Bands Rock Thousands at Inaugural Half-Marathon on 8/7

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• Event Website
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Fourteen local bands have been booked for a gig like no other. They're about to play on one of the city's biggest stages: 13.1 miles and a moving audience of more than 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators. On Sunday, August 7th, the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon will bring a running block party to the city, touring the scenic views and historic landmarks of Providence with live bands and cheerleaders staged along every mile to motivate and entertain participants.

Runners will experience a rockin' mini-concert every mile and get a taste of Rhode Island's diverse and unique music scene. Local favorite Santa Mamba's unmistakable combination of Latin world beat, jazz, funk and rock will shake up mile 9, while Knuf Said, a group of teens giving their take on '70s funk and soul, will rock the runners at Providence River Park. Other bands include Jesse Jack'son, a father and son duo, The Benedictions (voted Best Roots Act in the 2010 Providence Phoenix Music Poll), the Ghillies (winners of WPRI-TV's Big Break) and Jeff Byrd and Dirty Finch (Best Live Band, Limelight Magazine's Best of 2010).

"Rock 'n' Roll Providence is really the introduction of this concept to New England," said Shannon Davis, Event Manager. "It's such a fun atmosphere and so motivating to have great music pushing you to the finish line. We're really proud of the lineup and to showcase such talented musicians to our runners from across the country."

The inaugural race will start and finish downtown in front of the State House on Gaspee Street and travel past many of Providence's major landmarks and major universities. The course then winds through the historic East Side with beautiful views of the Seekonk River before returning downtown to the finish line near the State House.

As runners cross the finish line, they'll be welcomed into a finish line festival to relax and celebrate at the post-race concert featuring Sugar Ray. Popular local musician Mike Maven will open the show. The post-race concert is free and open to the public.