Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA
- Half Marathon, 5K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Virginia Beach will have you movin’ and groovin’ with endless ocean views, a trendy backdrop and tunes all weekend long provided by the largest outdoor music festival on the East Coast. Escape your routine and join us for a sandy staycation by the sea. We’re … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 04):
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| H (°F) | 83 | 87 | 85 | 87 | 83 |
| L (°F) | 70 | 78 | 73 | 74 | 63 |
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New PR
Great course Great volunteers and support Amazing ocean view Packet pickup was easy Medal was a little small for the price I wish I had did the 5K as well, … MORE
Great course
Great volunteers and support
Amazing ocean view
Packet pickup was easy
Medal was a little small for the price
I wish I had did the 5K as well, to receive another medal
Flat and fast, also the last
Unfortunately, this was the last time Rock and Roll will be in Virginia Beach. This was the 2nd time I had done a RnR series race. They always have a … MORE
Unfortunately, this was the last time Rock and Roll will be in Virginia Beach. This was the 2nd time I had done a RnR series race. They always have a big production and great medals. The packet pick up was at the convention center with easy, free parking and good hours. I picked up someone else’s packet as well with ease. There wasn’t a whole lot to the expo, but that might have been due to Covid. It was an early start to the race at 6:30, but it was appreciated due to the daytime temperatures. It was only 67* at the start, but 90% humidity. Luckily, most of the course was shaded. Only the last couple of miles which were on the boardwalk, were in full sun. The course overall was flat with a couple small over passes around miles 3.5 and 10.5. The last couple miles were the most difficult because it was into the wind and some intense sun, but finishing on the boardwalk was nice. There was plenty of on course entertainment and water stops. Overall, it was a good race and well organized. The medal was cool and the shirt was nice.
The Last Rock N Roll in Virginia Beach
I usually loathe running half marathons in the summer in Virginia - too hot and humid, which is why I had never run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in … MORE
I usually loathe running half marathons in the summer in Virginia – too hot and humid, which is why I had never run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. Always Labor Day weekend, which is always very hot and humid! I decided to take my chances this year, because it was announced that this would be the last year in Virginia Beach. It was very well organized (which I expected, because that is what I had come to expect with Rock N Roll races). The expo was well planned out and well spaced out, given the COVID protocols, which relieved me. Rock N Roll themed masks were given out with our race swag. The start was organized into 7 corrals in each of 2 waves. 12 runners were released every 4 seconds and were spaced out side by side and divided by barriers to keep spacing. It was normal VA Beach Labor Day weather – sunny and warm. There were bands and DJs throughout the race, which is typical of Rock N Roll events. There were ample water and gatorade stations and SIS gels were available (although I don’t like the taste of those). At the finish, there was a band and snacks and over 21 runners were given Heineken 0.0 beer (I don’t understand non-alcoholic beer – not a fan). All in all, I was glad I participated in the last ever Rock N Roll Half Marathon in VA Beach.
Decent Enough Production
Course: Pretty flat, fast course with lots of entertainment and support. Course spends some time in the tourist areas before heading south down a tree lined highway and then finishes … MORE
Course: Pretty flat, fast course with lots of entertainment and support. Course spends some time in the tourist areas before heading south down a tree lined highway and then finishes back north along the boardwalk. It probably would have been a lot more brutal if the weather was closer to the norm but cooler temps made for a more tolerable experience.
Expo/Finisher Area: Expo/Finisher Area was not really what you normally expect from RNR’s bigger events. Expo had only a few vendors (and they didn’t really have the local partnerships/discounts that they usually have). Finish area featured non-alcoholic beer and a local 80s cover band. This was not even close to the experience that RNR provides in Vegas/Nashville.
Swag: Great t-shirt (without a race year on it!) and face mask were provided at the expo. Finisher medal was pretty cool too!
It's good to be back
For the first Rock n Roll race after COVID, I was very impressed. The expo was spacious and process was smooth. I loved the new course! You get to run … MORE
For the first Rock n Roll race after COVID, I was very impressed.
