Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Kicks Off the New Year in Arizona with A Running Tour of The Valley of The Sun

January 15, 2024

Aaron Gruen (Providence, R.I.) and Obsie Birru (Phoenix, Ariz.) topped the podium in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona Half Marathon

TEMPE, Ariz. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series, a best-in-class running series Bringing Fun to the Run^® through music, entertainment, and community immersion, came together over the weekend in Arizona to provide an unforgettable running tour of the Valley of the Sun. Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona offered runners and walkers alike distances of half marathon, 10K and 5K plus a KiDS ROCK event.

On Saturday, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona kicked off the New Year and the 20^th edition of the event with a 5K and KiDS ROCK events. The following day, it was all about the 10K and half marathon with thousands of participants taking part in the running tour of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Aaron Gruen (Providence, R.I.) crossed the finish line first for the men with a time of 1:04:35 and Obsie Birru (Phoenix, Ariz.) was first to cross the line for the female with a finishing time of 1:18:08.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona participants were treated to a run through the red rocks of Papago Park while they took in the beautiful local art and sights of Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale before concluding their experience at the Finish Line Festival at the beautiful Tempe Beach Park.

The BETAMAXX and Twisted Gypsy took the stage in Tempe Beach Park as the Encore Entertainment to close out the weekend of running with a free concert.

Next Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Events Coming Up:

Known for the ultimate running party in the entertainment capital of the world, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Las Vegas returns on February 24-25, 2024. The event combines live music with entertainment in the city that never sleeps for an unforgettable experience that allows participants to run down the iconic Vegas Strip at night.

Participants will enjoy a one-of-a-kind running experience that will once again take over the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night while passing iconic sights including the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, The Fountains of Bellagio and Downtown Las Vegas, with an electric finish line unlike any other in the world ending mid-Strip. The race will bring the spirit and entertainment of Las Vegas out of the casinos and onto the course in 2024 with a mix of DJs, traditional band stages and experiential entertainment all along the route. Additionally, interactive experiences, photo opportunities, local artists, food trucks, cocktails, and more will create a memorable night for participants. In addition, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series will offer the all new #YogaOnTheStrip experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity for Rock ‘n’ Roll participants to join in on a race morning yoga session on the closed down Las Vegas Boulevard. For more information on Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Las Vegas, please visit www.runrocknroll.com/las-vegas or to see the full schedule of Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events, visit www.runrocknroll.com/all-events.

For more information about the 2024 Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series Arizona, visit www.runrocknroll.com/arizona. Media-related inquiries may be directed to press@runrocknroll.com.

** Terms and Conditions: Footage and photography is provided courtesy of The IRONMAN Group for news and editorial coverage within 48 hours of the event and is not to be archived. Media may use up to a total of two minutes of video. The B-Roll packages are not provided for the intent of posting the footage in its entirety. Any commercial use or other use of the footage and or photos is strictly prohibited unless a separate written license is obtained from and signed by an authorized representative of The IRONMAN Group. Additional terms and conditions can be found here. Usage of materials constitutes acceptance of terms. **

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About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

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 weekends kick 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 Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. With a goal of helping participants find the Beat in Their Feet™, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has also featured some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, O.A.R., Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Flo Rida, The Band Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Goo Goo Dolls, Bret Michaels, Kesha, The Revivalists, Hunter Hayes, Capital Cities, and Matt Nathanson. 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 The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series, IRONKIDS^®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf^®, UTMB^® World Series trail-running events including the Canyons Endurance Runs™ by UTMB^®, Tarawera Ultra™ by UTMB^® and Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB^®, Epic Series™ 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. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz^® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. 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, and Orkila Capital, a growth equity firm focused on building great brands. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.

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, 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, Warner Bros. Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com