The Montréal Rock’n’Roll Oasis Marathon explained… in songs

Running a 42,2 km footrace is a fairly rock’n’roll endeavour in and of itself, and the annual Montréal Rock’n’Roll Oasis Marathon ups the awesomeness by adding live music to the action on the course.

From Sept 18-20, the Marathon – which celebrates 25 years this year – will see thousands of runners pounding the pavement to the beat of flesh and blood bands culminating in a special post-race headlining concert. The following rock’n’roll classics will help explain the Marathon madness.

Run Through the Jungle (Creedence Clearwater Revival) There are five different races under the umbrella of the Marathon, which takes place Sept. 20: 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, the Half-Marathon (21.1 km) and the Marathon (42.2 km). They all have different starting points, but they all end in Parc Lafontaine in the city’s happening Plateau neighbourhood. The Marathon starts at the Jacques Cartier Bridge and winds through Île Notre Dame (the site of the annual Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 race) and the picturesque Île Ste-Hélène (home to Six Flags amusement park La Ronde and Parc Jean-Drapeau, where internationally renowned music festivals Osheaga, Heavy Montréal and Île Soniq take place). It continues through Old Montréal and the Old Port to the Gay Village downtown, finally concluding at Parc Lafontaine.

Long May You Run (Stills/Young Band) The Half-Marathon course is roughly 3.45 hours long, and the main Marathon takes roughly six hours to complete. It all begins at 6:30 am and wraps roughly eight hours later around mid-afternoon.

Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen) The races and all associated activities of the Marathon are designed with the whole family mind, though there are some age restrictions when it comes to the individual competitions. To participate in the main Marathon you must be at least 18 years old, 12 years old for the Half-Marathon, 10 years old for the 10 km run, and at least 8 years old to be eligible for the 5 km course.

Before They Make Me Run (The Rolling Stones) Two all-day “Health and Fitness” expos with speaker clinics, displays, merchandise kiosks and much more will take place prior to the Marathon on Sept. 18 and 19 at downtown Montréal’s Place Bonaventure (directly across from Central Station). Participants can also pick up their personalized bib, gift bag, t-shirt and other runny goodies here.

Band on the Run (Paul McCartney and Wings) It’s not called the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon for nuthin’. Live bands of many stylistic stripes will line the marathon routes, essentially turning the races into the longest block party in town. A post-race headline concert featuring well-known Canadian pop rock band Hedley awaits competitors at the finish line.

Running on Empty (Jackson Browne) Exhausted Marathon runners will not only be buoyed by mile after mile of live bands providing the soundtrack to their suffering, er rather, their healthy outdoor sporting activity, there will be specially designated “cheer teams” offering their encouragement.

Runnin’ with the Devil (Van Halen) Participants should just say no to any temptation to break the rules, which include the following: No coaches, bicycles, handcycles, inline skates, skateboards, baby joggers or dogs will be allowed on the course.

I Ran (Flock of Seagulls) At the end of each race in Parc Lafontaine, all participants will be directed to the Secure Zone where their photo will be taken, refreshments will be served and medals awarded (everyone who completes their race gets some snazzy neck bling to bring home). From there it’s off to the Family Reunion area to enjoy live music and refreshments. And if you’re 18 or over, you’ve earned yourself a free beer.

The deadline for online registration for the Montréal Rock’n’Roll Oasis Marathon is Sept. 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.