
Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K
Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K offers a unique blend of running, live music, and a local beer garden celebration.
Race Date
Oct 24, 2026
Location
Rock Hill, SC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 279
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K in Rock Hill, SC, transforms Winthrop Lake into a vibrant celebration of fitness, music, and local brews. This event, which has seen steady participation with a median of around 279 finishers, draws runners from approximately 18 states, offering a unique regional draw.
Runners can expect a course that is largely flat, with minimal elevation change, making it a potentially fast day. The highlight is the live rock band performing near the start/finish, adding an energetic soundtrack to the race. Post-race, participants are invited to an Oktoberfest beer garden, featuring local craft beers, to celebrate their achievements.
While the repeat-runner rate is currently low, the Rocktoberfest offers a distinctive experience with its combination of a scenic lakeside setting, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. It's an opportunity for both seasoned runners and beginners to enjoy a day of fun and community in Rock Hill.
Race-provided description
The Rocktoberfest 10K and 5K 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 an 10K and a 5K race, both of which take place at Winthrop Lake 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 10K and 5K is an excellent opportunity to have fun and experience the unique atmosphere of Rock Hill. It's beautiful!!! The Rocktoberfest Half 10K & 5K will be capped for the 2026 event. There will be NO RACE DAY Registration so be sure to sign up early! ALL registration ends October 10th, 2026 unless we sell out before hand. If you're a runner, this is the one to run! ROCK ON!!! RACE START TIMES: The Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K, starts and finishes at Winthrop Lake Saturday, October 24th, 2026 8:00 AM – 10K & 5K 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM AWARDS CEREMONY LOCATION: 1162 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, SC 29730 What do I get for participating? Besides running in one of the most beautiful courses; Short Sleeve Runner Shirt Incredible Finisher Medals Rock MusicBeer Garden Ticket PACKET PICK UP: Friday, October 23rd, 2026; 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: Get ready for a scenic and spectator-friendly Rocktoberfest experience at Winthrop! Both races will start and finish near the Winthrop Coliseum, taking runners onto a beautiful loop course that winds around the picturesque Winthrop Lake. The course showcases some of the best of Winthrop’s campus, circling alongside the rolling greens of the Winthrop Golf Course and weaving past the renowned Winthrop University Disc Golf Course—home to national-level competitions. 5K runners will complete one full loop 10K runners will take on two loops of the course With the looped design, runners will enjoy constant energy from spectators, while friends and family will have multiple chances to cheer you on throughout the race. Expect a fun, lively atmosphere with great views, smooth running surfaces, and a course that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Whether you're chasing a PR or just soaking in the experience, this course delivers a perfect mix of scenery, energy, and accessibility. 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 10K 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 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. 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: There will be one water stop for the 5K and 2 water stops for the 10K. 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 baseball 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 Charlotte40 Minutes from Huntersville, NC1hr 10 minutes from Downtown Columbia, SC1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greenville, SC1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greensboro, NC There are a large amount of parking spaces at Winthrop Coliseum. 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 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!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
1307 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
1 year running
~279 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 18 states
winner 1:14:51
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 279 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
279
Median time
2:06:39
Latest turnout
279
States
18
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K?
The Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K take place?
It takes place in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
What distances does the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 279 runners who have completed the Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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