Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon scheduled for May 2012

Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading media and event company in the endurance sports industry, and the Portland Rose Festival today announced that Portland will become home to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series in 2012. The inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon will bring its moving block party experience to one of the country’s most active cities on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in the Pacific Northwest with the addition of such a tremendous destination in Portland,” said Scott Dickey, President of CGI. “In addition to being a great destination for runners throughout the U.S., Portland is a city filled with healthy, active people who we can draw on to make this race one of the best in the country. We look forward to partnering with the Rose Festival to build a world-class running event here in Portland.”

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has grown to 19 marathons and half marathons across the country 2011, delivering the ultimate running experience by lining each course with the sounds of live, local bands, cheerleaders, and thousands of spectators helping to motivate and entertain each runner through their journey to the finish line.

“We’re excited to welcome an event that not only inspires good health and fitness, but also a sense of camaraderie and community,” said Jeff Curtis, CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. “Portland is a runners dream and this is a chance to truly showcase our beautiful city to visitors from across the country.”

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon will feature a runner-friendly course, with limited elevation changes and a scenic tour highlighting the very best of the City of Roses. The course will start and finish downtown, offering scenic views of the Willamette River bridges and the Northern Downtown District, East Portland, Waterfront Park, Wallace City Park, Chapman and Lownsdale Squares and Laurelhurst Park.

A free two-day Health and Fitness Expo will be held Friday and Saturday to kickoff event weekend. The Expo will be open to the public and feature the latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for sample and sale, as well as a series of interactive fitness clinics. Event weekend concludes with a post-race concert at the finish line, with all participants and volunteers receiving free entry. Past acts at other Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon events have included SEAL, Blues Traveler, Journey, B-52s, Goo Goo Dolls and Bret Michaels. For more information, please visit Competitor.com.