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Keep on runnin': Everything you need to know about St. Pete's first Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

 
Published Feb. 8, 2012

As many as 10,000 runners are expected to descend on St. Petersburg Sunday morning for the joy of running 13.1 miles, much of it along the waterfront, in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Local bands and "cheerleaders" will provide encouragement along the route. At the end: a free concert by Flo Rida. If you have no interest in the race or the expo, stay far away from downtown that day because of numerous road closures. Here's what you need to know. Times staff

FLO RIDA .

If you're still upright after the race, then party with Flo Rida! It's going to be a pretty early show for the hip-pop superstar and South Florida native, about 10 a.m., as racers finish in North Shore Park. He'll perform all the hits you've already been running to on your iPod: Low, Right Round, Club Can't Handle Me. Because there's nothing like a little Good Feeling after going the distance. If you're not racing, the show is free and open to everyone.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY MILE

Local bands that will be stationed along the course include:

The Highwaters

Wild Ginger

The Time of Our Lives Band

Luna Blue

DJ Mad Man Mac

Bus Stop

DJ Goofy Whitekid

Crossroads

Florida International Jazz & Blues Band

The Glenn Cummings Band

Sound Parlor

The Crazy Carls

The Semis

John Q

Soul Circus Cowboys

Kim Reteguiz & the Black Cat Bones

Lorenzo

Blue Island Beer Club

Shane Meade and the Sound

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

On Friday and Saturday, more than 60 exhibitors will offer free samples, running gear, apparel and health and nutritional information at the expo at Tropicana Field (enter Gate 1). Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. All runners must visit the expo to pick up their race packet, but it's also open to the public. The expo is free, but the Trop is charging $15 for parking. (There is free on-street parking with a two-hour limit, but be prepared to walk.)

CAN I STILL SIGN UP?

Online registration is closed, but you can still register at the expo for $125. The race starts at Tropicana Field at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, winds through St. Petersburg, goes up along the waterfront, Pier and Snell Isle and ends at North Shore Park. See a map online. For more info: runrocknroll.competitor.com/st-petersburg/ or (858) 450-6510.

PARKING

The race website recommends parking at Mid Core Garage, Tropicana lot, South Core Garage, McNulty Garage, Al Lang/Progress Park lot and the Coliseum lot. You can park at the BayWalk garage and take the 50-cent trolley to the Trop.

PARTIES

Ferg's: Free concert featuring Big Brother at 8 p.m. Friday at 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Rock 'n' Roll Block Party: Street party with music, food and drink specials at Central Avenue at Second Street in St. Pete at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. After Party at Jonny Reno's: Get a free beer with race medal 1-4 p.m. Sunday at The Pier restaurant.