Local Superstars Rockin' Dopsie & The Zydeco Twisters to Headline Rock ‘n' Roll Race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Media Contact:
Amana Miyamae
970-402-0390
amiyamae@competitorgroup.com

Local Superstars Rockin' Dopsie & The Zydeco Twisters to Headline Rock ‘n' Roll Race

• 2-person half-marathon relay, ING KiDS ROCK return
• Price increase set for 1/17; Registration available at Competitor.com

New Orleans, LA - January 16, 2012 - The Rock ‘n' Roll marathon experience is taken to new heights as runners experience one of the country's most historic and exciting cities on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Rock ‘n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society.

The race has announced local superstars Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters as the headliner concert for the 3rd annual event that will welcome more than 20,000 runners. Participants will tour beautiful New Orleans to the sounds of live local bands along the course, enthusiastic cheerleaders and thousands of encouraging spectators.

Rockin' Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters have been performing steadily for many years, touring the USA and Europe. When they hit the stage the result is always the same, the audience goes wild. More than just a Zydeco band, they bring together Soul, R&B, Blues with a dash of New Orleans funk.

Bringing Louisiana to the world may be the best description for Rockin' Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters , they come from a variety of cultural backgrounds from the Louisiana Swamps to the smoky bar rooms of New Orleans. They hit the stage running with nothing held back and the crowd always gets a high energy show that keeps them coming back for more.

Runners planning to participate should register right away. A price increase is set to take place on Tuesday, January 17^th. Registration is available online at Competitor.com.

The 2012 race will debut a new start line on Poydras Street. The full and half-marathon will run together for over 12 miles, creating an exciting experience for all participants. Both courses will enjoy the sights along beautiful and historic St. Charles Avenue, running out and back before touring the iconic French Quarter and City Park. In 2012, marathon runners will enjoy even more mileage along Lakeshore Drive and breathtaking views of Lake Ponchartrain as they push through the final miles.

Runners will once again finish on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, where they can cap off the celebration and party to the sounds of Rockin' Dopsie & The Zydeco Twisters.

A two-person half-marathon relay is also available for runners looking for an introduction to distance running or a chance to share the race with a friend or family member. The first runner will take on approximately 8 miles before exchanging the baton with their partner, who will finish off the final 5 miles. Registration is limited to 500 teams and is available online at Competitor.com.

Kids have the chance to get fit and have fun at ING KiDS ROCK New Orleans on Saturday, March 3^rd. The non-timed, non-competitive  fun run for kids in grades K-7 will take place in City Park and all participants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher's medal. Registration and more information can be found online at INGKiDSROCK.com.

Race weekend will kick off with the Health & Fitness Expo at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The expo is free and open to the public on Friday, March 2^nd and Saturday, March 3rd. More than 60 exhibitors and retailers will feature the latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for sale and sample as well as free fitness related clinics.

For more information on the Rock ‘n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society, please visit Competitor.com.

About Rock ‘n' Roll New Orleans

The 3rd annual Rock ‘n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society will take place on Sunday, March 4, 2012. Previously known as Rock ‘n' Roll Mardi Gras, the event is renowned for its fast, flat course as the site of two U.S. all-comers' records. Runners get a first class tour of historic New Orleans, rocking to the sounds of live, local bands playing every mile of the 26.2 and 13.1 mile courses, along with enthusiastic cheerleaders to keep participants moving. The event concludes with a headliner concert and finish line festival in City Park. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race weekend at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The expo will feature more than 60 vendors featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training tips. To register for the race or for more information, visit Competitor.com.

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