"Our ‘Rock & Run’ is the perfect, high-energy kick off to our season and a wonderful way to support opportunities for local children to experience the performing arts," said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director.
"Since we first introduced the ‘Rock & Run’ 5K three years ago, it has become a favorite among local runners, families and the community. With the addition of a new 10K course and twice the number of bands, we are raising the volume on this great event. Tremendous thanks are owed to our Action Council members, whose creativity, time and effort are at the core of Rock & Run’s success."
The headlining band for the post-race festivities will be The Acoustic Brotherhood, led by Soul Session’s Garland Nelson and Audiostar front man, Jay Yager, two of the Capital Region’s leading musicians.
New bands joining the race this year include Hard Soul, Bridgette Guerrette, M.R. Poulopoulos, Molly Durnin, Summer of Doug, Above The Flood, Rob Jonas, Erin Harkes, Zan Strumfield, Immune Friction, Pony in the Pancake, and CRUSH, winners of last year’s Battle of the Bands.
Back by popular demand will be Black Mountain Symphony, The Dirt Cheap Band, Tamer Lane, KIDDJ, and Greg Irwin who will play bagpipes at the start of the race.
Other features of the Rock & Run include performance/moisture-wicking shirts for the first 1,000 pre-registered 5K and 10K runners, tickets to SPAC’s Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival for the top male/female finishers, tickets to SPAC classical performances for the top male and female finishers in each age category, finisher awards for all children participating in the Kids’ Race, and a free, post race party with live music, refreshments and children’s activities.