The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® is pleased to announce Steel Pulse, a Grammy Award-winning reggae group as this year’s headliner for the 2018 Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virginia Beach Half Marathon. On Sunday, September 2, 2018, Steel Pulse will take to the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series headliner stage at 10:00 a.m. in conjunction with the three-day American Music Festival (AMF) to conclude a special morning of racing along Atlantic Ave. and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
The England-based reggae band formed in 1975 has stayed true to its roots for over 35 years and is recognized as one of Britain’s greatest reggae bands. Bringing tough-minded, rootsy sound and touches of dancehall and hip-hop, the band has delivered 13 albums and 20 additional singles, Steel Pulse has always maintained a strong set of moral principals in their work as they strive to spread messages of love and moral justice to all people.
“Steel Pulse has a relaxing yet powerful style that blends well with the beachfront feel of this race and Labor Day weekend,” said Josh Furlow, Managing Director of North America for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “They have a rich performance history and will be sure to deliver their powerful sound adding to the energy and great music of event weekend. Runners will have more than the finish line to look forward to as they are greeted by Steel Pulse following the race.”
After receiving a Grammy Award nomination in 1985, Steel Pulse was awarded their first Grammy Award in 1987 in Best Reggae Album for their hit album “Babylon the Bandit”, with five more nominations in following years. Steel Pulse became the first and only British reggae group and non-Jamaican act to win the award. In 1981 the band made their long-awaited U.S. debut on the night of Bob Marley’s funeral, which was broadcast live around the globe exposing the world to the power of Steel Pulse, one of Bob Marley’s favorite reggae bands.
Giving participants even more opportunities to hear some great music, The 25th Annual American Music Festival will include headliners ZZ Top, Goo Goo Dolls, Ziggy Marley and Soja performing on the oceanfront 5th Street Main Stage Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2. Half Marathon participants will get access to all three days of the festival while 5K participants will have free entry to the Sunday night concert to rock out to ZZ Top. Runners who only participate in the Mile on the Sand will need to purchase tickets to AMF or run the 5K to gain free access.
The musically themed Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon event weekend ramps up with a 5K presented by Brooks on Saturday, September 1 at 7:00 a.m. from 21st street & Atlantic Ave., followed by the Mile on the Sand beginning at 8:30 a.m. from 19th St. & the beach. The half marathon will start at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 2. While taking in some of the scenery along the beach front, this flat and fast course is jam packed with spectator support, boomin’ bands at every mile, and all new mile-markers that literally rock. Participants will experience great runner support and community engagement as they move along to the music with live on-course bands, and race pacers running with mobile speaker packs.
Race weekend kicks off with a Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, Aug. 31 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Sep. 1 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The expo will showcase vendors featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training, and is free and open to the public.
For more information or to register for the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach ½ Marathon, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Virginia-
For more information on Steel Pulse, please visit www.steelpulse.com
About Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® is the world’s largest running series with more than 600,000 runners taking part in over 30 destination events around the world every year. Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an entertaining finish-line festival and Toyota Concert Series Headliner featuring some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, FloRida, the Goo Goo Dolls and Bret Michaels. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.
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