Competitor - August 2017

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Two decades ago, Tim Murphy

decided to do something about what

he considered the boring factor of

running—long, lonely miles with

nothing to see or hear. His solution

was to create a marathon with bands at

every mile of the San Diego Marathon.

It clearly tapped into an industry need,

and today there are 30 Rock ’n’ Roll

race locales around the world.

John Smith has been there since the

beginning. The senior vice presi-

dent of Competitor Group Inc., the

parent company for the Rock ’n’ Roll

Marathon Series (which also includes

half marathons, 5Ks and other

distances that vary by location), has

watched the brand and sport evolve

together.

“Back then, maybe about 5 percent

of runners carried music,” he says.

“Today that’s probably around 85

percent.”

Each of the Rock ’n’ Roll marathons

has the signature 26 bands on the

course and is designed to fi nish with a

headline act. Over the years, big names

have included Pitbull, Snoop Dogg and

Macklemore.

“Back in the early days, we had acts

like Pat Benatar and the Goo Goo

Dolls,” says Smith.

In an era when most runners carry

their own music, there is still demand

for the live entertainment that comes

with a Rock ’n’ Roll event. It's common

to see an Elvis or two running around.

The attraction, Smith says, is not only

great for the runners but the local

communities where races are staged.

“In Seattle, for instance, you’re going

to get great grunge music,” he says. “In

Nashville, it will be fantastic country

bands. All of them are out there to put

on a great show for the runners.”

20 YEARS OF ROCK ’N’ ROLL

By Amanda Loudin

PHOTO: PEGGY PEATTIE

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