Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon: Run, Rock, Roll

virginia beach rock n roll half marathon

Hey, Hampton Roads, get involved and get excited about the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon! The Rock’n’Roll Marathon series will be back in Virginia Beach over Labor Day Weekend 2021!

What is the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon?

This exciting late-summer event is an annual road race at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Fast and flat along this coastal Virginia city’s beachfront boardwalk, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon is one of the country’s most popular races of its kind. It typically draws a field of up to 20,000 runners every year for its annual Labor Day weekend race event. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race was canceled last year. But this year, it’s back and ready to rock’n’roll!

There are three main events over the course of the weekend: the 5k, 1-mile fun run, and half marathon. With plenty of fun extra events like great music and after-parties, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. This is the last year you can participate in the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon, as after 20 years, it’s retiring in this location. However, you can visit many other cities that participate in the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon series, including Nashville, TN, Washington D.C., and Savanna, GA.

If you’re not comfortable running with a crowd in person due to COVID, you can still participate with the Rock’n’Roll virtual running club. Runrockrollvr.com has more details about all the perks that come with participating virtually.

Will I Get a Medal?

Do it for the bling! Participants who finish the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon will receive a finisher medal with King Neptune on it! With no two events sharing the same design, you can be sure that your medal is a one-of-a-kind commemoration. If you fall in love with the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon events, earn more bling and perks when you enroll in their Heavy Medals Program. All you have to do is run two or more live and in-person marathons or half marathons with Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series between 2020 and 2022, and you’ll be a qualifier to earn extra bling! Or, try the Remix Challenge, where you run one distance on Saturday and another distance on Sunday, earning both finisher medals plus a next-level bonus Remix medal.

Getting Started at the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon

Kick things off for the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon on Friday afternoon, September 4th. Start with a visit to the health and fitness expo inside the Virginia Beach Convention center, which is open from 1 pm-7 pm. Get your last-minute sporting event supplies, packets (with your bib), and make cheer signs there. Also, don’t miss your chance to talk to the vendors. They sell everything from sunglasses to running shoes. So if you don’t have your race day essentials planned yet, you can definitely find everything you need at the expo!

If you are new to running or enjoy the thrill of racing 3.1 miles, the shorter 5k option is perfect for you. This oceanfront run takes place Saturday morning. With the Half Marathon on Sunday, if you wanted two days of racing, you got it! This starting line is on 32nd street. Hence, you will enjoy cruising down Atlantic Ave and winding back and forth on the boardwalk before finishing on 28th street.

Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon Course

The half marathon course is a flat racecourse. Hence, it provides a fun experience for runners, walkers, and spectators alike. With various local bands spread throughout the route, you are sure to get a sense of what beach life is all about. The Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. So, it starts and stops at different locations. The course begins at 28th street and takes you through a tour of the town, making its way south towards Croatan and through Camp Pendelton before finishing back at the boardwalk on 28th street.

Be sure to thank those rowdy spectators! Their energy will make it feel more like a morning block party than a race. Some may even provide you with a cold beverage of your choice. These Virginia Beach residents line the streets of their neighborhoods each year. They also toast and cheer on runners, welcoming them into the local Virginia Beach fitness scene.

However, feel free to stop and take in the fabulous inlet view from atop the Rudee Bridge on your way back to the boardwalk. You may also want to grab a selfie before you tackle the last leg of the half marathon, #RNRVIRGINIABEACH.

Where to Cheer on Your Friends

Taking a spectator view this year at Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon? There are a couple of viewing spots where you can catch your favorite runners pass by twice during their 13.1-mile journey, for example:

The corner of 6th Street and Atlantic Avenue, 10th street, 2nd street, the 10-mile mark on General Booth Boulevard, the corner of Ocean Breeze Parkway, and Virginia Beach Boulevard.

There is a 4-hour course limit for the half marathon. Hence, athletes of all levels and age groups can enjoy the 13.1-mile trek, whether you run, jog, or walk. It also lets spectators cheer for a huge variety of runners, from elite athletes to casual walkers.

Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon Post-Party Wrap-Up

Be sure to take part in the post-race beach party and celebratory concert Sunday night as well. Kick your shoes off! Hit the sand and jam to the sounds of this year’s headliner. Even if you’re not running or walking this year, you can still enjoy the beachfront concert. What’s your favorite part of the Virginia Beach Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon? Are you watching or running it this year? Start a running group or share event photos with friends and family on FamilyApp!

Similar Posts