My Top Eight Reasons to Love Rock 'N' Roll Races

Disclaimer:  As part of being an official "Rock 'N' Blogger," I get a 10-pack Tour Pass, which means I get to run 10 races of my choosing for free.  The rest I pay for. 



I have been running for about four years now.  I've completed about 40 official races, most of them Rock 'N' Roll, but several other races were independently hosted or part of another series.

It's no secret that I love the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series the most.  Let me tell you my reasons:


1.  Destinations

Liverpool Full Marathon 

I never would have been to Liverpool, England if it weren't for Rock 'N' Roll.  It was my first trip overseas by myself, and what an amazing adventure!  It continues to be one of my favorite races of all the Tour Stops.  And hellooooo Beatles everything!!!  This year will be my 4th time completing it.  Definitely a destination runcation.

Lisbon Half Marathon

I've been to Lisbon, Dublin, Vancouver, Montreal, and Mexico City with Rock 'N' Roll, as well as many US destinations.  I can't wait for Oaxaca and Monterrey this year!  It's a great reason to travel and spend a few days exploring a new part of the world.

Check out the Events section on the Rock 'N' Roll website and plan your next runcation!








2.  Finish Line Festival

New Orleans Finish Line Festivities 

I've done some amazing races where  you cross the Finish Line, get your medal...and...that's it.  You're done.  You can go home now.  Wait--WHAT?  I want to celebrate with thousands of my new, closest friends who also ran this day.  I want to take pictures.  I want to talk about the run.  I want to post on Social Media all the fun I've had and all the bling I've earned!

Rock 'N' Roll provides an amazing Finish Line Festival.  There is always a Headliner Band, usually with pre- and post- bands, and most are from the local area.  What a great way to relax, stretch, have an adult beverage, and celebrate your success that day.  It's also an opportunity to make new friends from all over the world as well as get inside tips of where to eat, drink, and relax while you are in town.


3.  Run With Friends

With approximately 25 Tour Stops a year, the Rock 'N' Roll Series is a great way to get together with your friends from all over the world and spend a weekend catching up, eating and drinking, touring a new city, and, of course, running!

My running friends, Black Sheep Run (Pic by Adrian Mauricio)

I've made some wonderful friends on the course.  While we only see each other a few times a year, the friendships I have made while setting a PR in Seattle, hitting a wall at Mile 23 in Savannah, or hanging with the Back of the Pack in Philly are friendships that will last a lifetime.


4.  BLING!!!

Have you seen the BLING?  I'm sure anyone who runs loves the Finisher Medals.  The Rock 'N' Roll series does not disappoint when it comes to medals.  Check out the Heavy Medals for those who run multiple destinations in the Tour Stops.  There are special medals for everyone who completes at least two or more races in one calendar year.  And, if you race in two different countries, you get a special medal for that, too!

Hauling in the BLING
in San Diego

San Antonio Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Hall of Fame 2017!!

And then there's the Hall of Fame Medal.  I've been a member of the Hall of Fame for two years now--working on my 3rd--where I have completed 15 or more races of at least a half marathon.  That is quite an accomplishment and the Rock 'N' Roll Series has a special medal for completing this challenge.






5.  Music

There's no need to bring your earbuds, Rock 'N' Roll has music all along the course to keep you moving.  From official bands along the course to musical mile markers, you will always have something to listen to.  It's not unusual for spectators along the course to come out and either play their own instruments or set up speakers and blast music to keep you pumped.

The Finish Line Festival also has music after you finish, for hours!  From cover bands to popular headliners to local style bands, there is always something to listen to at the finish.  Perfect to keep you moving so you can stretch those legs after your race.  Make sure and stick around in New Orleans for the last band to hear some fantastic zydeco.

6.  Crowd Support

I asked the San Diego crowd their
opinion.  They said FULL!

I've run a lot of races in a lot of places, and there's nothing like a Rock 'N' Roll crowd!  It's hard to pick a location to highlight as a favorite for crowd support...Chicago?  San Diego?  Liverpool?  New Orleans?

Make sure you write your name on your bib or shirt so that they can cheer for you.  And when the half/full split comes, they will give you the encouragement to tackle the full!

Crowd Cheers for my
First Full Marathon

I must say that my favorite has to be Savannah.  It was my first full marathon, and the crowds were fantastic.  All along the course, people are cheering, waving, playing music and dancing.  And if you are doing the full marathon, the course loops around a high school where it is almost deafening from the cheering and music of the students.  This race is always at the same time as the NYC Marathon, but I dunno...I think I'll stick to this one.


7.  Remix

Love bling?  Love 5Ks?  Well, then do a remix!  You can run two races in one weekend and triple your medals!

Run a 5K, plus the half or full marathon and you will get THREE medals!  The remix is a great opportunity to introduce friends or family members to running by having them run with you one day and then supporting you along the course the next.  Remixes take place in most of the Tour Stops, so check out the locations and sign up the whole family.

Just a few of my Remix medals

First stop after the Finish Line
Heavy Medals to get my bling!

8.  Partner Discounts

United Airlines and
Team GEICO

Who doesn't like perks?  I'm a United Airlines Premier 1K Member, and I'm thrilled that United has partnered with Rock 'N' Roll for many of their races.  They frequently offer discounts to race destinations, so make sure you sign up for those email notifications.

There are also other partner discounts from sponsors such as Brooks, Westin, and Gatorade Endurance, to name some of my favorites.  I never run without wearing my CEP compression knee brace.  Since I discovered the support that compression socks, sleeves, and everything else gives, I have gone from a walker to a runner!  And I even admit that I wear the recovery socks at work and on the plane.

After the DC half marathon
First Class with United Airlines

Enjoying a post race massage
courtesy of Team GEICO

Recovery sleeves and knee brace
thanks to CEP

These are my top reasons why I love the  Rock 'N' Roll Series, and why I think you should consider running one or two...or fifteen plus!!

And...just because I want to see you at the next race, if you use the discount, RNRRNB2018 you will get $15 off a half or full marathon in the US.  Make sure you let me know which race you are running so I can cheer for you!


Life is Good.  Life is better when you get to do something you love...over and over again!


Miles Run:  201
Miles Flown:  19,389