(8-5-08) From Press Release - Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon to be signature event of Seafair in 2009. The Competitor Group, organizers of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series, announced today that Seattle will be the next home of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The inaugural race is set to kick off the city's annual Seafair summer celebration, and will travel from Tukwila to Seattle on Saturday, June 27, 2009.
"The Rock 'n' Roll Seattle will be staged in conjunction with the city's annual Seafair festival," said Peter Englehart, Chief Executive Officer of the Competitor Group. "We are excited about hosting an inaugural field of between 15,000 - 20,000 runners, plus we'll be bringing not only our standard backdrop of having a rock 'n roll band stationed at every mile along the race course, but also a world-class health and fitness expo as well as a headliner concert."
The Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is now part of a national series of eight musically themed marathons and half-marathons. The 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses will run past many of the city's notable sites and tourist attractions and feature live bands and cheerleaders along the courses at each mile. Organizers plan to unveil the half and full marathon courses later in 2008.
"The race will begin in suburban Tukwila, proceed along the shores of Lake Washington and offer scenic views of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier before finishing in downtown Seattle at Qwest field," added Englehart.
The race is expected to draw between 15,000 - 20,000 runners and walkers and feature over 70 live bands along the marathon and half-marathon courses. Online registration is open at www.rnrseattle.com.
"King County revels in hosting high-profile events," said Ron Sims, King County executive. "The region's metropolitan vibe, renowned attractions, friendly community and nationwide reputation as an ideal vacation destination make Seattle a logical choice as the next Rock 'n' Roll Marathon."
Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, will be the location of both the finish line and the Health & Fitness Expo. The two-day Health & Fitness Expo that precedes each and every musical marathon will host over one hundred running and fitness retailers, exhibits and clinics.
"The 2009 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon will be a great opportunity for us to showcase Seattle in the summer, especially since it will be broadcast nationally on Fox Sports Net," said Beth Knox, Executive Director of Seafair. "We're excited to show the world what makes Seattle an ideal vacation city, and know that the race will be the perfect kickoff to our annual Seafair."
Its phenomenal number of participants and musical influence combine to make the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon a one-of-a-kind event for the whole family. The Seattle race will begin in Tukwila, a suburb located approximately 10 miles south of the downtown core.
"I'm thrilled that all of the runners and walkers will gather in the streets of Tukwila for the start of the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Marathon next summer," said Jim Haggerton, Mayor of Tukwila. "It's so exciting to be a part of this historic event. I can't wait to see everything come together next June."
After crossing the finish line outside of Qwest Field, runners will be treated to a post-race headliner concert Saturday night at Mary Moor Park in honor of the participants' accomplishments. All runners, walkers and event volunteers receive free entry to the concert with their race number. Past acts at other Rock 'n' Roll Marathons include SEAL, INXS, Journey, Chris Isaak, Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie & the Blowfish.
Local bands and high school cheer squads interested in performing along the course may go to www.rnrseattle.com for information about submitting press kits and bios. For more information or to register online for the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon please visit www.rnrseattle.com.
