I predict that by 2015 every non-major US marathon (Boston, Chicago, NYC) will be a rock and roll event.
From the competitor website:
Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon Set for October 24, 2010
San Diego, CA – November 20, 2009 – The Competitor Group announced today that it will expand the presence of its Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series in Southern California through an agreement with Grove of Hope to operate and manage an annual fall half marathon in Los Angeles. The newly renamed Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon, scheduled for October 24, 2010, will replace the City of Angels Half Marathon, which has historically been held the first weekend of December since 2006.
“As the second largest media market in the country, Los Angeles has been a critical expansion target of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series,” said Peter Englehart, President and CEO of the Competitor Group. “We were fortunate to connect with Katherine Gluck and Kamal Oudrhiri with Grove of Hope, who have launched and built a successful event we feel is poised for significant growth.”
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has a great reputation for executing well-organized events,” said Katherine Gluck, Treasurer of Grove of Hope. “We look forward to the opportunity to work in partnership with the Competitor Group and continuing to generate funding and awareness for science and technology education.”
Grove of Hope will remain a benefiting charity of the new half marathon, which promises an entertaining destination event for runners and walkers of all abilities. Between 15,000 and 20,000 participants are expected for the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll event in Los Angeles, which will highlight the brand’s unique combination of entertainment on courses that distinctively feature their host cities. The event’s theme will showcase the glamour and entertainment mecca that is Los Angeles.
“We’re excited to host this world-class event, which I believe will become the new flagship half marathon on the west coast,” said Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles City Councilmember, whose district encompasses a majority of the course. “In addition to providing race participants a unique tour of Los Angeles, the event will serve as an outstanding platform to promote health and fitness throughout the city.”
In keeping with the true spirit of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the Los Angeles half marathon will feature live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders along the flat and scenic course. The 2010 race will utilize the existing point-to-point course that takes runners from Griffith Park near the Los Angeles Zoo, along the Los Angeles River, down Sunset Boulevard, near the edge of Echo Park Lake and finishes with a scenic view of downtown at the Los Angeles Civic Center.
For more information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, please visit http://www.runrocknroll.com
Psychopath Running 