Yes, Virginia, there is an Elvis!

At mile seven, we could have run-in at the “Run-Through Wedding Chapel.” Alas, that is still not allowed for my kind. But, it was fun to watch a few dozen people run through to get married or renew their vows. And no Las Vegas wedding is complete without running Elviiiiii. At the chapel, the Elvises gathered to serenade the couples with various songs that Elvis made famous, including “Love Me Tender.” While it was a sweet gesture, I certainly hope these people don’t quit their day jobs.

Everywhere you looked there were running Elvises, most of them complete with a wig and fancy sunglasses. I ran with one of these Elvis people for about a mile and asked him lots of questions.

Me: Doesn’t the wig bother you?
Elvis: No, it is actually kind of warm.

Me: What about the white spandex pants?
Elvis: Not too bad. I took the sock out at mile 15. It started to bother me.

Me: Sock?
Elvis: I had to really make it look like Elvis had a big package.
Me: Oh.

Me: What makes one want to run as Elvis?
Elvis: I lost a bet.

Me: Oh? When?
Elvis: Last night.

It was at that point in the conversation that I decided it was time to let my new Elvis friend take the lead and get going. While I didn’t see him again, over the course of the 26.2, I did see dozens of these characters, including men, women, and even a running Elvis-family with two little Elvises. While a bit over-the-top, they were adorable.

A group of running Elvises was pushing two carts. One cart had a portable stereo system with speakers blaring a remix of “A Little Less Conversation.” The other cart had a cooler of beer. It wouldn’t have been as shocking at mile 20 as it was at mile five. I just wonder how if someone ended up riding on the cart and in the cooler!

White Elvis, Pink Elvis, Camo Elvis, Young Elvis, Old Elvis, Wheelchair Elvis, Elvis with blow up guitar, Elvis with blow up Marilyn Monroe doll, Elvis with a blow up doll. They were everywhere and it was fantastic.

Be well friends and here’s hoping you don’t have a “Bluuuuuuu Christmas.”