The Adventure Run May 2015

Yesterday, I went to a fun run:  The Adventure Run sponsored by Road Runner Sports.  This run is a 60 minute scavenger-hunt filled with 8 to 10 check-points.  You try to get to as many of the check-points to collect raffle tickets and return to the store.  You can go at your own pace.   Each month you can also support a great organization in your local community by making a donation.  You can bring friends, kids and even dogs!  If you buy an Adventure Run Shirt for $15.00, you will receive double raffle tickets at the check-points.

Before the run began, there were local and national sponsors at the store.  These included New Balance, CEP compression sleeves, Honey Stinger along with some local restaurants giving away food samples. Runners could also test the vendor items during the fun run.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to spend a lot of time in the vendor village due to traveling from work during rush hour.

Upon arrival at the fun run, you check in and receive store raffle tickets.  You only receive these raffle tickets if you pre-register for the race online.  The store raffle tickets are a special drawing for Road Runner Sports gift certificate.  Last night's winner won $500 to use at Road Runner Sports along with a new pair of shoes from New Balance and several other gift certificates.

The run began at 6:30 pm.  You receive an email with  check-point map.  This is the message received with this map.

• Please give your smarthphone 30-45 seconds to open link.
• If prompted please allow your device to locate you.
• Tap each checkpoint pin to see the main cross streets and how many tickets that checkpoint is worth.
• NOT ALL CHECKPOINTS ARE CREATED EQUAL!  Checkpoints that are further away are worth more tickets.
• OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS AND BE SAFE.

I ran with a pace person since I was new to the run. The pace person has a print version of the map. Next time, I will run on my own with friends.  Each check-point was a different business.  Some of the check-points included restaurants and gyms. Also, some of the check-points had you do something to "earn" the raffle tickets.  For example, at Tutti Frutti, you had to sample two frozen yogurts and check-in on your smart phones.  The gyms had activities for you to complete such as jumping jacks, squats or pushing a sled.

 The pace person last night was wonderful ensuring that we managed to get to all the check-points however she ran a seven minute mile.  I was so tired by the last check-point!  There is also a "secret" check-point that is revealed earlier in the day by email only if you have pre-registered for the race. Another way to earn those raffle tickets!

At 7:30 pm, we returned to the store and placed all your raffle tickets in a bucket.  Then, the fun began again!  There was much excitement as the raffles were being drawn.  I won a $25 gift certificate to one of the local restaurants, Timpano along with a $30 gift certificate to Tutti Frutti.  I'm looking forward to using these in the next month!

After the raffle, there was an after-party at Even Hotel Rockville.  I grabbed a beer and a spinach salad.  It was wonderful and I don't think I ever tasted anything so good after running almost three miles at a faster pace!  I made some new friends and I look forward to going back next month for another Adventure Run.  Let the fun begin the first Thursday of every month until October!

And remember, my journey continues....If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!