Approximately 11,000 registered runners from age 12 to 88 took to the streets this weekend to participate in the running of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. With a renewed focus on the core pillars of great music in a community environment, runners of all athletic levels enjoyed the sights and sounds of Philadelphia.
Shura Kitata of Ethiopia laid down a masterful performance in the half marathon Sunday morning to win the overall race clocking a stunning time of 00:58:17. American Parker Stinson (Boulder, Col.) came in second with a time of 01:03:01 and Canadian Cam Levins (Black Creek, British Columbia) followed in third place finishing in 1:03:10.
2018 Boston Marathon Champion Des Linden (Rochester Hills, Mich.) topped the podium again in her return to competitive racing, clocking a time of 1:11:50 to win the women’s half marathon. Kellyn Taylor (Flagstaff, Ariz.) followed in second with a time of 1:12:07. Roberta Groner (Randolph, N.J.) rounded out the podium in 01:12:22.
The best-in-class running event kicked off on Saturday morning with a 5K and 10K beginning at Eakens Oval. On Sunday, the half marathon saw runners take off at 7:30 a.m. traversing City Hall, Market Street, the Schuylkill River, Falls Bridge and crossing the finish line in front of the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval.
A deep field of elite runners and fast times aside, Sunday’s race was all about the party atmosphere. Several local bands including, DJ Joe, Philabuster, Lights of Schoener, The Big Unkle and Nashid Ali performed live on improved band stages along the route interspersed with cheerleaders and themed water stations. Participants moved along to more music than ever with all new mile-markers that included speakers and race pacers who ran with mobile speaker packs.
The musically themed road race celebrated the day’s accomplishments with the sounds pop/rock band, Oak & Ash as the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series headliner.
For complete results from this weekend’s event or for information on the 2019 event, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Philadelphia.
For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, please visit www.runrocknroll.com. Media may contact press@runrocknroll.com.
