| SAN JOSE, Calif. (October 3, 2022) – Speed City, USA is set to host the United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series San Jose on Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9, 2022 as the Rock ‘n’ Roll EliteTM Half Marathon Series makes its return to the west coast. Race weekend kicks off on Friday, October 7 with the Health & Fitness Expo at San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
The United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series San Jose will feature one of the most competitive elite fields to date for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Elite™ half marathon series, which launched in February and aims to offer world-class runners the opportunity to showcase their talents and profile on a consistent series wide scale. Elite runners from around the world will compete for a share of the $10,000 prize purse as well as Elite Beat Rankings (EBR).
The women’s field will see the top four runners on the current Female Elite Series Leaderboard all competing with Jane Bareikis (USA), Hirut Guangul (ETH), Kirsten Lee (CAN), and Ellie Stevens (GB) set to toe the starting line in the half marathon. The men’s field will feature the current second and third place runners on the Male Elite Series Leaderboard with Justin Kent (CAN) and Arturs Bareikis (USA) set to compete.
The husband and wife team of Arturs and Jane Bareikis have been a constant presence in the half marathon series so far and they’re looking to keep the positive momentum going as they prepare to reach top speed in San Jose.
“We didn’t know much about the Elite Series before the race in Washington D.C., but we looked at each other and decided to give it a try,” said Jane Bareikis. “It’s been very fun and it’s an amazing feeling to have myself at the top of the leaderboard and him high up on his as well. The races have been so fun and it’s almost been like touring around and seeing the city while also competing.”
Kirsten Lee will be looking at the United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series San Jose as an opportunity to gain some ground on the leaderboard as she comes into the race ready to compete for the top spot.
“The Elite Series has been really fun, especially coming off a few years without having many racing opportunities. Getting to compete in this series has been a really exciting challenge for me,” said Lee. “Every race I’m just trying to get the most out of myself and it will be cool that the top four are all going to be there as I’m hoping to keep moving up bit by bit after each race.”
A frequent participant in Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, Ellie Stevens will be branching out and trying to bring some excitement to Speed City, USA as she takes on San Jose.
“Las Vegas is always so much fun and to win it this year was magical,” said Stevens. “The Elite Series is so great to be a part of and this race just seems exciting and it’s a new place for me to explore. Getting points based on where we finish serves as a bit of a motivator and just makes you want to get out and compete in more of the races.”
Currently sitting second on the Male Elite Series Leaderboard, Justin Kent will be looking to stake his claim as the man to beat as the Elite Series hits the home stretch.
“The Elite Series is something we needed in the sport,” said Kent. “Connecting with the masses in the series has been really cool. This race brings out some fast runners and I just want to make sure I compete as this will be a great test for where I’m at.”
The United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Jose event weekend will feature 5K and KiDS ROCK races on Saturday along with a half marathon and 10K on Sunday as there are options for runners and walkers of all skill levels. Following Sunday’s half marathon will be Encore Entertainment featuring Wonder Bread 5. Participants that want to register for United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose can do so onsite by visiting the Health & Fitness Expo.
The event weekend promises to be a breathtaking experience, combining live music and entertainment as participants journey through Speed City, USA. Starting at Viola Ave. and ending at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, participants will take on an exhilarating course with music at every turn as they explore everything that the heart of San Jose has to offer.
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