Elite Racing, Inc., organizer of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
series announced today that the City of San Antonio will be the
new home of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2
Marathon. The inaugural race is set to run through San Antonio
on Sunday, November 16, 2008 and will replace the city's
existing marathon. Organizers expect to draw more than 15,000
runners and walkers to the event, which will feature 70 live
bands along the marathon and half-marathon courses."San Antonio's vibrant atmosphere and mild climate has made the
city an attractive destination for travelers during the fall
and winter months," said John Solis, Assistant Executive
Director of Marketing and Sales for the San Antonio Convention
and Visitors Bureau (CVB). "The Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio
Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is a perfect event for active people
looking for an entertaining and recreational outlet as part of
their visit to the city. Since San Antonio is a top destination
for travelers from the state of Illinois, it was important for
both the San Antonio CVB and Elite Racing to reach the running
community here in Chicago. Many of the runners participating in
the Chicago Marathon may also want to add San Antonio to their
annual running schedule."
Online registration officially opened today at a special rate
of $65 for the marathon and $55 for the half-marathon available
through Nov. 16, 2007.
The Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is now part
of a national series of seven musically themed marathons and
half-marathons produced annually by Elite Racing. The 26.2 and
13.1-mile courses will run past many of the city's historic
sites and parks, while featuring live bands and cheerleaders
positioned at each mile. Organizers plan to unveil the new
courses in early 2008.
"We are thrilled to have this world-class sporting event become
a highlight on San Antonio's list of outstanding annual
attractions," said Dr. Susan Blackwood, executive director of
the San Antonio Sports Foundation. "Our city is known for its
four-time NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs, and now it will be
recognized as a great venue for running."
The Alamodome, a frequent host of NCAA Championship tournaments
including the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four, will also be the home
for many of the events surrounding the race. Race weekend
begins with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all
participants go to pick up their race number. The expo will
feature more than one hundred running and fitness retailers,
exhibits and clinics. After crossing the finish line outside
the Alamodome, runners will go inside that evening for the post-
race concert - a celebration recognizing the participants'
accomplishments. All runners and walkers receive free entry to
the concert with their race number. Past acts at other Elite
Racing events include SEAL, INXS, Journey, Chris Isaac,
Ozomatli and Hootie & the Blowfish.
"Having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Rock 'n
Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., adding San Antonio to Elite
Racing's family shows our dedication to growing the musical
marathon series. The City of San Antonio has embraced the
musical marathon concept with enthusiasm." said Bruce Herring,
president of Elite Racing. "We look forward to welcoming many
of our loyal rock 'n' roll alumni and offering a host of new
runners with the opportunity to challenge themselves in
fantastic city and two scenic courses."
Elite Racing is pleased to partner with several organizations
including the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio CVB, San
Antonio Road Runners, RunTex and Soler's Sports.
For more information or to register online for the Rock 'n'
Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, please visit www.RnRsa.com.