More Than 11,000 Participants from Across the Globe Race Over the Weekend in Inaugural Rock ‘N’ Roll Virtual Running Series Race

April 27, 2020

Runners from 80 countries, regions, and territories took part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1 5K

TAMPA, Fla. (April 27, 2020) – The global community of walkers and runners came together over the weekend with a total of 11,000 people from 80 nations and all 50 states taking to the virtual start line for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1, the inaugural event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1 consisted of a 5K with participants having the ability to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance was completed in one session between Friday, April 24 and event close Sunday, April 26 at 7:59 p.m. ET.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1 came from around the world and ranged in age from 18 to 82. The United States led the way with over 5,000 walkers and runners followed by Canada (over 400), the United Kingdom (over 400), Mexico (over 200) and Spain (over 140). Other nations represented included Australia, Ireland, France, New Zealand, Singapore and Colombia, among others. Of the 50 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Florida, Arizona and Virginia.

Looking Forward

This week, Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2 will offer two distances for the global community, including a 10K and Half Marathon. Racing begins on Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m. ET and concludes on Sunday, May 3 at 7:59 p.m. ET. Participants are encouraged share their “Why” using the social hashtag #RnRVR2.

To register for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2, runners need to sign up for the distance they would like to do through the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club platform and connect to their tracker app. Runners can then complete their registration by going to the “Events” tab and clicking “Register Now” on the virtual race page.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series is also now offering tangible Rock ‘n’ Roll VR Finisher Bundles and other Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series merchandise at www.runrocknrollstore.com/rock-n-roll-vr.

Full details and specifics regarding the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series and Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club are available on www.runrocknrollvr.com. For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, please visit the website at www.runrocknroll.com. Media related inquiries may be directed to press@runrocknroll.com.

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About Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series^® is the world’s largest running series taking part in over 30 destination events around the world every year. Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 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 Marathon Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.

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 Marathon Series^®, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running™ Series, IRONKIDS^®, ITU World Triathlon Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf^® presented by Westpac, 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 more than 235 events across 55+ countries. On March 26, 2020, Wanda Sports Group (Nasdaq: WSG) entered into an agreement to sell The IRONMAN Group to Advance; closing is anticipated in mid-2020. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.