Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon: a winning combination

June 7, 8:39 AMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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The excitement is building for Seattle's very first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon being held on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Seattle has never seen anything quite like the spectacle about to take place, with 25,000 marathon and half-marathon runners converging at the start in Tukwila and finishing in downtown Seattle at Qwest Field. Marathon and half-marathon runners will cover the first 9 miles of the course together before the full marathoners split off near the floating bridge on the shore of Lake Washington.

Why is it such an epic event for Seattle to host? Seattle is already the center of a music scene second to none for having spawned an incredible number of talented musical artists and even new genres. If you're a runner, you get to hear live music by local Seattle bands played on 40 entertainment stages, while sweating through those long miles. You will also be cheered and supported by an estimated 100,000 spectators lining the course. If you're a spectator, you'll get to rock out with your friends while listening to over 70 live bands as you practice your cheerleading skills.

If you're a vendor or business owner, you'll benefit from the economic impact of the more than $25 million total spending expected to happen over the course of the race weekend. Finally, there are an estimated 2,000 representative runners and walkers who will raise over $5 million on behalf of a dozen of their favorite charities.

The Rock 'n' Roll marathon course covers some of the most scenic areas of Seattle, including Lake Washington, Seward Park, Lake Union, Puget Sound near Elliott Bay and the Space Needle. If the weather is clear, expect some stunning views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains.

Being a part of Competitor Group's Rock 'n' Roll series has put Seattle on the map as a major player in hosting large scale marathon events, rivaling other cities such as San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas. The Seattle Marathon held in November of each year had its record number of participants in 2008 of 12,400. The Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, a Seafair event, will by far exceed that number.

With less than three weeks to go, plan to get out and have fun supporting this event and help make it a memorable inaugural Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon experience.
 

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