San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll running weekend guide
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Janessa Dunn wins the women's elite division in the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll marathon on Dec. 4, 2022. Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images for Rock 'n' Roll Running Series
San Antonio's biggest running event of the year returns Friday.
What's happening: Roughly 17,000 runners are registered to participate in the 15th year of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, event organizers tell Axios.
Why it matters: Thousands of runners, road closures, and four races are sure to make for a busy weekend in San Antonio.
Even if you're not lacing up your sneakers, here's what to know:
Details: The event kicks off with a health and fitness expo from 12-7pm Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
- 5K and 10K races begin at 7:30am Saturday at the corner of West Houston and North Santa Rosa streets at Milam Park and end at Travis Park. In previous years, the routes began near Sunset Station.
- The weekend concludes with the marathon and half marathon, both beginning Sunday at 7am from San Antonio City Hall and concluding at UTSA downtown.
👀 What to watch: You can cheer on runners while enjoying live music along each route, and track your favorite athletes with the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series app.
- Of note: Only Department of Defense cardholders are allowed to watch the three-mile portion of the half marathon and marathon route that winds through JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
🚧 Road closures: Some roads will be closed between 7-10:45am Saturday and 2-11am Sunday.
- Find a full list of closures here.
🅿️ Parking: Race organizers recommend arriving early if you're planning to park near the start and finish line. A list of available downtown parking lots and UTSA lots is available online.
- Spectators and runners can find free parking at UTSA's D3 and D4 lots, the Durango lot and municipal court lot.
- The event will disrupt VIA bus services and routes near downtown from 3am to 11:45am Saturday and 3am to 12:30pm Sunday.
🏃♀️ Be smart: Scott Peacock, a San Antonio native who has participated in every Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio race since its inception, will pace runners in the 10K and half marathon.
- Peacock's pro tip: "Whatever you think your first-mile pace is going to be, it's not going to be that … Don't spend your energy weaving in and out of runners on your first mile. Just chill out."