Nationwide search for 5 Rock ‘n’ Run Idol Finalists is officially open Win a VIP Trip to run in Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
The 5th annual Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon is back due to popular demand on 12/13 of August 2017. With four unique distances for runners to choose from, bespoke “must have” medals, music acts at each mile and a finish line concert, the stunning combination of music, memorable moments, medals and miles is not to be missed in 2017.
The competition to find a Rock ‘n’ Run Idol is also returning even bigger and better in 2017. The competition which searches for an inspirational running story was launched in 2016, with hundreds of entries and 15,000 votes cast. This year will see the search for four provincial winners from Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster along with a fifth Dublin winner. The five winners will become Rock ‘n’ Run finalists battling it out in a public vote to become the 2017 Rock ‘n’ Run Idol and win a VIP trip to take part in Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas on November 11th -12th, 2017. The competition is open to runners of all abilities and anyone interested can go to RocknRollDublin.com to enter.
Last year’s event saw 6 inspirational runners make it to the final. They included James McGarry from Meath, Niamh Conroy from Clare, John Quinlivan from Galway, Helen Sexton from Down and James Bermingham and Suzanne Alcock-Thompson from Dublin.
Speaking at the launch, the 2016 winner, Suzanne Alcock-Thompson from Swords in Dublin explained how much she enjoyed being involved last year, “I started running in 2012 but felt so self-conscious that I would only run when it was dark at night and wear my husband’s woolly golf hat so no one would notice me. Becoming the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol and running down the strip in Las Vegas was a dream come true. I would encourage everyone, no matter what your running ability is to enter. The experience is life changing!”
After entries close on 12th of April, the 5 finalists will be chosen by Stacey Campbell, Vice President of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, 2FM DJ Louise McSharry, editor of Irish Runner Frank Greally, running coach Ash Senyk and CEO of Affidea Tom Finn.
2FM DJ Louise McSharry will also be taking part in the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll 10K, her first ever run, speaking at the launch Louise explained she is taking on this challenge, “I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin series and the challenge of competing in my first ever 10k. I’ll be keeping everyone updated over the next few months on my training progress. I am also really excited to be supporting the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol competition, whether you are a serious runner or a beginner like me I would encourage everyone to enter. The competition is about finding people who have used running in the past or are currently on a journey to better their lives or inspiring others to do so.”
Celebrating its 5th year in 2017, the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin series has something for runners of all abilities with a prolific half marathon, a 10K and a 3K Family Fun Run in addition to a 5K on Saturday.
Olympic 400m Hurdler, Thomas Barr knows all about enjoying racing and competing. The Waterford man won the heart of the nation when competing at the Olympic Games in Rio last summer, with his upbeat attitude and smile, even when he came agonisingly close to a medal when finishing in fourth place in the final. Speaking at the launch the he said: “What is brilliant about the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon is that it makes running fun, with live bands on the course, there is a real festival atmosphere created for participants and spectators. It’s a fantastic celebration of running and with the 5k, 10k and Family Fun there is an event for everyone to enjoy!”
The event is renowned for having live bands along each mile to encourage and entertain runners as they make their way to the finish line. The musically-themed race concludes with a finish line festival and headline concert in the Phoenix Park to celebrate the day’s achievements.
Not forgetting about the loyal loved ones cheering from the sidelines, there will be a 3K Family Fun Run beginning in Phoenix Park from 12:15 pm and finish line festival with great entertainment, food and music for all attending.
A 5K race kicks off the weekend on Saturday in Phoenix Park giving runners the opportunity to register for the Remix Challenge. Anyone who participates in the 5K and either the half marathon, 10k or family fun run on Sunday will complete the Remix Challenge earning themselves a bonus third medal.
The Half Marathon and 10K courses begin in the heart of Dublin at the Docklands running along the River Liffey. After crossing over Memorial Bridge, runners will pass the famous Ha’Penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Guinness Brewery before finishing up in Phoenix Park.
“We are excited to be celebrating our 5th year in Dublin, we hope to do even more to engage with the vibrant running community of Dublin and attract runners from all over the world to this great city” said Stacey Campbell, Vice President of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “After the success of adding more distances in 2016, we are delighted to have four distances on offer to allow runners of all levels to take part over the weekend.”
To register for the event and for further information on the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol contest visit
www.runrocknroll.com/dublin/rock-idol/; follow frequent updates on Twitter (@RnRDublinHalf) and Facebook.
