Rock and Run Your Way to the Finish Line: Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half-Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half-Marathon is next month. What is it? A concert, complete with local bands and a headline act, along the lakefront, in the prime of summer, with a running race thrown in for good measure.

The first official Rock 'n' Roll marathon started in San Diego in 1998, with the goal of offering a fun event for both participants and spectators. Instead of having just another running race, the organizers focused on creating a party atmosphere by adding live music. The RnR San Diego model of having an entertainment-oriented race took off, and now there are over 20 RnR races around the country. Next year, the series goes international, with Edinburgh and Madrid joining the lineup.

In 2009, RnR added a Chicago race: a half-marathon.

After a successful inaugural year, the race expanded, with 25,000 runners participating last year.

Why the hype? The race has some fun and unique characteristics, such as live bands every mile along the course, cheerleading squads to encourage runners, and themed water stations.

No, I'm not sure what themed water stations are, either, but they sound like fun. What's more, there's a post-race concert in Grant Park. The finish line festivities for this year's RnR Chicago will have Bret Michaels as headliner. Apparently, in addition to being the winner of The Apprentice, that guy can sing.

I've never done an RnR event before, but they have a reputation for being fun and well-organized. Runner Jacqueline Matthew ran the Chicago RnR Half-Marathon last year, and it was her third RnR event.

“The bands definitely make a difference,” Matthew said. “Rock n Roll Arizona was my first full marathon, and the support at RnR events is great, making them a good choice for beginner racers.”

And it's not just for newbies.

In fact, the Chicago RnR Half has seen some big-name runners in the past. “I like the race for the caliber of elite and local elites it attracts,” said Chanthana Tsai, a Chicago runner. “I ran the same year that Kara Goucher won the race – and she was first overall, not just among the women. The race attracts great competitors.” This year's event is being touted as a good race for those trying to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Half-Marathon Trials.

The drawbacks?

First of all, it's very pricey for a half-marathon. If you sign up now, it will set you back $120, more than many full-marathons. What's more, it's a big race, which means lots of amenities, but also means it could be crowded.

Some runners who participated last year complained the course was too congested, especially the end section along the LakeFront Path. This year, however, the course has been redesigned, taking the race off the LakeFront Path entirely.

The newly redesigned course promises to be spectator friendly, passing through several Chicago neighborhoods. For runners who have family and friends cheering them on, the course includes two passes near the start/finish, one at mile two and the other at mile seven. That will make it easy for family members to see their runner several times, without having to stray too far from Grant Park.

If your already in decent running shape, currently able to do long runs of about eight miles, it's not too late to put RnR on your calendar, so lace up and get out there.

An experienced racer looking for a personal best finish time? Maybe not the best choice.

But if you want a fun excuse to get up early and go for an energizing run, with a party afterwards, this is the race for you.

I plan to be at the start line. See you there.