Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k

The Rocktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K presented by Riverwalk is a running event that takes place in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It is a fun-filled event that combines running with music and beer. The event includes a half marathon and a 5K race, both of which take place in the scenic Riverwalk neighborhoods of Rock Hill.

To keep the runners motivated, there is a rock band performing live music near the start/finish line. After the race, participants can enjoy an Octoberfest beer garden where they can celebrate their achievements with friends and family. The beer garden will feature a variety of beers, including some of the best local brews.

This event is not just about the race; it's a full-day celebration of fitness, music, and good times. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, the Rocktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K presented by Riverwalk is an excellent opportunity to have fun and experience the unique atmosphere of the Riverwalk area of Rock Hill.  It's beautiful!!!

The Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K presented by Riverwalk will be capped for the 2025 event.  There will be NO RACE DAY Registration so be sure to sign up early!  ALL registration ends October 11th, 2025 unless we sell out before hand.

If you're a runner, this is the one to run!  ROCK ON!!!

RACE START TIMES:

The Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K, starts and finishes at the Rock Hill Criterium Course

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

8:00 AM – HALF MARATHON 

8:15 AM - 5K

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM AWARDS CEREMONY 

10:30-1:30 - AFTER PARTY in River District

LOCATION:

Rock Hill Criterium Course
1307 Riverwalk Parkway
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730

What do I get for participating?

Besides running in one of the most beautiful courses;

• Short or Long Sleeve Tech Shirt (Half Marathoner & 5K)
• Incredible Finisher Medals (Half Marathoner & 5K)
• Rock Music
• Beer Garden Ticket

PACKET PICK UP:

Friday, October 10th, 2025; 2:00PM – 7:00PM

Charlotte Running Company
652 Herrons Ferry Rd, # 101
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730

For more information on Packet Pick Up, click HERE

WILL CALL PACKET PICK UP (for those who purchased it only)

Race Day - 7:00am-7:45am

COURSE:

The 13.1 Rocktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K begins and ends at the Criterium Course in Rock Hill, SC Riverwalk neighborhood. Groupies (runners) will get to run on the Criterium Course, head through the brand new beautiful Riverwalk neighborhood and eventually onto the paved Piedmont Medical Center Trail that runs along the river.  There is a small 400 meter section of gravel road after mile 6 but you will soon enter the paved greenway again before you turn around and come back. 

Per the City of Rock Hill, they will not be able to close the roads just for runners so they are asking that when running in the Riverwalk neighborhood that we use the bike path and sidewalks.  The course will be marked.

COURSE MAP

PACERS:

We are excited to have the Charlotte Running Club Pace Team.  Pace groups will be 1:35, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00.  You do not need to sign up for a group, just show up to the start line and look for the pacer signs.  If you would like to become a Pacer please email easzman@gmail.com

TIMING:

We have partnered with Start 2 Finish. All Half Marathon and 5K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.  If you have questions with results, please email clt@s2fsupport.freshdesk.com

T-SHIRTS:

Every participant will be guaranteed a runners tech shirt that signed up before September 20th. You will have a choice between a Unisex Short or Long sleeve shirt. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration.
NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!

VIRTUAL RUNNER:

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!  See Details HERE

DIVISIONS:

Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

AWARDS:

We want to support the local businesses for awards.  Thank you to the Charlotte Running Company for the gift certificates. Top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Males and Females Overall and 1st in all divisions will receive awards. 

Claiming Awards:

Awards will be given and called out during the awards ceremony around 10:30am.  We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.

NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.

REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS:

Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.  There will be no deferrals.   You will be able to transfer into the Virtual Event up until Friday, October 5th, 2024.

TIME LIMITS:

There is a STRICT 3:00 hour time limit in the Half Marathon and a 1 hr time limit in the 5K.  In order to comply with the agreement with the City of Rock Hill, streets comprising the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.  If you feel unsafe or the police have to leave their post for an emergency, you will be allowed to run on the sidewalks to finish.  Use your own judgement and be safe.

DOGS AND STROLLERS:

While we LOVE dogs and LOVE kids, for your safety Dogs and Strollers will NOT be allowed for this event.

MEDICAL/FIRST AID:

Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the ambulance located very close to the finish line. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well. Any life threatening problems should call 911.

WATER STOPS/PORTOS:

Water and portos will be provided throughout the run roughly every 2 miles.  It gets tricky with the greenway.

