Unless you've been living off the grid, you've probably heard about the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.
The celebrated race series offers 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons all around North America, as well as a few in Europe and East Asia. Rock 'n' Roll races are known for live music—not just at the post-race party, but serenading you every step of the way along the course.
Sounds fun, right?
But if you're not quite sure about dipping your toe in the Rock 'n' Roll pond, these reasons are sure to convince you to run out and sign up.
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8 Reasons to Run a Rock 'n' Roll Race
Written by
Monica Olivas
1. Location, location, location.
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Signing up for a destination race is a great way to enjoy a vacation, stay active and accomplish something awesome, all rolled into one long weekend. And since the Rock 'n' Roll Race series visits over 30 cities each year, you've got tons of options.
The series started in San Diego, but now you can run in places like Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Antonio and more. Whether you want the beach, desert or big city—there's a great race for you.
The series started in San Diego, but now you can run in places like Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Antonio and more. Whether you want the beach, desert or big city—there's a great race for you.
2. Turn it up!
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The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series got its name from the music they have along the entire course. Each race course has local bands spaced out along the route so runners can enjoy all different kinds of music as they run.
Most importantly, there's a post-race party with a concert at the end of each race. Past Rock 'n' Roll races feature headliners like Fitz & The Tantrums, Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball, Big Head Todd & The Monsters and more.
Most importantly, there's a post-race party with a concert at the end of each race. Past Rock 'n' Roll races feature headliners like Fitz & The Tantrums, Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball, Big Head Todd & The Monsters and more.
3. New Running Buddies
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Rock 'n' Roll races create a fun, happy vibe that starts at the free health and fitness expo, moves to the start line and carries on through the post-race party. So many runners lace up just to have a good time, see a new place and enjoy their trip—it's easy to spark up a conversation with someone at the start line and end up with a new friend by the finish.
4. BLING!
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In addition to the music-filled mania, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is known for their hardware—as in, the awesome, themed medals unique to each city that every finisher goes home with. If you run certain grouped races, like the Desert Race Series, you get an extra medal for completing each race in that mini-series.
In the past, Rock 'n' Roll has handed out everything from glow-in-the-dark medals, to medals that used beads instead of a ribbon (looking at you New Orleans!) and medals accented with glittery, fun details.
Bonus: If you complete two or more Rock 'n' Roll races in a weekend, you are eligible to get BONUS bling—an extra medal!
In the past, Rock 'n' Roll has handed out everything from glow-in-the-dark medals, to medals that used beads instead of a ribbon (looking at you New Orleans!) and medals accented with glittery, fun details.
Bonus: If you complete two or more Rock 'n' Roll races in a weekend, you are eligible to get BONUS bling—an extra medal!
5. Go fast—really fast.
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With over 30 races and courses (and plenty of distances) to choose from, you're bound to find a course that is perfect for your next PR. Since the races are all over the country, choose a race that works with your training schedule and preferred course elevation, held in a time of year when the weather will be favorable. Then sign up for a race that will put your body at the best place for a PR. Two noteworthy examples are Rock 'n' Roll San Jose, known as California's fastest half marathon course, and Philadelphia, where more than a few 13.1 world records have been smashed.
6. For the fun of it!
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Not feeling a PR or hard training cycle this time around? No problem. Most of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series races have generous time cutoffs. Just make sure you line up in a corral that's around your pace for that specific day, and then enjoy the miles (of course, always check the time limit to complete any race before you sign up).
Rock 'n' Roll races bring out all kinds of different runners with different abilities and goals—and each runner is mostly worried about their own race. So you're free to do your thing, even if it's not pushing yourself to the edge just because it's a race. It's supposed to be fun, right?!
Rock 'n' Roll races bring out all kinds of different runners with different abilities and goals—and each runner is mostly worried about their own race. So you're free to do your thing, even if it's not pushing yourself to the edge just because it's a race. It's supposed to be fun, right?!
7. Inspiration.
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The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is massive and caters to over a half million runners of all different ages, sizes, abilities, speeds and experience every year. Look around at the fitness expo or at the race, and you're sure to see runners in all different stages of life and fitness—all there for the love of running. It's awesome and inspiring. For a weekend you feel like you're part of a team—a super fun run team.
In fact, when you start feeling your body about to hit the wall in that race, look around and appreciate how awesome it is that you can run—and run with all these other people who are also dealing with the same fatigue and pain. They can keep going, and so can you.
In fact, when you start feeling your body about to hit the wall in that race, look around and appreciate how awesome it is that you can run—and run with all these other people who are also dealing with the same fatigue and pain. They can keep going, and so can you.
8. Did somebody say party?
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Ain't no party like an after party, because the after party don't stop—which is surprising because you'd think most people would want to stop moving after running 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Nope! The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series' post-race beer garden and concert is legendary. You get free beer and a concert, after all! It's a great way to unwind and relax after a successful race day.
About the Author
Monica Olivas
Monica Olivas started blogging seven years ago to document her weight loss journey and training for her first marathon at RunEatRepeat.com. Since then she’s conquered the half marathon and marathon (actually dozens of them!) and lost 20 pounds.Today she shares running,travel and lifestyle tips, reviews, recipes and random musings about life, liberty and the pursuit of fitness on her site, Run Eat Repeat.
Monica Olivas is a certified health coach and RRCA running coach based out of Southern California. Follow along for tips on healthy living at RunEatRepeat.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.