Cragg And Flanagan to Headline Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego

U.S. Olympians to lead more than 30,000 runners at final stop before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Photo: JOHN DAVID BECKER

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Cragg and Flanagan made the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon team, working together to finish 1st and 3rd at the Olympic Marathon trials in February. The Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon is the only scheduled competition for the two athletes training for the Rio de Janeiro Games.

“We’re delighted Amy and Shalane have decided to make Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego part of the their Olympic preparation plans,” said Matthew Turnbull, elite athlete recruiter for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “Both athletes are familiar with our events around the world and I’m sure they will have a race plan with Rio in mind, but they will have defending champion Eri Hayakawa of Japan offering stern competition.”

Cragg, 32, is a 2:27 marathoner and 2012 Olympian in the 10,000m who barely missed the 2012 Olympic team in the marathon. She won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon last year in 1:12:04.

“We’re so excited to run another Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon as part of our buildup on the road to Rio,” said Cragg, who won the marathon trials with a time 2:28:20. “Racing at the San Antonio half before the Olympic Trials gave us an opportunity to work together and test our fitness. We are looking forward to pushing ourselves again, this time in San Diego.”

Flanagan, 32, will be going to her fourth Olympic Games. She has one of the most decorated resumes among U.S. women—an Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000m and a marathon PR of 2:21:14, second in U.S. history behind Deena Kastor’s 2:19:36.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll was our good luck charm on the way to LA, so hopefully it will have the same effect this time,” added Flanagan, who has raced numerous Rock ‘n’ Roll events over the years in New Orleans, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Antonio. “We’re happy that San Diego is our last stop before Rio.”

The 2016 event will feature a revamped course with a new finish line downtown at Waterfront Park. The half-marathon course will take off from Balboa Park and travel through eclectic San Diego neighborhoods of Hillcrest, North Park and Normal Heights. In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, live bands, enthusiastic cheerleaders and spectators will line the race route, concluding with a celebratory finish line festival and post race Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series headlined by Gavin DeGraw.

The 2016 race will once again feature a second day of running with the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K on Saturday, part of what’s dubbed the Remix Challenge. Runners who complete the 5K, plus the half marathon, marathon or half marathon relay on Sunday will receive a medal for each race, plus a special Remix Challenge medal.

Race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo, where runners can find the latest in running technologies, fitness apparel, health and nutrition information and interactive displays. The Expo takes place at the San Diego Convention Center on Friday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Expo is free and open to the public.

For more information about Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego or to register for the event, please visit RunRocknRoll.com/San-Diego.