Great Getaways, Stride for Stride: Series of Musically Themed Half-marathons Offer a Unique Getaway for Runners and Walkers

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) July 11, 2007 -- Created by Elite Racing, Inc., a series of stand-alone half-marathons, featuring world-class professional performances and entertainment on the run, begins this September for runners and walkers of all abilities looking for a weekend getaway. The trio of foot races gives active travelers a chance to lace up their running shoes for a self-guided, 13.1-mile tour through three unique American cities, while enjoying live music and entertainment at every mile with 13,000 to 20,000 fellow racers.

Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon presented by SunTrust, Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 2, 2007

Named "Best Party" in Runner's World Magazine, August 2007

Named one of America's "Best Walking Cities" by the American Podiatric Medical Association

www.RnRhalf.com

Known for its scenic oceanfront finish, neighborhood block parties and post-race concert on the beach, the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon annually attracts 20,000 runners and walkers to the coastal community of Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend. Live bands at every mile keep participants grooving along the course and energetic community members get involved by hosting parties on their front lawns, cheering racers to the finish.

As part of the Labor Day holiday festivities, the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival kicks off the weekend with evening concerts along the oceanfront, Aug. 31 thru Sept. 2. INXS will headline the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon's post-race concert on Sept. 2, where all 20,000 participants receive free entry to the show with their race number. The concert is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased online at the event's website.

This race is quickly selling out. As of early July, only 800 spots remain. Hotels are filling up as well, but many popular oceanfront properties are available.

Approximately 75 percent of all participants in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon come from outside the Hampton Roads region and nearly half of all participants travel to Virginia Beach from outside the state of Virginia.

Free online training and support is offered to every registered participant thru the New Balance Active Trainer program. Visit www.RnRhalf.com to learn more.

Contact the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on the region's attractions. Live the Life at www.vbfun.com.

Philadelphia Distance Run, Sept. 16, 2007

Named "Best Chance for a Personal Record" in Runner's World Magazine, August 2007

www.RUNphilly.com

Two weeks later, on Sun., Sept. 16, one of America's most historic half-marathons races through the City of Brotherly Love. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Philadelphia Distance Run continues its reputation as a world-class race venue, while increasing its entertainment along the course.

This year, Elite Racing will turn up the volume with more music along the course, adding to its picturesque setting. As participants run to the rhythm, they will tour much of Philadelphia's famous Center City before heading out along the banks of the Schuylkill River and famous Boat House Row. The start and finish line village is located at Eakins Oval, a shaded, grassy park in front of the famous Museum of Art, where Rocky Balboa triumphantly scaled the museum steps, and where participants can cool down with refreshments and live music.

Bring the Family

Children ages 3-12 can also take their first steps on a race course as a part of the Philadelphia Children's Run. Future half marathoners take to the street in age appropriate races beginning with a quarter-mile race for ages 3-4, a half-mile race for ages 5-6, and a one-mile race for kids ages 7-12.

Contact the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation for more information on the region's attractions. Boundless Philadelphia at www.GOphila.com.

Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, San Jose, Oct. 14, 2007

The newest musical road race in Elite Racing's national series and a great tune-up for New York City

Named one of America's "Best Walking Cities" by the American Podiatric Medical Association

www.RnRsj.com

In its debut last year, the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose proved to be a strong choice for runners looking for a fast course. As the newest musical road race on Elite Racing's schedule, three men and four women in the professional field ran under the old California state record times of 1 hour, 2 minutes, 6 seconds for the men and 1:11:16 for the women. Many more racers in the 11,000-plus participant field claimed to have turned in personal best times.

This year, approximately 13,000 participants are expected on race day and like its sister event in Virginia Beach, the 13.1-mile run through downtown San Jose is flat and packed with entertainment. Cool temperatures and ideal running conditions are normally expected for the region in October.

Once downtown, visitors are within walking distance to all race related venues, as well as a variety of dining, recreation and entertainment attractions. San Jose is a central location for day trips to the costal communities of Santa Cruz and Monterey and it is located just an hour south of San Francisco.

A free online training and support program is offered to every registered participant thru the New Balance Active Trainer program. Visit RnRhalf.com to learn more.

Contact the San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information on the region's attractions.

The Fun Never Stops at www.sanjose.org.

Travel Assistance

For a list of host hotels in each city, or for group booking information, contact Elite Racing's travel team at 800-311-1255 or go to eliteracing.com.

Health & Fitness Expo at every race

A two-day Health & Fitness Expo accompanies each race and is free and open to the public. All half marathon participants must go to pick up their race numbers and participant T-shirts, and any attendee may choose to shop for the latest in athletic gear and health-related products.

Image Links:

Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, Virginia Beach

Post-race concert lights up the oceanfront - Brian Myers

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=13728

Runners run the final two miles of the race along the beach before crossing the finish

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=12286

Philadelphia Distance Run

Men's lead pack in Center City - photorun.net

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=12277

Runners race down Benjamin Franklin Parkway toward historic city hall - photorun.net

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=13726

Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, San Jose

Runners pass through tree-lined San Pedro Square

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=13730

Thousands of runners start the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

http://www.eliteracing.com/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=12624

About Elite Racing, Inc.

Celebrating 10 years as the originator of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company and leading producer of world-class road racing events for runners and walkers throughout the United States. Today, the company has grown to manage a total of six musically themed marathons and half-marathons including the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, the Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the Philadelphia Distance Run and the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathons in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif. Each event features a live band on entertainment stages and cheerleaders at every mile along the course. Events attract between 13,000 and 35,000 participants.

In addition, Elite Racing also produces the Carlsbad 5000. Known as the "world's fastest 5K," the Carlsbad 5000 is home to 16 world best times at the 3.1-mile distance and welcomes over 10,000 runners and walkers to the streets of Carlsbad, Calif. annually.

For more information about Elite Racing's events visit www.eliteracing.com.

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