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Rock 'n' Roll Marathons and Half Marathons

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 21, 2012

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Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Start

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Start

Competitor Group ©

About the Events:

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathons and Half-Marathons are held in locations around the United States and internationally by the Competitor Group. The events are open to runners and walkers within the time limits for each site. Usually they have time limits of seven hours for a marathon and four hours for a half-marathon, but this varies from city to city and year to year.

The Rock 'n' Roll series features entertainment by dozens of bands along the course for a party atmosphere. Events vary as to whether they offer a marathon, half marathon or both.
Rock 'n' Roll Series by Competitor

Dates and Locations:

The events are held in cities throughout the USA and have been expanding to international cities such as Madrid, Lisbon, Dublin and Montreal. Rock 'n' Roll Dates and Locations

Registration:

Registration fees vary but are generally $100 or more per event, with prices increasing as the date gets nearer to the event. Register online and pick up your bib number, timing chip and goodie bag at the expo the day or two before the event. If you are traveling to the event, be sure to plan to arrive one to two days before the event, as you will not be able to pick up your packet and bib on race day. These events attract 10,000 or more runners and walkers, and some events may have a cap on participation.

The Course:

The main attraction of these music-oriented events are live bands along the route and often headliner concerts before or after the event. These events appeal to those new to the marathon and half-marathon distances.

Walker Friendly:

The finish for most of these events stays open for seven hours for the marathon and four hours for the half marathon. Check with the event for any variation. Do not enter the event if you can't finish within the time limits. I walked and reviewed the inaugural Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, the inaugural Portland Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon and the inaugural Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll "Strip at Night" Half Marathon, with photos of each. They were very enjoyable events, even with crowds of over 10,000 runners and walkers at each one.

What You Get:

All registrants receive a technical T-shirt and goodie bag, with medals for finishing.

Complete two or more of the series events in one calendar year to earn a Heavy Medal:

  • 26.2 Medal: Two half marathons.
  • 39.3 Medal: One half marathon and one full marathon.
  • Silver Note: Two full marathons
  • Gold Note: Two full marathons in five weeks - this would have to be the Arizona and Mardi Gras events.
  • Triple Crown: Any three events, half marathons or marathons.
  • Grand Slam: Any four events.
  • Rock For-Titude: Four full marathons.
  • Rock Star: Any five events.
  • Super Six: Any six events.
  • Rock Legend: Any seven or more events.

Dates and Locations:

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