(click map to enlarge)
One Rockin' Course!
Download printable course map (PDF 446KB)
Still flat. Still fast. The new Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon course stretches 13.1 seaside miles through one of America’s most scenic beach communities. The race starts adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, runs through the resort area and Camp Pendleton, and now finishes North on the Boardwalk with a quick 11 block sprint to the finish.
After the race, runners, walkers, and their supporters will experience a post-race Finish Line Beach Party at 17th Street and then head to the 5th Street stage later that evening for another beachside party with the post-race Headliner, The B52’s..
New Course Highlights
We’ve taken your feedback and with help from the City of Virginia Beach, we’ve designed a new course that will enhance your running experience and allow more elbow room at the finish line.
Expanded finish area enhances runner experience.
- New Finish Area – Bigger & Better
A longer runner recovery zone will begin at the 13th Street finish line and extend up towards 17th street. Happily, Refreshment Bags will be distributed in the same area as your medal and iced towel. There’s more room for both participants and spectators to spread out on the beach too.
- Less Running on the Boardwalk – Quick Race to the Finish Line
The Boardwalk is beautiful, but a little tough on the legs – so we’ve shortened the Boardwalk to 11 blocks so you can sprint to the finish.
- Shuttles – Starting Earlier from the Finish Line
Shuttles from the finish line to the Amphitheater and Oceanfront stops will start earlier on race morning! Stay tuned for the exact schedule.
- Mileage Added in Camp Pendleton – PowerBar Gel Earlier on Course
We’ve added miles in Camp Pendleton which allows the PowerBar Gel stop to be earlier along the course. Exact location to come.
We hope the course changes will make it easier to reunite with family and friends after the race and your entire Virginia Beach experience even better.
Rock On!
Old Course Records:
Men: James Mwangi (2005), 1:00:42 • Women: Margaret Okayo (2003), 1:09:17
Medical Aid Stations
There will be medical stations at the Start Area, three stations along the course as well as four stations at the Finish Line. Look for the sports medicine volunteers in RED shirts for complimentary help before, during and after the race. In order to help our medical team work more efficiently, please fill out the medical history information on the back of your race number after you pick it up.
Course Support
- Water will be served at the Start and Finish lines.
- Cytomax sports drink will be served at six stations along the course.
Water and Cytomax Sport Drink Locations
Plenty of water and Cytomax sports drink will be supplied at the start, finish and at aid stations along the Half Marathon. Exact water and Cytomax stations will be posted closer to the event.
Train with Cytomax
Cytomax Performance Enhanced Drink is the only sport drink with patented energy source Alpha-L-Polylactate.
Recent studies comparing Cytomax to another popular sport drink show that the lactate in Polylactate provides energy faster than the leading sport drink, is used more efficiently and allows athletes to go longer.
What’s it mean? More fuel energy start to finish! Available at GNC, specialty running stores or www.cytosport.com.
Cheer Locations
Local high school cheer squads will be located at various locations along the course. Exact locations will be posted closer to the event.
Road Closures
- 6:00 a.m. The course is completely closed to ALL traffic
- 6:40 a.m. Wheelchair Start
- 6:45 a.m. Invitational Women's Start
- 7:00 a.m. Invitational Male/ Race Start
Detailed road closure information will be posted closer to the event.
