Tradition with a Tune: Rock ‘n’ Roll Returns to Philadelphia
Rocker Bret Michaels to Headline Post-Race Concert
Event Grows to More than 20,000 Participants, Registration Still Open
Philadelphia, PA – July 13, 2011 – As runners jaunt through Philadelphia’s historic streets on Sunday, September 18th, funky beats, roaring guitars and powerful voices will celebrate the evolution of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon.
For 32 years, the highly respected road race was known as the Philadelphia Distance Run, and officially became a part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series in 2010. With live, local bands rocking the runners and the motivation and encouragement of cheerleaders and thousands of spectators, the event has transformed into a unique experience akin to a running block party.
In 2011, Rock ‘n’ Roll will take center stage with a finish line concert headlined by former “Poison” frontman Bret Michaels, whose energetic performance will keep runners on their feet long past their half-marathon finish. Michaels has enjoyed a successful solo career with a new album slated for release this summer, in addition to numerous appearances on reality TV shows like Celebrity Apprentice and his own Rock of Love.
“The transformation of this race into a Rock ‘n’ Roll event has taken place over several years and the addition of a powerhouse act like Bret Michaels will bring the musical element to a new level,” said Adam Zocks, General Manager. “At the same time, the quality and athletic prowess of this race will always remain and continue to grow.”
The fast, flat course is the site of five World and three American records and will pass through Philadelphia’s most celebrated sites. It will start and finish in Eakins Oval near the Philadelphia Art Museum, running through historical Center City past Independence Hall and along the scenic Schuylkill River. The race begins at 8:00 am. After crossing the finish line, runners can join friends and family to kick back and celebrate as Bret Michaels rocks the post-race concert.
Race weekend kicks off with a Health & Fitness Expo presented by Power Balance at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with more than 100 exhibitors offering the latest running gear, training tips and interactive clinics. The event takes place Friday and Saturday, September 16th & 17th and is free and open to the public.
For more information, including registration, please visit Competitor.com.
SCHEDULE OF RACES
- Sunday, September 15, 2013
- 1/2 Marathon Wheelchair Start*: 8:00am
- 1/2 Marathon Start: 8:00am
* The Half Marathon Wheelchair start times are for racing wheelchairs ONLY. Participants racing in everyday wheelchairs will start at the regular start times and be assigned corrals based on their projected finish times. NO hand -cycles will be allowed.
COURSE PROFILE
The half marathon is a flat, fast and fun looped course that starts and finishes at Eakins Oval on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Complete Course Information
HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO
- Fri.-Sat., September 13-14, 2013
- Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Times:
- Friday, September 13, 12pm – 7pm
- Saturday September 14, 9am – 5pm
- Participant Information
- Exhibitor Information
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
- Finish Line Festival with music, food & beverages
- Headliner Concert immediately after race at Finish Line

