The Not-So-Awesome 80's Run 10k

Pre-race
I left for the Rose Bowl out in Pasadena timing it so that I would get there right at 7am. I parked across the street from the starting area because I didn't want to trapped in the parking lot after the race. I picked up my race bib, timing chip, and shirt. They allowed us to pick either a purple or neon green cotton shirt. I went with the neon green.

Race day bib pick up

On my way back to my car, I bumped into a few runners in costumes and a couple of costumed characters brought here by the race organizers. The best costume I saw was a Ghostbuster and Miss Stay Puft Marshmallow Girl. They would end up winning second place in the best costume contest to a girl dressed up as Rainbow Brite. I also saw Hulk Hogan. It looked like the Hulkster has let himself go after retiring from professional wrestling. I also saw on the course Gonzo, Teen Wolf, and Friday the 13th's Jason.

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Mario and Luigi

The Hulkster has really let himself go!

Jason!

(picture from Awesome 80's Facebook page)

Gonzo and Teen Wolf

(picture from Awesome 80's Facebook page)

After changing into my running gear, I went back to the starting area and took a picture with Superman and Wonder Woman. They were not bad looking. I saw the same guy as Superman at the Hollywood Half Marathon race. Looked like they got their medals without having to run the race. I also saw the Teenage Mutant Ninja Chicks. There were 5 of them. I don't remember a ninja with a pink eye mask. :)

Superman and Wonder Woman!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Chicks!

As I went to the watch the starting of the 5k, I saw Spiderman! I told him that he's going to get very hot in that costume! He replied that he was already hot. I saw him at the end so it was good to see that he did not pass out in the heat! I thought that this race had nice mile markers, but I was only able to spot a few of them.

Spiderman!

Mile 3 marker

They released one wave of 5k runners about 10 minutes past the 8:30am advertised start time. The race director went on the mic to tell people the situation on why more runners were not being released. They had to wait until the police allowed more runners on the course. He also tried to clear the path to the finish line which was one car lane. It seemed that he needed some course marshals to help direct people. I could see that this race was getting out of hand as the faster runners were coming in to finish. Some of the runners were turning at the wrong spot and having to cut across the grassy median.

The race
I had no idea when they finally released the first wave of the 10k runners. If it was announced, I did not hear it. I went out on the second wave and I think there were still 5k runners in the mix. It was quickly becoming chaotic. The course was the Rose Bowl loop. One loop for a 5k, and two loops for a 10k. I went out at my cruising speed. I just wanted to cover the course at a comfortable pace and save most of it for the half marathon tomorrow. I've ran this loop many times and I knew that the first part was a slow steady climb. As I got to the water station at about the halfway point of the first loop, I noticed that it was being mobbed so I went clear around it. Then came the gradual downhill all the way to the end of the loop. As we got to the turning point to head for the timing mats at the starting line, we were instead instructed to continue straight to run the more traditional loop. I figured that the timing mat was still occupied by another wave of runners. I also knew that my results would be screwed up as well because that was not how the course was described on their website. Indeed it was. My results was listed in the "1 loop 10k section" with my pace listed as if I only ran a 5k. They later fixed it after I emailed the timing company. They were well aware of what happened. I tried to maintain my pace for the second loop but it was getting hot. The water station now was completely out of cups. All they had were gallon jugs of water. I had a volunteer pour some water in my hands. I just threw the water on my face and neck. I cruised in feeling pretty drained since the weather had become rather darn toasty.
2: 16:58 (8:29)
5.1: 44:32 (8:43)
6.2: 53:41 (8:39)

Post-race
I returned my timing chip and got my cassette tape medal. It was okay, but I've seen better medals. It actually reminded me of those cheap knockoff Transformers toys that I used to buy when I was in grade school. Most people liked it. I finished the race knowing that I could've ran it faster, but I felt good that I didn't wreck myself for the half marathon on Sunday. I tried to find something to drink and the other thing available was the Naked juice stand. My friends spotted me and we stayed to watch the costume contest. I liked the WWF wrestlers, Macho Man, The Ultimate Warrior, and Hulk Hogan. On my way back to my car, I got in line to take a picture with Doc and the DeLorean from Back to the Future.

Finisher cassette medal

Macho Man, The Ultimate Warrior, and Hulk Hogan!

(picture from Awesome 80's Facebook page)

Rainbow Brite wins the best costume contest

(picture from Awesome 80's Facebook page)

DeLorean

(picture from Awesome 80's Facebook page)

The costumes and the silly fun atmosphere was off the charts at this race, but the good vibes were somewhat deflated by the numerous logistical errors that took place at this inaugural race. There was three big issues among the runners just from hearing in passing after the race and reading some of the feedback on their Facebook page. The first issue was the late start. The race director blamed it on the police. The race just got warmer the longer the start was delayed. The second issue was that there was no cups and eventually no water at the aid station and at the finish line. The organizers should already know how to deal with this since it also happened at their Hollywood half marathon. The third issue was the parking lot being closed off by the course. They emailed us with that warning stating that if you parked in those lots, you will be stuck until the race was over. Seems that quite a few did not read their email. I parked in a different lot and had no problems getting out. But then again I know the area really well. It was a poorly executed race, but it always helps to come prepared. I think the race director had a contingency plan for the cups, but people were pissed off already by then. I'm thinking he planned well, but his volunteers were not trained sufficiently. I personally wouldn't run it again. I'd rather pay more and run a Disney race next year. This race series has a lot of potential, but they would do well to listen to the complaints and address the issues or it will not survive.