Thousands Hit the Streets of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix as the Paradox Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Arizona Returns to the Valley of the Sun

January 18, 2026

- Milo Greder (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Obsie Birru (Phoenix, Ariz.) earn wins in the Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Arizona Half Marathon

TEMPE, Ariz. (Jan. 18, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Paradox Rock ’n’ Roll^® Running Series returned to the streets of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix over the weekend, bringing Fun to the Run® to the Valley of the Sun through music, entertainment, and community immersion. Thousands of participants took part in the 22nd edition of Paradox Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Arizona, enjoying an unforgettable running tour featuring distances including the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a KiDS ROCK^® Fun Run.

The race weekend kicked off on Saturday with the 5K, setting the stage for Sunday’s 10K and half marathon events. Runners from across Arizona and beyond took to the streets of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, showcasing the region’s vibrant running community and scenic desert landscapes.

In the half marathon, Milo Greder (Scottsdale, Ariz.) claimed the men’s title, crossing the finish line in 1:02:23, while Jessica McClain (Phoenix, Ariz.) secured the women’s victory with a winning time of 1:19:18.

Participants experienced a true running tour of the Valley, passing through the iconic red rocks of Papago Park while soaking in local art, entertainment, and the unique sights of Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. The weekend concluded at the Finish Line Festival at the picturesque Tempe Beach Park, where runners celebrated their accomplishments alongside friends, family, and spectators.

Encore Entertainment capped off the weekend as The Spazmatics, the ultimate ’80s new wave tribute band, took the stage at Tempe Beach Park for a free post-race concert, delivering high-energy entertainment for participants and fans alike.

Next Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Events Coming Up:

Known as the ultimate running party in the entertainment capital of the world, the CELSIUS Rock ’n’ Roll^® Running Series Las Vegas returns February 21–22, 2026. The event combines live music with nonstop entertainment for a one-of-a-kind experience, highlighted by an iconic nighttime run down the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Participants will once again take over Las Vegas Boulevard on Sunday night, passing legendary sights including the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the Fountains of Bellagio, and Downtown Las Vegas, before finishing mid-Strip at one of the most electric finish lines in the world. The course will feature DJs, traditional band stages, immersive experiences, and local performers throughout the route.

In addition, race weekend festivities include interactive zones, photo opportunities, local artists, food trucks, cocktails, and more. Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series will also offer its signature #YogaOnTheStrip experience, inviting participants to enjoy an unparalleled yoga session on the closed Las Vegas Strip on race morning.

For more information on Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Las Vegas, please visit www.runrocknroll.com/las-vegas or to see the full schedule of Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events, visit www.runrocknroll.com/all-events.

For more information about the 2026 Paradox Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series Arizona, visit www.runrocknroll.com/arizona. Media-related inquiries may be directed to press@runrocknroll.com.

** Terms and Conditions: Footage and photography is provided courtesy of The IRONMAN Group for news and editorial coverage within 48 hours of the event and is not to be archived. Media may use up to a total of two minutes of video. The B-Roll packages are not provided for the intent of posting the footage in its entirety. Any commercial use or other use of the footage and or photos is strictly prohibited unless a separate written license is obtained from and signed by an authorized representative of The IRONMAN Group. Additional terms and conditions can be found here. Usage of materials constitutes acceptance of terms. **

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About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.

About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group is the world’s largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMAN^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, IRONKIDS^®, premier running events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series and City2Surf^®, the UTMB^® World Series of trail running, the Epic Series™ of mountain biking including the Absa Cape Epic^®, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN^® brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE^® by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawai’i, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.