Water Stop #1 - Mile 2.75

Water Stop #2 - Mile 5.25

Water Stop #3 - Mile 6.7

Water Stop #4 - Mile 8.27

Water Stop #5 - Mile 10.7

Water Stop #6 - Mile 12

We will provide a water bottle at the finish line AFTER the race. DO NOT get a water bottle before the race or there will not be any available to the rest of the runners.

There will be restrooms at the Criterium Course facility near the start/finish area.

WEATHER POLICY:

Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather, there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION:

This race is convenient for people in town and out of town...it's right off I77.

• 25 Minutes from Downtown Charlotte
• 40 Minutes from Huntersville, NC
• 1hr 10 minutes from Downtown Columbia, SC
• 1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greenville, SC
• 1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greensboro, NC

There are a large amount of parking spaces in and around the Criterium Course.  We of course encourage you to carpool. 

POST RACE EXPO:

DO NOT STOP AT FINISH LINE - Keep moving off the track and into the Beer Garden

Finish Festival will be in the Criterium Course from 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon.  Join us for entertainment, vendors, food (pre-packaged food for sanitary purposes), refreshments and fun to be had by all!

ID's will be required to enter the beer garden and receive a donated beer.

ENTERTAINMENT:

We are excited to have LIVE ROCK music at the Start and Finish line from Rock Onyx to energize the runners and maintain the fun!

PACKET PICK UP 

Friday, October 10th, 2025; 2:00PM – 7:00PM

Charlotte Running Company
829 Terrace Park, # 102
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730

*You can pick up for friends or family

This race just keeps getting better.  We are excited to announce that Charlotte Running Company will be hosting our pre-race packet pick up!  Stay tuned for more exciting packet pick up info as we get closer to the event date.

🎉🏃‍♂️ After you crush the Rocktoberfest Half Marathon, the party isn't over! Join us at the River District! 🍻🎶

Great shopping, incredible restaurants, and good vibes as we celebrate your achievement. Whether you're cooling down from the race or just ready to party, this is the place to be!

🗓️ When: After the race on October 10th
📍 Where: River District - Riverwalk- Rock Hill, SC. ADDRESS:  652 Herrons Ferry Road Suite 109, Rock Hill, SC 29730

DISCOUNTS:

Bring your bib into the following for discounts.

Charlotte Running Co.

Richie's Pizza

The Henry Kalungi Foundation

The mission of the Henry Kalungi Foundation is to see the transformation of Uganda starting with the one. Growing up Henry Kalungi was a promising young athlete in which opportunity and resources were provided to him and through his hardwork and dedication he has made a life for himself of professional soccer and a youth soccer club  that allows him to give back to his country. 
All it takes is one person to make an impact and multiply that with many, a whole nation can be changed. 
What started as an annual Christmas party for the slum children in Kampala has evolved into sustainable impact.

By providing coaching, training, education and opportunity to promising young athletes their development will change their communities, and in turn, the nation of Uganda will experience economic prosperity, developmental transformation and aid in countrywide health.  
The Kalungi Family, Henry and his wife Jacqueline, have been called in the spirit of love and service to help the people of Uganda. And their hope is that their desire is shared with many to see where their hearts truly belong.

For More Information CLICK HERE

The 13.1 Rocktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K begins and ends at the Criterium Course in Rock Hill, SC Riverwalk neighborhood. Groupies (runners) will get to run on the Criterium Course, head through the brand new beautiful Riverwalk neighborhood and eventually onto the paved Piedmont Medical Center Trail that runs along the river.  You will then turn around and head back though the neighborhoods passing the Velodrome and finish with another 1.1 mile loop on the Criterium Course.

HALF MARATHON

MapMyRun Half Marathon Course

5K

MapMyRun 5K Course

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

The event organizers and the Rock Hill Police Department reserve the right to alter or cancel the event due to inclement weather if conditions are deemed to be unsafe.  Please note refunds will not be issued in the event of a weather-related cancellation.  If you are at the race start when it is cancelled, you will be able to get your finisher medal and any additional items.

COMMUNICATION & WEATHER ACTION PLAN

Communication:
Announcements will be made over the PA system at the event. As we are able, we will communicate delays and schedule updates on Facebook, Instagram, and email. Please follow @runrocktoberfest for real-time updates.

