand total for the 5+ years I've been going. This includes playing mostly at TI and the Orleans, both heavy rodeo supporters. Cowboys don't play poker in casinos.

"which will have the biggest impact on the 'normality' of Vegas and/or is the most fun to be around."

Definitely, NFR, and it is not even close.

My experience over the last 20+ years is different than yours. Try the Mirage or South Point.

I would tell OP, definitely come here during the NFR, whether for poker or just entertainment value. The NFR folks are in Las Vegas for fun.

I've never noticed the marathoner crowd.

The cowboy crowd OTOH, well, you can't miss. They like to gamble, so the poker is decent.

I disagree with this also-NFR is good for action. Lots of egos running around thinking they can play.

Thanks for your feedback guys, it basically confirms what I had instinctively expected - cowboys are fun, drunken, gambling types - health/fitness types not so much. I shall plan accordingly!! and maybe even do a live TR come the time!

cowboys are fun and have money for the most part. Being from out of the country it will be a good look into a different culture in America that you prob only see in movies. Plus girls with Southern accents!

Overrated imo.