The expo was spacious and process was smooth. I loved the new course! You get to run on the concrete boardwalk around sunrise for the first mile (which was gorgeous!). You continue down the shopping strip and approach the first of only two hills over the pier. Then, you run through neighborhoods on asphalt and through the State Military Reservation. The last mile and half is back on the concrete boardwalk.
There were a lot of people but was managed very well. In terms of COVID precautions, the start was staggered. 12 people started every 4 seconds with an extra minute between corrals. Masks were required at the expo.
Overall, I loved my experience. The city is still recovering from staff shortages but were very supportive of all the runners.
Happy to have caught the last VB RnR!
Beautiful course, and as always Rock N Roll delivered. Even being somewhat covid-ridden, it was a great production. I will say, the last couple of miles down the boardwalk were … MORE
Beautiful course, and as always Rock N Roll delivered. Even being somewhat covid-ridden, it was a great production. I will say, the last couple of miles down the boardwalk were killer… directly into the sun, no shade, just pure heat. Other than that, it was great! Virginia Beach is kind of a weird town.. but it was still nice enough. Sad to see this one discontinued.
Sun set on Virginia Beach
Rock 'n' Roll announced that this was the final race at Virginia Beach, after 20 years. I've run a handful of Rock 'n' Roll races, and they are pretty much … MORE
Rock ‘n’ Roll announced that this was the final race at Virginia Beach, after 20 years. I’ve run a handful of Rock ‘n’ Roll races, and they are pretty much the same. Absolute fantastic race in terms of entertainment on the course, course support, bling, shirts, spectators, expo, just about everything. The course started close to and finished on the boardwalk. If they were to have it again, it would definitely be worth running.
Even Better than previous year
Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they … MORE
Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they moved the time to 6:30 for the start. Not only was it a much cooler day than previous year, but the earlier start made the run easier. Route is solid, no real need to change it, as you start off on Pacific Avenue and then move over to Atlantic. From the Atlantic you cross the Rudee inlet and eventually cut through Camp Pendleton. On the run back you hit the boardwalk is nice. Better prepared this year so I left the race and immediately took a dip in the ocean afterwards. The medal is fine, although medals are not a big deal to me. Shirt color was a nice change from previous year and logo of Saturn with race ran and date was very cool. Exhibition was ok, easy to get registered, but not as many vendors this year with racing gear (unless you want items specifically stating the Rock N Roll logo). Was only at exhibition for about ten minutes and headed out. You can book early and get a room on the beach if you are coming in from out of town. I stay at a nicer and much cheaper and hotel in Norfolk and do the drive in (Parking for the day is only ten dollars so a bargain).
Prepare for summer heat!
Used this race as the beginning of my running season. The route is basically the second half of the Shamrock Marathon. The course is basically flat other than Rudee Inlet … MORE
Used this race as the beginning of my running season. The route is basically the second half of the Shamrock Marathon. The course is basically flat other than Rudee Inlet bridge, but rated it a two for difficulty because of the labor day heat. Actually started to get cold chills at about the eight mile mark and probably should have stopped, but instead slowed my pace down. Glad they have decided to start the race earlier for this coming year at 630 to beat some of the heat, but definitely recommend some pre-cooling. Parking options are available a few blocks from the starting line for roughly ten dollars but recommend getting there an hour and a half before the race. I just napped in the car for awhile before heading to the line. Lots of support organized for the race-bands, cheering squads, and some support along the route. Expo was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. Medal fine and tech shirt was quality. Use this shirt regularly. Overall a solid race and a good guide for fitness level as marathon season approaches.
Good Ocean Views
Solid course, really cool boardwalk ending, not very hilly, not a ton of scenery along a lot of the course, but the last mile or so on the boardwalk was … MORE
Solid course, really cool boardwalk ending, not very hilly, not a ton of scenery along a lot of the course, but the last mile or so on the boardwalk was great. Well-produced event.