Weather Procedures:
If lightning is detected within 20 miles of the venue we’ll enter into a “Heads Up” mode, watching the weather pattern to see if the lightning is moving towards the venue.

If lightning is detected within 10 miles or less we will begin safety procedures and encourage participants and spectators to seek shelter. The course and Athletes’ Village area (including the tent area) must be completely cleared by the time lightning is within 6 miles.
The start will be delayed until the storm has passed or 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is detected at a distance greater than or equal to 10 miles. We’ll do our best to communicate a “restart time” giving athletes adequate time to get warmed up and to the starting line.

POSTPONEMENT POLICY

Inclement weather determination is at the discretion of the race directors. We are looking for dangerous conditions for our runners and volunteers or impassable flooding on the course along the river.

The postponement announcement will be made as early as we can. If there is surprise weather, we reserve the right to postpone the race up until race morning.
A Postponement announcement will be by 5am race morning at the VERY LATEST.

If the event needs to be canceled due to a global pandemic or health emergency, there will be no refund. We will do our best with a virtual event or socially distanced race.

Race postponement will be emailed out to runners using the email used during registration, posted on the race website as well as posted on our social media platforms.

Race updates will be sent to the email address you registered with. Always make sure that your email is correct.

In the event that the postponement date needs to be canceled, there will not be another postponement and there will not be any refunds.

If you wish to move to a virtual runner, you will be required to pay the shipping cost for your race bib and race swag.

ROCK ONYX is a cover band comprised of experienced musicians with a passion for performing classic rock and just about anything else to get people up on their feet! We play songs like you remember them, with awesome tunes from 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond!

Check them out HERE

Hotels

Rock Hill has many great places stay, including these preferred event hotels.
https://www.playeasy.com/events/90f6f702-1960-4a54-847c-2f23a60aca93/hotels/specials

RV Camping

You can camp right at the start finish line!!!  Yahoo!  Please send all RV requests to the following email: info.bmx@cityofrockhill.com.

Overnight fee is $50 per night and includes use of power and water
Day only use is $25 and includes use of power and water

We have a HUGE main parking lot reserved for the runners and an overflow lot.  You can choose to park in either lot.  The main entrance to the bigger lot will be closed since that is where we will be running in and out of during the race.

Main Lot:  Coming from Riverwalk on Riverwalk Parkway, you will turn left into the second entrance.  Coming from Celriver Road on Riverwalk Parkway, you will turn right into the 1st entrance.

GPS Coordinates:  34.975108, -80.967772

Overflow Lot:  On the corner of Riverwalk Parkway and Mill Ridge Road.  Coming from Riverwalk on Riverwalk Parkway, you will turn right onto Eden Terrace Ext.  Coming from Celriver Road on Riverwalk Parkway, you will turn left into the entrance.

GPS Coordinates:  34.975796, -80.970562

We have some incredibly valuable partners for this years race to make your event even better.  Check out all they have to offer on race weekend!

Charlotte Running Co.

All participants will get 10% off purchases at the store with their race bib during packet pick up and on race day.

Richie's Pizza

All participants will get 20% off their meal (unfortunately not including any beer, wine, or liquor purchase due to the liquor laws here in SC!) if they bring their race number in!  Offer is valid on Friday, October 11th (Packet Pick Up Day) and on Race Day.  Stop in and eat after you pick up your packet or after the race when you hit the after party.

We are excited to offer a relay for the half marathon.  The relay team will consist of 2 people.  We've made at the turn around point at water stop #4.

Closest Address:   669 Waterford Park Dr, Rock Hill, SC 29731

GPS Coordinates:   34.951093, -80.955021

1st Leg:  Approximately 6.75 Miles

2nd leg:  Approximately 6.35 Miles

Team Relay information:

How do I register/create a relay team? The team captain will register themself for a Relay event and Create a New Team. (This person will also pay the registration fee for the entire team). The remaining team members should register themselves for the relay and select Join an Existing Team.

Packet Pick Up: The team captain MUST pick up the team packet at our packet pick up locations. 

There is NO packet pick up the day of the race.

Timing Tag:  Included in your relay packet is a timing tag.  The person running the initial leg (start) of the race should be the first person carrying the timing tag.  Once the active runner reaches the exchange zone, the tag should be transferred to the next active runner, who will then run with it for their leg of the race.  This process will repeat for each leg of the race.  

The timing tag MUST be turned in at the finish line prior to receiving relay finisher medals. 

