Celebrating its fifth year in 2017, the event has something for runners of all abilities with a prolific half marathon, a 10K and a 3K 'Family Fun Run', in addition to a 5K on Saturday. The unique rock 'n' roll fun runs offer bespoke “must have” medals and music acts at each mile and a finish line concert.
The 2016 event saw record-breaking numbers as 14,000 runners from 57 different countries took part in the event across the four distances. According to the event’s organizers, “the total economic impact of the event was €7.8 million, filling 22,256 hotel room nights in Dublin”.
The search to find Ireland’s first Rock ‘n’ Run Idol was launched in 2016, with hundreds of entries and 15,000 votes cast and the competition is returning even bigger and better in 2017. This year will see the search for four provincial winners along with a fifth Dublin winner. The five winners will become Rock ‘n’ Run finalists battling it out in a public vote to become the 2017 Rock ‘n’ Run Idol and win a VIP trip to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon in November. The competition is open to runners of all abilities and anyone interested can go to www.runrocknroll.com/dublin/rock-idol/ to enter.
The Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon is renowned for having live bands along each mile to encourage and entertain runners as they make their way to the finish line. The musically-themed race concludes with a finish line festival and headline concert in the Phoenix Park to celebrate the day’s achievements.
Not forgetting about the loyal loved ones cheering from the sidelines, there will be a 3K Family Fun Run beginning in Phoenix Park from 12:15 pm and finish line festival with great entertainment, food and music for all attending.
A 5K race kicks off the weekend on Saturday in Phoenix Park giving runners the opportunity to register for the Remix Challenge. Anyone who participates in the 5K and either the half marathon, 10k or family fun run on Sunday will complete the Remix Challenge earning themselves a bonus third medal.

The Half Marathon and 10K courses begin in the heart of Dublin at the Docklands running along the River Liffey. After crossing over Memorial Bridge, runners will pass the famous Ha’Penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Guinness Brewery before finishing up in Phoenix Park.
Speaking at yesterday’s launch, DJ Louise McSharry, Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin’s Ambassador said, “I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin series and the challenge of competing in my first ever 10k. I’ll be keeping everyone updated over the next few months on my training progress. I am also really excited to be supporting the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol competition, whether you are a serious runner or a beginner like me I would encourage everyone to enter. The competition is about finding people who have used running in the past or are currently on a journey to better their lives or inspiring others to do so.”
Olympic 400m Hurdler, Thomas Barr knows all about enjoying racing and competing. The Waterford man won the heart of the nation when competing at the Olympic Games in Rio last summer, with his upbeat attitude and smile, even when he came agonisingly close to a medal when finishing in fourth place in the final. Speaking at the launch yesterday, he said: “What is brilliant about the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon is that it makes running fun, with live bands on the course, there is a real festival atmosphere created for participants and spectators. It’s a fantastic celebration of running and with the 5k, 10k and Family Fun there is an event for everyone to enjoy!”
“We are excited to be celebrating our fifth year in Dublin, we hope to do even more to engage with the vibrant running community of Dublin and attract runners from all over the world to this great city,” said Stacey Campbell, Vice President of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “After the success of adding more distances in 2016, we are delighted to have four distances on offer to allow runners of all levels to take part over the weekend.”
CEO of Affidea, Tom Finn, said: “Affidea is delighted to continue its sponsorship of Rock ‘n’ Roll in 2017. Last year’s programme of running events was a huge success and we look forward to an even bigger and better weekend this year. This sporting event is unique in that it brings together runners of all ages and fitness levels together to enjoy running in a fun, light-hearted environment. As Ireland’s leading provider of x rays, MRIs and CT scans, we are a huge supporter of the sporting community. We wish all this year’s athletes the very best of luck as they start training for what is sure to be the running event of the year.”
John Foley, CEO Athletics Ireland, said, “We are delighted that our National Half Marathon Championships will once again be part of the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon this August. We look forward to working with the Rock ‘n’ Roll team again this year to help deliver another fantastic weekend of running."
To register for the event and for further information on the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol contest visit www.runrocknroll.com/dublin/rock-idol/ and follow frequent updates on Twitter (@RnRDublinHalf)