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Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon

4.3 (15 reviews)

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Ed L.

I finished the inaugural 2011 Rock n Roll Savannah marathon in Savannah, GA. Race day was 11/15/2011. It was my first time ever to the state of Georgia and to the city of Savannah herself. This was my 32nd marathon and 20th state on a crazy quest to knock off 50 marathons in all 50 states from Hawaii. The Competitor Group, which owns the Rock n Roll Marathon series, organized this one in Savannah, GA and proved to be one of the better ones in the race series. Along with the Seattle and Arizona Rock n Roll marathons I have also ran in the past, the inaugural RnR Savannah marathon seems to take a play from its organizer. It draws a vast amount of people wanting to run 26.2 or 13.1 in beautiful Savannah GA. Myself included. Here I was in Georgia and I couldn't have had a better race experience myself. Other than crossing the finish line and checking off Georgia for my 50 states goal, it was a good race with all the bells and whistles that the Competitor Group can provide. Most people arrive here either by air, arriving in directly into Savannah, or in other regional airports and drive from there. For me, the direct approach is usually the best. No fuss or drama. For the inaugural session of the Rock n Roll Savannah marathon in 2011, I was a little skeptical that they were going to put on a well organized event going into it. They really proved me wrong. With the miles and smiles on race day, it was clear that the Competitor Group did well with this one and everyone loves to run or wants to do their first marathon or half, or both, flock to this southern belle city to vacation, enjoy, and experience the thrills and spoils of their first half or full marathon. Competitor Group & the Rock n Roll Marathon series generally attracts the new and novice runners, while catering to the more experienced marathoners and racers themselves. The Rock n Roll Marathon expo is uniform in what they do and it's not limited to the specific city. They go large and make everything carnival like atmosphere, like you're the stars of the show. It's housed in the downtown convention center and it's quite an event. Plenty of running related gear to keep you mesmerized for days and months! While that may be awesome, your registration fees are surely paying for all the fanfare and ambiance associated with the race. There are a lot of bands out on the course and streams of Volunteers and ecstatic crowd support and spectators who are cheering you on towards victory! Remember that you are paying for this endevour, so best believe that you need everything you can get! Aid stations are roughly 2 miles apart and the Rock n Roll race officials love to use stretches of sectioned off concrete highway points for its course. I've been on that in RNR Arizona and Seattle. Not really fun, but it works apparently. The start is enamored with many thousands of runners eager to run. There is a coral system in place, where your coral is dependent on your estimated finish time. The finish line scene at Forsyth Park was adequate and there was several timing check points along the course to keep everything running smoothly. Parking for the race was okay. I parked the rental car at a shopping mall, where there were shuttles to take us to the race start. The finisher medals were pretty nice - at least with the inaugural running of the RnR Savannah marathon. If you like small town hospitality and yearning to come to Savannah to knock off your first marathon or half, this is the one to do it. Be advised that the race registration fees are pricey, so best bet would be to register once it opens up in the following year. I myself had a good time here and looking forward to returning in the future. Love the city of Savannah and hope you will too. I recommend this race for the first timers and the experienced veterans for BQ'ing and attempting a personal best. Be forewarned though, it gets crowded at the start! Run more! Support local! B

2015 - The 5K on Sunday. Saturday was hot and humid. Sunday was hot, humid and rainy.
Arlene E.

"RUN FOREST, RUN!" That quote can only be said in Savannah, Georgia -- home of Forrest Gump. FERRY FOR THE WIN From the airport, I took the bus to Historic Downtown Savannah and hit up the expo first. The expo is held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. There are two ways to access the convention center, Highway 17 Bridge or The Savannah Belles Water Ferry. Entering by the highway can be a nightmare -- possible +2 hour traffic, and minimal parking. It is best to go to the expo on Thursday when it is significantly less busy or to take the ferry. I think your best bet is to take the ferry, especially if you are from out of town. The ferry is free, and runs from 7:00am - midnight. Granted, it comes in 30 minute intervals, but it is better than waiting in traffic. Ferries are fun, and a great way to get a feel of the city. If you have to drive, park downtown, then take the ferry. Either way, just take the freaking ferry. lol. DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH FOR THE WIN The highlight of the expo for me was the discounted tickets for the Old Town Trolley Tours. It is basically a narrated bus tour around downtown with the option of Hopping-On-Hopping-Off at certain destinations. Such a smart idea to advertise at the expo! All big tourist attractions should take advantage of expos like this. If you don't fall in love with the expo, there are tons of restaurants and bars along the riverfront where you could grab yourself an alcoholic frozen slushie from Wet Willies, and go wild. Lol. SATURDAY FOR THE WIN In Savannah, the full/half was on Saturday, and the 5K and 1 mile was on Sunday. I don't know if this is a midwestern/southern thing, but us folks on the other side of the country have our big races on Sunday. The Saturday races started at Bay Street at Bull Street and ended at Forysyth Park. The Sunday races were held at Daffin Park. Saturday definitely trumpet Sunday. In my opinion, they should work up to the bigger race. Have the 5K/1mile on Saturday and full/half on Sunday. By the time Sunday came around, people were already over it. Shoot, I was over it. FORYSYTH PARK FOR THE WIN Forysyth Park is the largest park in historic Savannah with its 30 acres of land, thus a perfect for race festivities spot. After the full/half, it seemed like the entire city showed up, setup a picnic and basked in the sun while enjoying the bands. It actually felt like I was at a outdoor event, and the heat and humidity was not an issue. There were multiple local bands, that were actually quite good. I loved the southern community town feeling. After the 5K/1 mile at Daffin Park on Sunday, people pretty much dipped after the race. And who could blame them? Daffin Park is in the middle of nowhere. Secondly, it doesn't help that the 5K is at 1pm and the 1 mile is at 2:30pm. Late and out of the way? No thanks. There is nothing wrong with Daffin Park, but like I said... maybe this race should have taken place before the half/full. Daffin Park is a nice yet small local park. I took an Uber there, and my pickup spot was at the Laundry Mat across the street for the past 2 years. lol. GEORGIA PIE FOR THE WIN If you do plan to run on Sunday, you might as well run both races (5K and 1 mile) to earn that complimentary Georgia Pie. The 1 mile race was not part of the Heavy Medal Package (*Heavy Medal Package, where you can run a unlimited amount of RnR marathons, half marathons and 5Ks within the year), so I choose to opt out of the 1 mile. I ran the 5K, and although I did get the remix medal (running on Saturday + 5K), I was not entitled to the pie. A part of me actually regretted not participating in the 1 mile even though it would be an added expense... although you can go to the actual bakery and purchase the pie yourself, but it's not the same! lol SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY FOR THE WIN Savannah is a beautiful city with its architecture, parks, and neighborhoods but the weather is terrible in November! The course was mainly flat, ran through some historic spots but my goodness the heat was killer. I don't even know how I was even able to run this race in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, it was so hot and humid that 1,100 marathoners runners at 9:45 a.m. were diverted to the half marathon course. There were multiple heats strokes, and there was even a death. One runner fell 200 yards from the marathon finish line due to exhaustion. He cut his face and legs, and almost did not finish the race. A cop actually helped him get up, and got the runner to cross the finish line. Who doesn't love Southern hospitality? RnR FOR THE WIN If it weren't for the RnR series, I don't think I would ever visit Savannah. In 2015 and 2016, if you run 3/4 RnR races (NOLA, Raleigh, Nashville, Savannah) within the same calendar year, you will earn The Southern Charm Medal. Race 15/15 for the Hall of Fame 2015! Race 14/15 for the Hall of Fame 2016!

Finisher party!
Christina G.

It was a good choice for my first marathon. I selected it because I favor big races with lots of participants and course entertainment, which all add up to much-needed distractions and motivation for me. Plus, a pretty city like Savannah seemed like it would be fun to run through. We arrived on Thursday, so were able to avoid the crowds and ferries and other general craziness that occurred at Friday's expo. The center had a lot of exhibitors, a fair amount of freebies, and some interesting stuff like Brook's giant booth set-up, complete with active volcano, and Geico's see-the-course fast-forwarded video. On race day, the corrals were easy to find (though not enforced at all). Lots of official picture taking at the start line. But oddly placed porta-potties. They all seemed to be on the north side of the road, with only a few on the south side, which was where I had lined up. Luckily, I was able to slip in and out of one as our corral was lining up for the countdown. The course does go through some poor-er and industrial areas in the beginning, but honestly, the course support there seemed to be just as strong as it was downtown. The locals really put a smile on my face! There was little-to-no bottlenecking in the beginning which was nice as well... the streets had been completely shut down for the race, with parked cars removed and everything. Water, Gatorade, and Gu stops were frequent enough and -- for the most part -- well-staffed. And the bands along the course were rocking out, as promised. My favorite part was running through the college campus; those two miles were full of enthusiastic students, and they gave me the pep I needed to go stronger a little longer. The worst part was the return trip on the Truman freeway. On the way back, the DJ was no longer on the overpass (though there was music playing). There were race clean-up crews cruising down the freeway in the opposite lane. The clocks had malfunctioned or something, so they were all reading a blank time, which was kind of discouraging. The crowd was sparse, the sun was beating down, and there was a headwind. Most people around me were walking. I was hurting. And it was just a bummer all around. Miles 22-24 are when most runners really need a boost, and it was like the opposite of that. But most of the scenery was great -- lots of pretty homes and moss-covered trees. We had great weather, and nearly an entirely flat course. The final two miles had encouragement from the last water stop (thanks, volunteers!), lots of cameras to smile for, and a finisher's chute that allowed you to see your destination and sprint about a quarter-mile to get there. Unfortunately, it was fairly narrow, so I had to verbally request permission to pass a couple of times. I loved all the race food at the end -- bananas, beef jerky, powerbars, chocolate milk. They had race blankets, but I didn't see any ice, which would have been nice. I may have missed it... or it may have been in the medical tent, which I didn't locate on the field. I thought the 2013 medals were ugly (rubbery looking) and oddly small (both the medal itself, and the ribbon it's strung from). However, the race shirts are great -- I liked the design, and the fact that they're Brooks tech tees! The after-party was also fun: a beer tent, live music, folks reclining and soaking in some sunshine and glory. They had the family reunion letter markers scattered around -- and this helped disperse the crowd and meeting points pretty well. A pretty positive experience, and I'm looking forward to the inaugural Rock n' Roll Raleigh event (although dreading the hills that come with it!).

ARRG...running me booty off
Terri S.

Rock and Roll Savannah Well...it's my 4th year running this race....and I can't say a bad thing about it! I love Savannah....and am SO glad that we have the opportunity to run the streets a bit! This year the route was changed up a little....but I still enjoyed the views! Expo: The Expo is quite a large event....so try to get there as early as possible. They have SO much to showcase and offer runners of all kinds. They play games, you win prizes, you get pumped up....to run. Run: Very crowded until people get their pace down and spread out. For the most part....this is a flat race course. You do have a slight upgrade coming out of mile 1...but it's small! The streets are lined with local bands to help motivate your run. They also are very encouraging as you pass their stage....cheering for you and wishing you the best. I love the spirit of the spectators that come out to support and cheer on the runners. They line the streets with signs that are always comical and keep you looking for more. The residents of Savannah come out of their houses to cheer us on, some have tables set up with snacks and drinks for the runners. The volunteers are, as always, friendly and happy to be there for the race. Their "good mornings" and "looking good" comments are just what you need at just that time! There were tons of pot-a-potties, water stands, Gatorade stands, sponges, fuel. And finishing in Forsyth Park with the fountain is such a reward for the run. Finish Line: Your medal....that is #1! There is always so much going on at the finish line. Tons of snacks: bananas, cheese its, granola bars, chocolate milk, water, Gatorade, beer.... They bring the merchandise to the finish line....just in case you forgot to get something at the expo. Smart thinking RNR!!! They have the stage set up and bands playing. All in all, the city of Savannah offers up a great destination run and the Southern Hospitality surly shines! Thank you Savannah for another great run....see you next year!

At the expo!

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I've been to over 20 organized running events and this had been one of the best 2 years in a row!

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Review Highlights - Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon

Even though there about 17,000 participants, this was an organized race from the expo to the finish line.

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Savannah Art Walk - Art walk map

Savannah Art Walk

5.0(1 review)
0.1 km

The Second Saturday Art Walk is like the amazing race for art lovers (although much less intense…read moreand with wine involved). But, I was surprised how nicely organized and planned out the Art Walk is! They have a great system in place where patrons of the art walk have to visit ten or more galleries between the hours of 4-8pm to be entered into a raffle prize drawing, and believe me, there are a plethora of prizes! You can RSVP for the evening online, but no one ever checked us off or verified us during the evening, I think this is more a way for them to keep up with attendees post-event. The evening starts at 4pm at the Bohemian Riverfront Hotel, located right on Bay Street, an easy walk from anywhere downtown. You'll enjoy views of the river the hotels own lovely collection while you sip on a glass of complimentary wine and are introduced to several "spotlight" artists and galleries of the night. The reception takes place in the Rocks on the River restaurant during the winter months and the Rocks on the Roof bar during the summer months. Make sure you grab a map at this first stop and head over to the Tiffani Taylor Gallery at 5pm. Here you'll grab your first artist signature, remember, you have tasks to complete along this art-walk!! Having to get signatures from the artists was quite fun, because it allowed us to interact and learn about each artist in a way that was unique and very interactive. Once you finish at the Tiffani Taylor Gallery, you are invited to visit any of the 32 participating galleries. We headed back to River Street next and hit up Gallery 209, with it's impressive history as well as extensive collection (if you're looking to add some excitement to your night, grab a Wet Willie's to drink while you walk!) From there we headed towards City Market and checked out A.T. Hun Art Gallery, Gullah Living and many more. If you're looking for get those ten signatures, City Market Art Center is an easy way to get them all and it's a great time to visit as almost all the galleries were open (plus you can grab pizza to go at Vinnie Van Go-Go's!) When the clock strikes 8pm, make sure you're at the closing reception located at in a back room in the Andaz Hotel. Here you'll be entered into a raffle drawing where it's next to impossible to loose and be able to chat with fellow gallery racers and grab another glass of wine if it suites you. The art walk is a perfect way to meet locals, see a huge assortment of galleries in one night, take the evening at your own pace and appreciate local artists. I highly recommend adding this event to your Second Saturday bucket list!

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Savannah Art Walk - Meet the artists!

Meet the artists!

Savannah Art Walk
Savannah Art Walk - 32 participating galleries

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32 participating galleries

Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon - races - Updated May 2026

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