Runners from around the world will flock to San Diego to run to the beat of drummers and all variety of musical acts in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Sunday. The marathon is part of a weekend full of health and fitness events.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon broke ground in the running industry, bringing entertainment to running,” said Dan Cruz, public relations director for the event. “The fun aspect makes it what it is.”
The marathon begins Sunday at 6:30 a.m. at Sixth Avenue and Palm Street in Balboa Park and finishes at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The Wheelchair Division begins at 6:25 a.m.
In last year’s race, Kenyan Daniel Yego beat out a field of more than 17,000 participants to win the marathon with a time of 2:09:04, marking his first win in major marathon competition. Fellow Kenyan Hellen Kimutai was the top female finisher, completing the course in 2:32:40.
The course will take runners throughout San Diego, through downtown, Mission Valley and around Mission Bay. Along the way, participants will run along to the music of 40 bands scattered across 25 entertainment stages throughout the course. These bands will provide entertainment for both fans and spectators, who can go to a site to pass out water or cheer on runners.
“It’s an engaging event,” Cruz said. “It’s not just sitting there watching runners.”
Cruz said one of the most notable bands on the docket is 80z All-Stars. This ’80s cover band will perform at the finish line from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stone Senses, a Calirock/reggae band, will perform at the Ski Beach site.
Another fun aspect of the race will be the Elvis Challenge, an attempt to set a world record by having at least 50 participants complete the race in Elvis Presley costumes; Cruz said 146 Elvi are already signed up. Those already registered can race as the king in homemade costumes or can contact [email protected] to purchase one for $110.
The weekend will conclude with Concerts on the Green at Qualcomm Stadium. Opening act Bedford Grove and the awards ceremony will be followed by the concert’s headlining act, Pat Benatar with guitarist Neil Giraldo. Doors for the concert open at 6 p.m. and tickets for non-race participants are $30.
Part of the weekend’s festivities is the Health and Fitness Expo, which will be held at the San Diego Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. The expo will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Sails Pavilion on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in halls A and B on Saturday.
“This is the largest health and fitness expo in San Diego County,” Cruz said. “There’s a lot there to celebrate the healthy lifestyle.”
Multiple roads throughout the area will be closed for the marathon. Highway 163 is the only major highway closed on race day. The southbound 163 will be closed between Interstate 805 and downtown from 2 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Other freeways affected will be southbound Interstate 5 between the Sea World Drive/Tecolote Canyon Road exit and downtown and Interstate 8 between Friars Road and Interstate 5. Residents are encouraged to avoid these areas during the marathon in order to avoid delays.
For a list of all affected roads and other road closures , visit www.rnrmarathon.com/course_info/road_clo-sures.html.