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!