The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose Builds on Smashing Debut

Mark Behan
For Active.com

Attracting over 11,000 entrants in its debut, the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose reflects a successful “marriage” akin to Led Zeppelin and the Boston Marathon. The race combines great entertainment with a fast course. Experience the first anniversary of the largest half marathon in the Bay Area on Oct. 14.

The question is "Do you know the way to San Jose?"

It has been nearly 40 years since Dionne Warwick's hit song, with the same title as our aforementioned question, earned her a Grammy Award. And it’s now approaching two years since one of the Bay Area's latest chart-toppers launched--the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose, an event where you will feel faster than a Ferrari on its flat course and fabulous that you found the way to San Jose.

"Last year was the first year for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose and it was a big, big success!" bellowed Elizabeth O'Brien, the race's event general manager.

O'Brien said 11,536 runners registered for the race and 9,527 finished, making the 2006 Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose the world's seventh largest inaugural running event, the tenth largest half marathon in the United States and the largest half marathon in the Bay Area.

The race also bolstered San Jose's economy, according to Ian Monahan, Elite Racing Inc.'s director of public of relations. Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company based in San Diego, which manages six musically themed world-class marathon and half marathons across the country, in addition to the Carlsbad 5000. "Strong first-year numbers translated into a total economic impact of more than $16.4 million to the economy of San Jose," Monahan said, noting his company is forecasting a 13 percent increase in participation (for this year's race), which will lead to an estimated economic impact of $18 million.

Registration for this year's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose is open, said Monahan, who expects a field of 13,500. Monahan also said all registered participants get free access to the New Balance Active Trainer program, an online training program for all levels of runners, among other race perks.

To register for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose, visit http://www.rnrsj.com/reginfo/register.html

The Course

"The number one comment we received from runners (after last year's race) was, 'I PR'd at this race.' Runners absolutely loved the course. And the weather in October is perfect," said O'Brien.

Last year's men's champion Duncan Kibet of Kenya ran the second-fastest half-marathon time ever on American soil, clocking 1:00:22. Three men and four women broke the old California state record times of 1:02:06 for men and 1:11:16 for women. And the one and only three-time Super Bowl Champion in the field, former San Francisco 49er great, Roger Craig, who was instrumental in bringing the race to San Jose, finished in 1:40:27.

"We thought the course was going to be good because runners go past many beautiful areas like the Rose Garden neighborhood with its multi-million dollar homes, Japan town, one of only three such places in the country, past the Egyptian Museum and to the finish area in the beautiful green city center at Plaza de Cesar Chavez," O'Brien said. "But the course was so much faster than we thought, about 85 percent of the runners finished under three hours."

"The general consensus among runners was the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose, as a world-class event, was the best organized event they had experienced--it was fast and fun," Monahan said.

Fast and fun, two words that are synonymous with Elite Racing's Rock 'n' Roll events. The company "pioneered" the musical marathon concept with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego in 1998 and since then everything it touches turns, in musicspeak, double platinum.

"The Midas touch comes down to hard work,” said Monahan. "Elite Racing aims to deliver a total race experience from the Heath & Fitness Expo to the post-race concert. It's not easy, but it is fulfilling to watch the runners cross the finish line with smiles on their faces."

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose will feature an assortment of live music staged about every mile along the 13.1-mile course. In addition, O'Brien said local high school cheerleading squads will line the route along with enthusiastic spectators who came out in droves last year.

"On-course support is plentiful (fluid stations, medical assistance and entertainment). And most race-related amenities are within walking distance from downtown hotels," Monahan said.

The fun continues after the race, too, with "a finish line festival right in the city center at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a centrally located park," said Monahan. The race day festivities conclude with an afternoon concert at the HP Pavilion. Last year's headliner was the group, Train. This year's rock 'n' roll artist has not been determined, O'Brien said.

For information on the course, visit http://www.rnrsj.com/courseinfo.html

Expo

All participants are required to pick up their race numbers, timing chips, T-shirts and goodie bags at the Health & Fitness expo, which is October 12 and October 13 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos Street. For information on the race expo, visit http://www.rnrsj.com/expo.html

Visiting San Jose

Having never ventured to San Jose, we'll let a city native serve as tour guide.

"Having grown up in San Jose, I watched the city change in many ways," Monahan said. "Now the downtown area is becoming more of a focal point in the community and Elite Racing is happy to be a part of the city's vibrance. San Jose has been very supportive of the race. The city's location is fantastic for traveling runners looking to get away for a long weekend. From San Jose, it is a short trip to San Francisco and the coastal community of Santa Cruz. When in San Jose, downtown offers a host of dining and entertainment options, as well as running trails located along the Guadalupe River Park."

For information on the many attractions in San Jose and the surrounding area, visit http://www.rnrsj.com/travel/area_attractions.html

For information on lodging and on the official Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose headquarter hotels, visit http://www.rnrsj.com/travel/hotel_list.html#athhq

Find Your Way to San Jose

Once upon a time, Roger Craig starred as a running back for the San Francisco 49ers. While Craig is no longer a running back, he is most definitely a runner. In 2004, Craig ran the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and a year later P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll event in Arizona.

"He (Craig) had a great time at both events and loved Elite Racing's concept of musical races and the way the events were run," O'Brien said. "And he wanted to bring an event to the Bay Area where he lives."

Like E.F. Hutton, when Roger Craig speaks in the Bay Area, people listen. And in about the time it takes to listen to Stairway To Heaven, San Jose had its own Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

"He is one of the race founders," O'Brien said of Craig, who will run this year's race, along with a world-class field that includes 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist, Meb Keflezighi.

As for this year's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose, don't expect a sophomore slump. Expect to revise some lyrics from The Talking Heads--The same as it always is--with these renowned Rock 'n' Roll events.

"Our events have grown by energizing the local running community and creating a tour for runners and walkers who like to travel and race," O'Brien said. "We are looking forward to welcoming more participants and spectators in the second year of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose."