Clearly PM has running on the brain this week because Mike wrote about race awards on Monday. Since he’s always so nice about the blogs I write, I figured I would dedicate a whole post to my favorite race gear.
The Run: Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
This was the most fun I’ve had doing a run. The weather was gorgeous. Bands played every few miles and spectators had boom boxes that carried me through those last few miles. Plus, many runners made their own T-shirts. My favorite team shirt: The organization Black Girls Run wore shirts with “Preserve the Sexy” imprinted on the back. I love that.
The Gear: Bag, Bib, Shirt and Medal
Drawstring Bag
The bag held various coupons, event guides, course maps, an issue of Competitor magazine, a “13.1” bumper sticker, Gatorade gel packs and pain relief cream. Runners picked up bags on the way into the half marathon expo, which made it easy to carry any other goodies they received or purchased while walking around.
Bib
In addition to a runner’s name and number, the bib had coupons on the bottom that runners could tear off to check a bag before the race, pick up a race T-shirt and get a free beer after crossing the finish line. (I opted for chocolate milk over free beer and I do not regret it at all.) I have a friend who works for a running store in the area, which is how I scored my VIP sticker. The sticker granted access to the Brooks porta potties so I would not have to wait in line for the regular ones. Not the most glamorous idea, but definitely a good promotion because everyone wanted a pass.
Shirt
The event shirt was a lightweight tech shirt with imprints on the left sleeve, front and bottom back. It is the same color as the Broad Street Run shirt so aqua seems to be the color of racing this year (at least in Philly). Shirts from runs, triathlons and other events give you bragging rights. You cannot wear a medal regularly (unless it is Olympic or you are Flavor Flav), but you can wear an event shirt. I’m impressed with anyone in a Tough Mudder shirt and I kind of want to hang out with anyone in a Color Run one. (Editor’s Note: Competitor magazine had a feature on “fun runs” like the color run and how popular they are becoming. Target those events for added revenue next year.)
Medal
It is no secret that I love glitter, so when I saw the half marathon medal I was beaming. In addition to boasting the city of brotherly love in bold glitter letters, the medal matched the Liberty Bell and skyline design on the shirt. The back had spots for engraving a runner’s name and time. The medal and my ice-cold chocolate milk were just what I needed after completing 13.1 miles.
The Whole Ensemble
Here is my full finish line getup of promotional running wears (complete with Howard Alan Blum 5K for 5K hat from Promotions East and my friend Heather).
If glamour is not your style, perhaps ghouls are. I am running the Rest in Peace Halloween cemetery 5K in October. I’m hoping for zombie-inspired promotional gear. If the event delivers, I’ll write about the best undead promotional items to give out at All Hallows Eve events.
