San Antonio Marathon, “If you’re looking for youth, you’re looking for longevity,” an early rock bard once said. “Just take a dose of rock ‘n’ roll. It keeps you going.”Add to that prescription a shot of history, a huge helping of hospitality and the prospect of perfect weather, and you have the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon filling the streets of San Antonio with fun each November. (This year’s race blasts out of the starting gates on Nov. 15.) With live, local music on 27 stages along the race route and high school cheering squads urging runners on, “every breath you take, every move you make” will be memorable.
Races for All Ages
More than a walker-friendly, Boston-qualifying marathon, San Antonio’s second Rock ‘n’ Rollout also includes a half-marathon open to runners 12 years of age and above. And, for the first time in 2009, a YMCA-sponsored, non-timed, non-judged Kids Rock San Antonio event takes place the day before the big event. Open to children in grades K-5, each age group will depart at 15-minute intervals for a one-mile run within Brackenridge Park, with all participants receiving a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag.Kid rockers and mature marathoners alike should also check out the free Health & Fitness Expo taking place at the Alamodome November 13-14. More than 100 exhibitors showcase the latest gear, offer free samples and provide health and nutrition information. The Official Merchandise Store also is open for essential souvenirs.
A Hearty Helping of History
But that’s not all. In typical San Antonio style, runners and fans have the opportunity to load up on carbs at a pre-race pasta dinner in the Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station starting at 4 p.m. the day before the marathon. (The cost is $16.50, with kids under 3 eating free.) While there, be sure to check out the beautifully restored Southern Pacific Depot, a Spanish Revival gem that is the centerpiece of historic St. Paul Square.History looms large on race day, too. The mostly-level course – dotted with water, energy-drink and first-aid stations – begins at Brackenridge Park just north of downtown and unwinds past the Alamo, the King William Historic District’s Victorian mansions and the unique chain of Spanish Colonial missions – all of which runners will want to revisit after race day to enjoy at a more leisurely pace.
Medals and Music
No medals are given for historic and cultural touring; luckily, it provides its own reward. But plenty of heavy metal will be draped around winners’ necks at race’s end.The top three finishers in each age division receive medals, participants receive a t-shirt, and all finishers are presented with a Commemorative Finisher’s Medal and Certificate. (Texas athletes can register ahead of time to compete for cash awards of up to $2,000 if they have bettered target marathon and half-marathon times in the past year.)This lively city celebrates at the drop of a Stetson so, of course, there’s a post-race Finish Line Fiesta. Held in the Alamodome just steps from marathon’s end, there’s more live music (definitely leave your earphones at home), more vendors and loads more fun.”You can’t stop rock ’n’ roll,” claimed another 60’s source, and in San Antonio the beat goes on year ‘round.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Space in the race is limited (and often sells out) so advance registration is a must. From September 1 until close, fees are $115 for the marathon and $95 for the half-marathon. For more information, go to www.rnrsa.com or call 800-311-1255. Registration also may be completed online at www.rnrsa.com/reginfo.html.”We like this kind of music,’ said Texas rock icon Buddy Holly, adding that “jazz is strictly for stay-at-homes.” But all music fans will enjoy the Rock’n’Roll Marathon San Antonio, and nobody should stay home for this one.
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