Men and women stationed on the USS Enterprise, USS McClusky, Camp Bondsteel, Guantanamo Bay and in Al Asad, Iraq will participate in overseas race Discount registration re-opens for active duty military stationed in the U.S.

As the start gun goes off at the seventh annual Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach on Sunday September 2, 2007, more than 500 men and women stationed on the USS Enterprise, USS McClusky, Camp Bondsteel, Guantanamo Bay and in Al Asad, Iraq will compete in their own version of the 13.1-mile foot race at various points around the world.

In support of the overseas race, Elite Racing, Inc., organizers of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon have sent official race numbers, New Balance NBx Recovery Kits, Spenco Total Support insoles, and PowerBar Gel to the military runners. In addition, runners and walkers who will compete in Virginia Beach have submitted personal letters of encouragement and well-wishes to their fellow racers overseas.

Elite Racing has re-opened registration to allow active duty military stationed in the United States the opportunity to run the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in support of their overseas colleagues. All members of the military will receive a military discount of $15 off the entry fee and must call 800-311-1255 for an entry form. Registration will be closed at the Health & Fitness Expo on August 31 and September 1.

The overseas races will be timed, and once the results are received by Elite Racing from the military race organizers, each finisher's result will be posted in the official race results. The top male and female finishers at each installation will receive a special champion's trophy. In addition, all race participants will receive the official Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon finisher's medal.

"I have been a runner for over 20 years," writes Major John McLees from Camp Bondsteel. "During my deployments I have maintained a strong running ethic, logging between 35-50 miles a week. I look forward to running this year's race, as well as returning to Virginia Beach next year."

Excerpts from letters written to the Military Rock Stars
"Being a part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, I understand sacrifice, and knowing that what I am training for benefits people I don't even know. However, all of you take sacrifice to a whole new level ... Thank you for your courage and bravery ... I will be thinking of all of you during my training as well as at the actual run ... Good luck to all of you on your half-marathon run. Rock On!"

"This is my first half-marathon. I just turned 12 years old. I feel like I can finish this race because of commitment, but I know your commitment to this country is more significant. God bless you and all you do to protect us."

"As a fellow soldier and service member, I'm glad to know that you're doing this while deployed. I will be deploying shortly after the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, so this will be my last race on American soil for about 15 months ... I'm proud to serve with you and happy that you're doing something for yourself while away. Have a great race."

About the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon celebrates its seventh anniversary in Virginia Beach on Sun., September 2, 2007. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, more than 20 live bands entertain participants along the scenic course that winds through the area's coastal communities. Adding to the excitement, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders competing in the "Spirit on the Course" competition will contribute to the 13.1-mile block party by motivating athletes all the way to the finish line. Festivities begin with a two- day Health & Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and features more than 80 exhibitors with the latest in endurance sports gear and nutrition products.

For more information on the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, visit www.RnRHalf.com.

2006 race coverage