Largest Road Running Series Rebrands as Rock 'n' Roll Running Series | Sports Destination Management

Largest Road Running Series Rebrands as Rock 'n' Roll Running Series

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Mar 25, 2021

The world’s largest road running series announced today its refreshed visual identity and name change to the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series after over 20 years as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. The rebrand pays homage to the Series’ proud past, while also propelling it forward, through recognition of the current breadth of event and distance offerings which provide an accessible and welcoming platform for all. Known for Bringing the Fun to the Run®, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series infuses live music and entertainment along every step of the journey, surrounding each participant with a community of like-minded individuals on a collective path to find fun in the moments that challenge.
 
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series road races are open to participants of all abilities, with distances for everyone, from 1-mile to marathon and everything in between. Whether participants are running their third marathon, first 5K or supporting a walker who has overcome the odds, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series brings the best of the active lifestyle experience to all involved.
 
“The rebrand and launch of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series reflects both our pioneering of world-class running experiences and the company's vibrant future,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Managing Director of North America for The IRONMAN Group and 16-year veteran employee of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series. “While the name might be different as we shed the term marathon to show we are not just about 26.2 miles, the mission to provide exceptional and inclusive race opportunities by bringing together running, community, and music, remains the same – just like I experienced when I first began working with the series in 2001 as an event manager. Running doesn’t need to be daunting or intimidating and we want to show how easy, and fun it can be to take your first step towards a finish line. We look forward to continuing to support participants across the globe to reach their goals, from the moment they consider a race all the way through the finish line celebration.”
 
The rebrand not only includes a new name but a whole new visual identity that integrates throughout the entire participant ecosystem, including series logo, event logos, video content, and onsite event signage. In addition, a brand-new website improves the overall participant experience through updated navigation and content making it easier to select race locations, distances, and course features that fit what they are looking for in an event.
 
The compelling and colorful new branding embraces the personality of the Series, and the vibrance of its participants. It reflects the enjoyment that can be found in training and racing, with a goal of helping to inspire even more runners and walkers to hit the pavement. Since its inception in 1998, the goal of the Series has been to inspire people around the world to get moving by hosting running events in a fun and music driven environment.
 
In addition to the live and in-person Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events around the globe, the launch of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series last April, offered exclusively through the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club™ (VRC™), has provided runners with the opportunity to bring the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series to their own community virtually. The virtual series, which will also apply the refreshed look, has allowed for participants to engage and connect with new virtual weekly races, challenges, and rewards, and will continue to do so as physical events return, helping participants train for their upcoming races. The virtual and live and in-person Series’ are united through their welcoming environments and music core while reflecting the vibrant and dynamic communities of participants. To celebrate the new Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series name and look, the Rock ‘n’ Roll VRC is hosting a surprise challenge. Participants can register for free to run or walk a 5K (or more) from now until Sunday to earn the one and only limited-edition Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series digital badge (plus points toward rewards!). More details on the challenge can be found here.
 
To learn more about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, please visit www.RunRocknRoll.com. Media related inquiries may be directed to press@runrocknroll.com.

About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
The Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series is the world’s largest running series taking part in destination locations around the world every year. Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an entertaining finish-line festival featuring some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, O.A.R. Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Flo Rida, The Band Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Goo Goo Dolls and Bret Michaels. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms. 
 
About Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club
The Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club™ (VRC™) is a web-based platform allowing runners from around the world to engage, connect, earn rewards, and compete in Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series events with a distance for everyone. Since its launch in April of 2020, the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll VRC continues to see thousands of runners and walkers engage on the platform and find their virtual start line each week, bringing the global running community together. Additional details about the Rock ‘n’ Roll VRC platform can be found at www.runrocknrollvr.com.
 
About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® Virtual Racing™ (VR™) Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running™ Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf®, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.
 
About Advance
Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long-term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, 1010data and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 17,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com

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