The Fourth Edition of The Rock ‘N’ Roll Virtual Running Series Eclipses 20,000 Participants from Across the Globe

May 18, 2020

- Runners and walkers from 94 nations registered to take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 that offered both a 5K and 12K distances along with a Remix Challenge - The Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club platform has now welcomed more than 34,000 people - Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5 kicks off Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET offering 6K, 10K distances and the popular Remix Challenge by completing both distances

TAMPA, Fla. (May 18, 2020) – The global community of walkers and runners came together for the fourth straight weekend setting a new benchmark high with over 20,000 people registered spanning from 94 nations and 47 states stepping up to the virtual start line for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4, the fourth edition in the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves with two different race distances that included 12K and 5K options. In addition, the Remix Challenge was offered for those who took on both distances, with finishers earning access to three medals through the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR Finisher Bundles. Participants were able to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance of their choosing was completed in one session between Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET and event close Sunday, May 17 at 7:59 p.m. ET. Highlights of Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 can be found here.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 came from around the world and ranged in age from 19 to 82. The United States led the way with over 10,000 walkers and runners followed by the United Kingdom (over 850), Canada (over 800), Mexico (just under 500) and Spain (over 300). Other nations represented included Germany, Puerto Rico, Gibraltar, Hungary, Moldova, Switzerland, Greece and El Salvador, among others. Of the 47 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nations joining a Rock ‘n’ Roll VR event for the first time were the Bahamas, Tanzania, Antarctica, Cuba, the United States Virgin Islands and Mauritius, among others.

To date, over 34,000 people from across the globe have joined the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Virtual Running Club platform, giving them access to the series of weekly races, challenges, and rewards.

Over 8,500 participants took on a Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club™ Challenge leading up to Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4. Several separate running and workout-based challenges were offered with the opportunity for special prizes such as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hydration Backpack, a Rock ‘n’ Roll by Brooks Running Company Tie Dye Tank + Chaser 5-inch Shorts, and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Tie Dye Trio bundle. The challenges included the United Airlines Challenge 2: Monumental Miles, Tutorial Challenge 2: The Trial Runs, and Community Challenge 4: Fartleks Make Me Laugh.

Featured Rock ‘n’ Roller

60-years-young, Rock ‘n’ Roller Bobby Jones credits running, racing, and the new Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series for getting him through the toughest year of his life. In February of 2016, Bobby was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma. Before his diagnosis, running had been a hobby of is since his college days. Doctors told Bobby to take it easy, but he wanted to prove he could still run despite his medical situation. His children eventually joined him, as the family would go on to run four half marathons together since Bobby’s diagnosis. He recently received a clean bill of health, free from his cancer and was ready to get back into the swing of running, with a goal of completing a Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Race. Jones accomplished his goal by completing RnR VR3’s 15K virtual race distance last weekend. Read more about Bobby Jones’ story here.

Looking Forward

This week, Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5 will offer two distances for the global community, including an 6K and 10K. Racing begins on Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET and concludes on Sunday, May 24 at 7:59 p.m. ET.

The virtual Remix Challenge returns for participants who want to take on both race distances of a 6K and 10K to earn access to three medals. In addition, participants who complete each of the Remix Challenges for races RnRVR3 through RnRVR6, will have the opportunity to purchase a special RnRVR6 finisher bundle that not only includes the Remix Challenge medal, but also a celebratory ENCORE medal to commemorate their success.

To register for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5, runners need to sign up 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.

Challenges for this week are available to participate in now and include:

• Brooks: Find Some Run Happy III Challenge – Track and complete 90 minutes of running in three, 30-minute sessions. Once you’re done with the final session, top it off with a #FindSomeRunHappy Hour!
• St. Jude: 100% Worth It Challenge – Give more meaning to your miles with this two-part workout. Track and complete 100 minutes of running in two, 50-minute sessions.
• George’s Squatathon Challenge – Drop it like a squuuuat. Complete a 50-minute run all in 1 session. If you’re looking to add a strength element to your workout, check out how Coach George recommends you make the most out of these 50 minutes!

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series also offers 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, Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club and Challenges 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.