Hard
Worst mile of my life. This was after the half and in the sand. I am not a fast runner to begin with so I stayed back, but by the … MORE
Worst mile of my life. This was after the half and in the sand. I am not a fast runner to begin with so I stayed back, but by the time we went, the sand was all torn up and it was hard to even walk on it. It didn’t seem like it would ever be over…..
Another ok
Not much to look at. The packet pick up was nice, the convention center was spacious. Not a lot to look at on the course, it wasn’t far from home … MORE
Not much to look at. The packet pick up was nice, the convention center was spacious. Not a lot to look at on the course, it wasn’t far from home so this was easy for us to get to.
Ok
The weather was nice and we had fun while there, but the race wasn’t much to talk about. There really wasn’t much to look at other than the Poseidon statue.there … MORE
The weather was nice and we had fun while there, but the race wasn’t much to talk about. There really wasn’t much to look at other than the Poseidon statue.there is a great little distillery in Virginia Beach that is worth going to while there.
Running and beaching it
This race takes place Labor Day weekend - it is a great way to say celebrate the unofficial end of summer. This is one of the flatest courses I've run … MORE
This race takes place Labor Day weekend – it is a great way to say celebrate the unofficial end of summer.
This is one of the flatest courses I’ve run (only a bit of a hill-twice-at the bridge). You get to run on the boardwalk by the ocean, which I really enjoyed.
Rock N Roll knows how to suck you in with the promise of medals. If you run San Diego (I didn’t) and this race you get an extra medal. There are 3 races over the weekend, so there is the potential of 4 medals and a pin. I did all 3 races and would recommend doing so.
The 1st up, on Saturday, is the 5k. That is followed by the “Mile on the Sand”. They recommend NOT wearing shoes because it is soft sand [I wore shoes and walked the mile]. Sunday is the Half Marathon.
You get a shirt for each race. I didn’t think they were great designs this year, but I’ve seen other years and think this was just an “off” year.
After the races, the Finisher Zone is on the beach. I enjoyed my post race beer sitting on the sand and listening to the music.
A fine race, but not a great one
I can't say I'm surprised this race was discontinued. It was simply fine - the course wasn't particularly scenic or difficult and the support (both crowd and water/aid stations) wasn't … MORE
I can’t say I’m surprised this race was discontinued. It was simply fine – the course wasn’t particularly scenic or difficult and the support (both crowd and water/aid stations) wasn’t overwhelming. The weather also didn’t cooperate (it rained the first few miles), which made the entire experience a bit dismal. Plus, I’m always disappointed by the Rock ‘n Roll races – they never seem to have as much exciting music and swag as they advertise. More music would’ve made this so much more fun! Overall, the experience was ok (I ran with a friend and taking a girls’ weekend was a blast), but not sad to see this race taken off the roster.
My first half
It was really hot and humid, and it was my first half marathon. I was glad I had water with me. Lots and lots of people, but well managed. Runs … MORE
It was really hot and humid, and it was my first half marathon. I was glad I had water with me. Lots and lots of people, but well managed. Runs along the boardwalk at the end.
Awesome run, but HOT
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo … MORE
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo is one of the best, held at the convention center. The only drawback to this race is the time of year. Labor day weekend makes this run hot and humid.
Awesome run, but HOT
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo … MORE
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo is one of the best, held at the convention center. The only drawback to this race is the time of year. Labor day weekend makes this run hot and humid.
Awesome run, but HOT
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo … MORE
This is a very nice run around the Virginia Beach area, with a finish right on the boardwalk. The afterparty is on the beach!! Nice medal and t-shirt. The expo is one of the best, held at the convention center. The only drawback to this race is the time of year. Labor day weekend makes this run hot and humid.
Great Finish Line
A well organized Half - great weather, and finishing on the Boardwalk was a great way to finish this race. The post activities afterwards were nice - had a rock … MORE
A well organized Half – great weather, and finishing on the Boardwalk was a great way to finish this race. The post activities afterwards were nice – had a rock concert on the beach and a good way to just kick back on the sand and winding down to some good music, food, and drink.