Exchange Zone Procedures:  Please allow plenty of time to get to your relay exchange zone and find parking.  Runners will be responsible for finding their teammate as they enter the exchange zone so be on the look out for them coming up the greenway path towards you. Please be in a position to receive the timing tag from your teammate and to avoid other runners.

Make sure your relay team has a good idea of pacing for each relay leg.  Streets will be difficult to navigate due to race closures, but you should be able to navigate to each exchange zone with time to spare. 

Exchange Zone Map:

Coming Soon...

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!

Run virtually from anywhere across the country.

The Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K Virtual Running opportunity allows you to participate in the race remotely!

Virtual Running? What’s that?

The virtual running opportunity allows runners to run the event remotely & still receive your Rocktoberfest Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

What do I have to do to earn my finisher medal, bragging rights, awards, etc.?

Sign up as a Virtual Runner via our registration page & go for a run between October 10 and October 12 wherever you are located.

Can I run from anywhere in the world?

Virtual runners can run anywhere in the world, however the Virtual Runner registration fee only includes shipping of your Rocktoberfest Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib to an address located in the United States.

What’s the deadline to sign up to be a Virtual Runner?

The Virtual Runner registration will close on October 1st! Once online registration is closed, you may NOT sign up to run virtually. If for some reason you are registered to be physically present to run the event and are unable to attend due to a last minute conflict or emergency, we will not be able to mail your race items.

Who can sign up to run virtually?

Anyone is eligible to sign up to be a Virtual Runner. REGISTER HERE

How do I submit my run?

You can upload your Virtual Run results on our 'Results' page.  HERE  Your run must take place between October 5 and October 12

What kind of SWAG do I get for being a Virtual Runner?

You still receive your Rocktoberfest Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

Can I still receive an Age Group Award if I’ve earned it based on how fast I complete my course (wherever in the world I may be)?

No; Age Group Awards will only be awarded to those who’ve earned them on site at the Rocktoberfest Half Marathon.

I’ve signed up to run the Rocktoberfest Half Marathon in-person, but something’s come up–can I run virtually instead?

Yes, but you’d have to transfer in to be a Virtual Runner by October 1st.

**Virtual Runner t-shirts can be picked up at packet pick up locations or on race day or will be mailed after race day. Virtual Runners will join from their location but are not eligible for timing or prizes at the event. Correct t-shirt size and race t-shirt are only guaranteed if registered by October 1st. 

Waitlist

In the event that the race/s sell out…which they typically do, you can always sign up to be on the waitlist.  This means, if someone defers or switches races, a slot will open up.  You will have 24 hours to claim your spot or it will move on to the next person in line.

Deferral Policy

You may only defer to and from the same event: 2024 Rocktoberfest Half Marathon to 2025 Rocktoberfest Half Marathon or the 2024 Rocktoberfest 5K to the 2025 Rocktoberfest 5K. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. You will only be able to defer once and only for the following year. i.e. 2024 can defer to 2025 but not 2026.  

Deferral Fees:

Until September 15th:

Half Marathon – $0
5K - $0

September 15 - September 30:

Half Marathon – $20
5K - $10

For instructions on How to Defer, click HERE

You can claim your 2024 deferred registration.  You must claim your deferral by September 15, 2025.  The defer option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to the following:

Profile  > Deferrals > Complete Deferral > Start Transfer

Here is the help guide for participants to claim your deferral>> https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062915-defer-registration-claim-deferral

If you do not claim your deferral in time, you will not be able to participate in the race.  Please claim your deferral as soon as possible.

As a reminder from our deferral policy, you will only be allowed to defer once.  You have the option to sign up to run in-person or run virtually.  You will be able to transfer back and forth between in-person and virtual at no additional cost up until the cut off date.

Event Transfer Policy

Since the Half Marathoners get additional swag that is pre-ordered, you may only switch from the Half Marathon to the 5K.  You will not be able to switch from the 5K or Virtual Runner to the Half Marathon.  You can always switch from in-person to Virtual.  If you switch from the Half Marathon to the 5K you will not receive a refund for the difference in pricing.

The deadline to transfer is September 15th at 11:59 pm

For instructions on How To Transfer, Click HERE

Bib Transfer Policy

There is not an option to transfer bibs.

Refund Policy

There are absolutely NO refunds, even in the event of race cancellation – NO exceptions.

Postponement/Inclement Weather

Check out our page HERE