As I stated last week, I had the opportunity to check out Road Runner Sports 1st Thursday Adventure Run and had an absolute blast.  I am so grateful that Larisa recommended this event for me.  Now that I’ve had a few days to digest it all I wanted to let you know the ins and outs of the event.

On the 1st Thursday of every month Road Runner Sports in Scottsdale hosts this FREE (yes, free) event. When I arrived I couldn’t believe how organized it was.  I entered the store, was quickly shown to registration, showed my ID, received my wristband, and also my free beer ticket.

While in the store I went ahead and purchased a Road Runner Sports Adventure Run shirt.  This isn’t a requirement but by doing so it could possibly help with my chances of winning and it was a nice gender specific tech tee.  Not to mention, when you bought the shirt a nice pint glass came along with it. Why not?  

After checking in I headed outside to get ready for some fun. The atmosphere was light with a ton of camaraderie and music carrying the beat.  There was a barricaded area full of vendors including 2XU, Cytomax, Yurbuds, BodyArmor Super Drink, Asics, Orange Theory Fitness, True Grit Mud Run, Garmin, Amphipod, OH Yeah! Nutrition, and more.  Instead of trying to sell you products or race registrations they were there to educate you about them.  For each tent you visited you would earn a ticket that would then be entered in the final drawing for TONS of prizes.

In addition, each tent had free samples and gear to test out during the run.  For instance, have you ever wanted to try Yurbuds but didn’t want to dish out the money until you’ve tried them?  This is the perfect opportunity to test them out.  All you have to do is pass them your drivers license as collateral and you’re good to go. Each brand was lending out gear to try. Having had experience we compression sleeves, but never socks, I went ahead and chose the 2XU compression socks.

I love Cytomax but haven’t been able to try out all of their flavors so I was also able to pick up some different sample flavors to try along with their energy drops.

Before I knew it 6:30p had arrived and it was time for the map to be revealed. Eeek!  Here’s how it works:

The map is revealed with different locations to run to in order for you to collect tickets. The number of tickets you receive varies by location (The farther the ticket location from the start, the higher the quantity of tickets).  Of course you want to hit as many locations as possible but realistically most people will only hit about half of them since the locations span a pretty wide distance. In addition, you only have 60 minutes to get as many tickets as you can.

This is where purchasing the Road Runner Sports Adventure Run Shirt comes in.  If you’re wearing the shirt you get DOUBLE the tickets at each location.  You may be asking, “Alright, you want a lot of tickets….but why??”  Upon completion of the Adventure Run you turn in your tickets for an insane number of prize drawings at the end of the night.  So obviously more tickets = more chances to win.  Got it?

Prior to arriving even though I had no idea where the locations would be (each run the locations vary) I had drawn out my own little map so I could be somewhat familiar with the area.  I will readily admit that my idea went out the window once that map dropped.  I made a few mental notes and off I went.

Like many people I hit the closest locations first.  After that I teamed up with a gentleman for about a quarter mile until we hit a group of 3 girls that were more my speed.  Thankfully they allowed me to tag along with them.  Although they weren’t 100% knowledgeable about the area they were still somewhat familiar.  Unfortunately none of us knew exactly how far the locations were from the start.  Long story short, they were much farther than expected.  We ended up logging over 5 miles.  But no worries, we had a great time talking along the way, getting to know each other.  I don’t have any photos from the actual run other than this sunset which the photo doesn’t do justice.

Even though we were a few minutes late getting back we were still able to check out tickets into the bucket for the drawings.  None of us won any of the drawings but that was cool by us.  You can’t complain about a free night of fun, that also gives you a reason to get out and active, and try out new products.  I really loved the 2XU socks and can definitely see some in my future.  Why did it take me so long to find out about compression sleeves/socks??  It was a sad moment when I had to turn in those bad boys.

If you are near a Road Runner Sports I HIGHLY recommend seeing if they have an Adventure Run…it’s totally worth it.  If you are considering participating here are a couple hints:

-Pre-register online at least 24 hours prior to the race.  It’s easier to check in on race day and you also receive an email with interactive map once 6:30p hits so there’s no need to stick around for the unveiling. I pre-registered but stuck around since this was my first experience.

-Don’t be intimidated and don’t worry about trying to keep up with other people.  Once the race starts everyone scatters, going their own ways, so you can go your own pace.

-Friend your Road Runner Sports location on Facebook to make sure you catch their “Facebook-posted only” ticket collecting location.

Free Stuff!!

I set out for my first “race” in Arizona, got to explore a new area, got some pretty cool swag, and met some new people that I hope to get to know better in the future. Mission accomplished.  Thank you Road Runner Sports for an awesome experience.  Depending on my schedule I hope to join in again and even possibly check out the Road Runner Sports 3rd Thursday Adventure Run in Tempe.

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)