DALLAS – (March 22, 2011) – It's 13.1 miles of Rock 'n' Roll and the most fun a runner can have testing your physical endurance. More than 13,000 runners and walkers are expected for the 2nd Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure® on Sunday, March 27. Last year, the debut event had 9,251 finishers, making it the largest inaugural half-marathon in Texas history according to Running USA.

Participants will take part in a running block party, with the sounds of live bands, cheerleading teams and thousands of spectators helping them push through the miles. The streets of Dallas offer a flat, fast course and a scenic tour of the city.

Starting at City Hall, runners will enjoy the sights of Dallas's quaint neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, winding past the American Airlines Center, home to the Mavericks and Stars, and around the scenic Highland Park area. After an exciting finish at the renowned Fair Park, participants and their friends and family are invited to celebrate by rocking out to an energetic performance by Bret Michaels.

"Adding a major performer like Bret Michaels to our event amps our headline concert to arena-rock levels," said Kari Logan, event director. "We're excited to offer our runners a well-deserved chance to celebrate their accomplishment in a big way."

For more than 600 Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure® participants, the race is about much more than reaching the finish line. Charity participants have raised more than $200,000 to fight breast cancer, fundraising through friends and family as they train. The money they've raised helps fund innovative research and local community programs supporting breast cancer education, screening and treatment. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised stay in the Metroplex; 25 percent is used for research.

"Ask all the runners and walkers why they are raising funds from Komen, and you'll undoubtedly get hundreds of different stories," said Elizabeth Thompson, Komen's president. "But everyone who is participating in this event is united by the same goal we at Susan G. Komen for the Cure have had for nearly 30 years: we all want to end breast cancer once and for all."

 

Bret Michaels to Rock Dallas at Second Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

Race weekend will begin with a Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27 at the Dallas Convention Center. The Expo, which is free and open to the public, will showcase the latest in running products and services with interactive clinics from fitness experts. Additionally, event sponsor Dodge will host the "Test Drive for Charity", where Dodge will donate $20 to a charity of the participant's choosing for every car that is test driven.

Back by popular demand, the 2-person half-marathon relay option offers a fun and unique introduction to distance running. With 7.1-mile and 6-mile legs, participants can still join in the fun with a friend or loved one. Registration for the both the relay or half-marathon is open online at: https://dallas.competitor.com

2011 also marks the inaugural ING KiDS ROCK Dallas, a one-mile fun run geared toward children in kindergarten through seventh grade. Kids are encouraged to train for seven weeks by completing a cumulative marathon program consisting of 25.2 total miles. They will complete their final marathon mile Saturday, March 26 in conjunction with the event weekend. More information is available online at: www.INGKiDSROCK.com

 RUNNING USA