The theme behind the title is 'men chasing women' but if you went expecting to get a date or some serious flirtation, you'd be sorely disappointed. Lots of enthusiasm but socializing is post race and mostly in the alcohol corral. (Yes, alcohol was included with race entry for age 21 and over).
Females start at 7:45am, Males at 7:48am and the goal for most was to PR. This event has held a female first place overall runner since it's inception and today was no exception. Even with only a 3 minute handicap, the men did not surpass the women.
Not to say the single genders didn't enjoy themselves... but at the end of the morning, it was still just a race, not speed-dating. :-) (I mention this because I ran with several women who came with "expectations" ... one even pinned dollar bills to her shirt to support the 'attraction'...).
I have mixed feelings overall. I enjoyed the course at Freedom Park. Enjoyed the amenities post race (Gatorade, Great Harvest Bread, bananas, Bruegger's Bagels). I enjoyed the discounts for Skirt Sports products and the opportunity to buy a skirt at half price as part of registration (three color options to choose from). I also enjoyed the vendor turnout and amenities present in the staging area.
I was disappointed with the inaugural excitement (or lack thereof) around a first time event for Charlotte. The race had a reasonable (not large) turnout, a full band (utilizing the Freedom Park stage area), and a kid's fun run, which is ordinarily the makings for a great event.
Door prizes were few and given out with specific targeting (first time 5Kers, those who'd never shopped at RFYL and a booty dance-off that gendered all of 4 participants and was won by a male...). The highlight of the door prizes was the bold guy getting his groove on for 10 free yoga classes... he was hilarious!
There was a 'fashion show' to model the skirts, tanks and bras for Skirt Sports. Two volunteers modeled... but all of the SS product had been on the grounds for sale prior to the showing so other than the good nature of the volunteers, it was more of a sales pitch...
Door prizes were few and given out with specific targeting (first time 5Kers, those who'd never shopped at RFYL and a booty dance-off that gendered all of 4 participants and was won by a male...). The highlight of the door prizes was the bold guy getting his groove on for 10 free yoga classes... he was hilarious!
There was a 'fashion show' to model the skirts, tanks and bras for Skirt Sports. Two volunteers modeled... but all of the SS product had been on the grounds for sale prior to the showing so other than the good nature of the volunteers, it was more of a sales pitch...
I also could not find a charity or benefit recipient for this race, thus making it a 'for profit' event... not something I usually attend as I prefer to choose races that give back to the community thus validating the expense behind public competition.
Perhaps more of what I am trying to express was that it seemed a very mixed audience due to varied themes playing out simultaneously... one extreme was family oriented, here for the fun and exercise - the other extreme there for the alcohol and socializing. Those who drank the beer or wine were cordoned off in a fenced corral (approximately 15' x 15') guarded by two active duty police officers. The family groups were watching their kids, looking for the fun run start and trying to watch the stage for news related to the actual race.
I've attended lots of events with alcohol.. beer is a great carb loader
for many. The most successful always seem to have a separate area for
drinking because of the laws, limitations and children present OR they
simply check your age and give you a 'solo cup' to carry around,
trusting adults will drink responsibly. This was... weird. You know.. that whole 'put on a dunce cap, sit in the corner' kind of weird. You're with us but you're not, if you know what I mean.
Both preferences were present in the staging area mere inches from each other but yet with what almost seemed like barriers or cautionary measures to protect..?.. and the hosts honestly didn't lean in either direction. That kind of left the overall mood (in my humble opinion) kind of open ended. Those of us not watching kids, not drinking were at loose ends as to how to pass the time while waiting for the awards ceremony.
There was no primary focus on any aspect... racing, socializing, drinking, or listening to the band.
There was no primary focus on any aspect... racing, socializing, drinking, or listening to the band.
I'm not as much disappointed as I was perhaps wishing there had been a stronger direction within the event. I didn't know if I was at the 'dating game' or the 'beware of drunks in the park' protest or 'there is a race hidden in here somewhere...' contest. I know they'll work out the kinks... if the 'Skirt Chaser' truly is about singles meeting.. they need to redefine how that works or provide incentive BEFORE, DURING, and after the race that encourages meeting new friends... interaction is the key. Otherwise, just admit it's a promo race about running skirts. Nothing more.
*end of rant*
*end of rant*
Anywho... the course was great and RFYL was, as always, phenomenal. Most of the course (except the final 3/10th mile) was on streets surrounding the park. Police officers were at busy intersections and volunteers were present for turns. A water stop was provided just before the 2 mile mark and the final stretch was on the paved greenway around the Freedom Park lake and center stage. Weather was perfect! Shirts were unisex in a very thin white with pink and black lettering front/back.
The race was chip timed and RFYL had digital markers at start, finish, mile 1 and mile 2. The pint glasses at the Finish were actually in the beer corral. They were not pink as pictured but black with the company logo (if you're into the pink bling, this was a disappointment). LOTS of Gatorade at the Finish Line and Publix was present giving out free cow bells. State Farm was present, as well, giving out cinch sacks, sunglasses and water bottles. So glad to see the sponsorship returning to these events.
This was was also third in the RFYL Signature Series. RFYL added a new series this year with additional distances (4 mile, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, Marathon) for those seeking a more competitive series. Eight races in all with the final event at Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon in November. Best of luck to all who are competing in that series.
