Milwaukee World Festival announced improvements for the second annual Rock 'N Sole run today, including new distances and entertainment along the routes.
This year's run takes place on Saturday, June 23 at 7 a.m. It includes changes in race distances, featuring a half marathon, quarter marathon (6.55 miles) and an additional 5K route. All three courses will include a stretch over the Hoan Bridge.
New in 2012, participants will enjoy live entertainment at points throughout the courses. Course modifications include runners starting the Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Run facing south along Lincoln Memorial Drive and finishing the race near the Summerfest South Gate. The half and quarter marathon routes will take runners over the Hoan Bridge and back, along Lake Michigan and through Lakeshore State Park and behind the Marcus Amphitheather toward the finish line near the South Gate.
The 5K route allows runners to reach the top of the Hoan Bridge before returning north to run through the Summerfest Mid Gate, proceeding along the Lake Walk and behind the Marcus Amphitheather toward the Finish Line near the South Gate. The Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Run will be USATF certified and official chip timed.
In November, Vision Event Management (VEM) was named race director of the 2012 Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Run. VEM has been reviewing all aspects of the race plan and working to improve on last year's event, which was plagued with water shortages and other problems.
Advance registration runs through Feb. 29 for the half marathon and quarter marathon and is $60 and $40. Advance registration for the 5K runs through April 30 and is $25. Runners can register in advance at Rocknsolerun.com until Wednesday, June 20.
