San Antonio, TX – July 19, 2012 – Grammy-nominated country singer Jo Dee Messina will headline the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen™ finish line concert on Sunday, November 11, 2012. More than 30,000 participants and music fans will commemorate the day’s accomplishments at the finish line festival at the Alamodome.
“Jo Dee Messina is a country music sensation and she will surely offer a memorable celebration for the participants and spectators alike,” said Kim Messey, Event Director. “From our loyal Rock ‘n’ Roll alumni to a host of new runners, we know participants will be eager to cross the finish line at the iconic Alamodome and jam along to her chart topping hits.”
“I’m so excited to be participating in this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio,” said Messina. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is always put together well and they make every runner feel special.”
The country music superstar started running to lose weight, but Jo Dee found an unexpected passion for the sport after completing the 2006 Boston Marathon. She has sold more than five million albums, had nine #1 singles, earned two Grammy nominations in addition to awards by the CMA and ACM.
Messina continued, “I begin my training in a week and already have a pretty good base. I’m not really fast, so I hope I make it back in time for the show. I hear they have a great one planned (she added with a wink). I’m definitely more nervous about the run than the show. But, I’m looking forward to both.”
The 26.2 and 13.1-mile Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio courses will run past many of the city’s historic sites and parks, while featuring live bands and cheerleaders along the way. With ideal fall weather, San Antonio offers the perfect destination for a running vacation that combines athletic conquests with a weekend getaway in Texas’ cultural hot spot.
“In five short years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio has made an enormous impact in our city,” said Dr. Susan Blackwood, executive director of San Antonio Sports, the local sports commission. “It’s shifted our culture toward fitness and good health. So many people are training to run, walk or bike the marathon or half marathon, and that enthusiasm has spilled over to bolster participation in smaller runs and walks throughout the year. You can be sure that San Antonio Sports’ 4,000 volunteers will be there on race day to cheer everyone on!”
For the second year, the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Bike Tour will take participants along 22 miles of the full marathon course. Participants also have the opportunity to partake in a 2-Person Half Marathon Relay, which allows teams to split the distance into 7.9 mile and 5.2 mile legs. More