TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2023) – In 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series was born on an idea of bringing music, running and community together as nearly 20,000 participants took to the start line of the first Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series event in San Diego, California. In 2023, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series commemorates the historic 25-year milestone of being of the world’s largest road running series that have provided a finish line for everyone. Runners and walkers alike can find a Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series event and distance that fits them by visiting www.runrocknroll.com.
“This is a landmark achievement to see the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series reach a quarter century of Bringing Fun to the Run®,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Managing Director, North America for The IRONMAN Group, owners of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series. “In 1998, the founder and visionary of the original Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, Tim Murphy had a vision to put fun in the run and inspired a movement of making running an entertaining experience that we continue today, 25 years later. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series continues that mission forward with nearly a dozen destinations on the schedule giving people the opportunity to put the Beat in their Feet and accomplish a goal through its events.”
Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series’ mission to make running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing running tours of major cities, with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for everyone involved. With the goal of Bringing Fun to the Run, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has done just that while growing the first marathon in San Diego into an international series that has set its start line in 47 cities across 12 countries. That’s 25 years of runners, from novices to record holders, enjoying remarkable moments at Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events all over the world.
Longtime Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series participant, Peter Kline from Bellevue, Washington who runs both individually as well as with disabled children who are not able to run on their own. Peter uses the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series to give back. Peter shared that, “Rock ‘n’ Roll has been instrumental, my dream come true. In all the running I’ve done, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series made it possible for the hundreds of kids I’ve pushed, as part of a duo-teams, and thousands of other kids to compete in the marathon and half marathon experiences where before there was no opportunity. I know Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series races have changed their lives, those of their families and so many that have seen and experienced what it means to have Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series to allow “inclusion”. The friendships and life bonds gained from being involved and running over 75 marathons with Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series are absolutely precious to me. At 70 years of age, what I share with people that I meet are the life lessons I’ve learned from my Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series experiences. With all things in your life, when you get to the ‘finish line’ you want to know, “was it worth it”? Most of us won’t win a race but whether you are first or last to cross the finish line of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series event, you have accomplished something very special and important. You committed and you tried your best. Keep running and competing and enjoy the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series journey.”
To celebrate 25 Years Running at events across the Series in 2023, participants, family and friends will see many activations including a special 25-year Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series logo, a picture memory wall in the Health & Fitness Expo, historic medals on display, new interactive experiences plus an on-course Party Zone featuring 1998 themed spectator signage music and other celebratory integrations varying by city. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is curating a music playlists of participants favorite songs from the last 25 years. To vote, visit the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series social media page or listen to the playlist, here. Additionally, to go with the with the Series’ lively race atmosphere and celebratory Encore Entertainment, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series continues to bring live music and entertainment to celebrate the days accomplishments.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series road races are open to participants of all abilities, with distances for everyone, including a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and KiDS ROCK options. Whether participants are running their third marathon, first 5K or supporting a walker who has overcome the odds, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series brings the best of the active lifestyle experience to all involved in a fun and welcoming environment.
To learn more about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series 25 Years Running celebration, please visit www.runrocknroll.com/25-years-
To learn more about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, please visit www.RunRocknRoll.com
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