In 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series was born on the concept of incorporating music, running and community together – as nearly 20,000 participants took to the start line at the first event in San Diego, California.
In 2023, the series is commemorating its 25-year milestone. “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, which owns the 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 series’ mission to make running fun has helped to transform the US and international running landscape. The series infuses running tours of major cities, with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for those involved.
Since 1998, it has grown the first marathon in San Diego into an international series that has set its start line in 47 cities across 12 countries.
To celebrate 25 years at events across the series in 2023, participants, family and friends will see a numer of activations. These include: a special 25-year anniversary 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 series is also curating a music playlists of participants’ favourite songs from the last 25 years. To vote, athletes can visit the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series social media pages.
Series road races are open to participants of all abilities, with distances including a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and KiDS ROCK options.
