{adapted from competitor magazine press release – source}
The Suntrust National marathon and half marathon will be rebranded as Suntrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012.
“Washington DC has an incredible running scene and a plethora of great musicians, making us the perfect city to host a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. It’s a winning combination for a spectacular event in the District of Columbia next year,” said Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray.
The event is the only marathon run entirely within the District of Columbia, featuring a picturesque route through the nation’s capital that highlights the many monuments and landmarks which celebrate American history. {Registration is now open online}
In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, Washington DC runners will be treated to a post-race finish line concert after the event.
Have you ever run a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/half-marathon? What was your favorite part? Will you sign up for the Washington DC RnR?
I’ve run this race before, but this will be my 1st RnR race. I’m looking forward to the music and crowds – in years past, this race was lacking crowd support and enthusiasm.
I was thinking of bandit running one this weekend…I mean running my long run near to the course of one 🙂
hooray! i have big plans to LAY WASTE to this race!
I have done a few RnR events. Not sure if I will be doing this one though.
sounds fun!
I might be doing the RnR in Pheniox in Jan. I am way excited!
Portland has our first Rock n' Roll Half Marathon coming up int he sprig and I will run it! Probably for fun!
The RnR half in VA Beach over labor day weekend is a BLAST! Always good music, great medals, just awesome atmosphere overall.
I really hope they change the course of the DC RnR though… The National Half is super boring, and the marathon has a bunch of miles in Anacostia. I hope they mimic the route of the Cherry Blossom or the Army Ten Miler a bit more (which I love since it's super scenic!).
It's funny–I like quieter, smaller races, so when I saw RnR took over, I thought it was a shame! But I know I am in the minority, so I'm sure it will be welcomed by most
I did the half the last two years but I'm passing in 2012. I thought it was way too crowded last year and had some organizational issues. I'm interested to hear how it is as a RnR race and may sign up again in the future.
I'm signed up for this too! I've never run a R&R; race before (I'm signed up for VA Beach, but logistically probably won't be able to make it). I'm like misszippy though in that I prefer smaller, less crowded races. I kind of got out voted by my running group for our "together" spring marathon. I've never run National before either, so I'm just hoping R&R; has their stuff together and pulls off a well-organized race. The medals from National were super nice last year too, so I hope R&R; keeps up that standard.
I've done the RnR VA Beach, Philly Distance Run and RnR Arizona. They are well organized but expensive! I prefer smaller, less commercialized races, but RnR's can be fun. I love the Shamrock marathon so I don't think I will ever run National.
Are they changing the course? If they're not, I can't imagine how they'll get cheering crowds for that 8 mile Anacostia section. I don't think I like ANYone enough to wait to cheer for them in that section of D.C.
I'm running this race! I haven't done any before but I want to run Philly next year
Hopefully that race will be better organized as an RnR. It was TERRIBLE this year. I have run a few RnR races. They are expensive but fun!
While I'm with Misszippy for my racing, I have run several R&R; races. They are fun, but when I'm "racing", I prefer a much smaller race. Too many people, too much hoopla to get in my way. lol They do offer a great atmosphere. I'm sure I will run others, but not when I'm chasing PRs.
I ran Chicago RnR half and Seattle RnR full! The race is very well organized! There are so many people which is great for morale, it does make for more people along the race but with all of the corrals it isn't bad! They have so many neat volunteers along the way! The National Guard was at one water station and there was a whole section for fallen soldiers. Their family members held American flags next to their pictures. It was touching and made the race very memorable!
The only thing about the Seattle full that I thought needed improvement was the post race snacks. They only had water, oranges and I think pretzels. I would recommend having someone waiting for you at the finish line with great recovery food.
Good luck!!!
I was disappointed too. This year it was horrible, logistically. Parking was a MESS. No metro… endless problems. But since RnR took it over, it will be logistically a mess just more expensive.
I signed up for this race! There was no way I could miss out on a RNR series race in my backyard for only $60. I wonder if they will use the same course since I've hear so many negative things about it…
i've run the country music half (nashville) and seattle marathon.. i LOVE RnR events. the energy of the huge crowds is amazing!
I've done RnR'ers before (in San Diego) and wasn't nuts…I will only do them now if they happen to fall on a weekend I want to do a race and its nearby. The bands are not as frequent as I imagined and the last one I did was a giant logistical nightmare, to second what someone else said. The upside is plenty of resources for the runner (water stations, transportation etc).
I did the Chicago Rock N Roll half last year. After training in FL all summer, the weather was welcomed with open arms. You are such a superstar!!! Your awesomeness keeps me motivated. -Laurel