RUNable Race Review: Rock-Star Run

RACE STATS:

• DATE OF RACE: May 11, 2019
• DISTANCE(s): 5k/10k
• REVIEWED: 10k
• LOCATION: Ridgeland, MS
• DIFFICULTY: Level 3
• CAUSE: Sunnybrook Children’s Home
• RUNscore: 3.2 Stars

A Running Glance:

Things I loved

• VERY fancy finisher medal
• “Rock-Star” theme
• New race company on a mission!

Things I less than loved

• Ran out of tank tops *gasp*
• No frills post-race refreshments

RUNable Review:

There’s a new race company in town, boys and girls!! Bodies Race Company prides itself on hosting fun events with great apparel and a family-friendly atmosphere. They also encourage all fitness levels to participate, and EVERYONE receives a finisher medal.

Price

The price-point for this race is a teeny bit higher than the norm BUT it includes a custom-made fancy-smancy medal for every participant who crosses that finish line! Early registration is always your best bet if you’re looking to maximize your savings. Prices started at $28 if you committed several months out and increased incrementally to $40 on race day. The charity of choice was Sunnybrook Children’s Home also, so the proceeds were definitely earmarked for a great local cause!

T-shirt/Swag

Man-o-man, was I excited about the TANK TOP option on this t-shirt. (I know, I know. I’m pretty easily impressed, huh?) UNFORTUNATELY, by the time I picked up my packet on race morning, they were out of tank tops. 🙁 #Depression

After the race, I mentioned my disappointment to one of the directors, and he explained the mix-up and assured me he would mail me a tank! #Redemption

Currently, I’m still waiting but am hopeful all my tank top race tee dreams will one day come true! I’ll update this review accordingly. 😉

Expo/Finish Line

The finish line party did leave a little to be desired. There were bananas, bottled water, coffee and granola bars available to finishers. Much like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson famously told Kevin Costner ‘s character in the movie Field of Dreams – “If you build it, he will come.” I happen to believe a similar concept is true of a solid post-race spread. “If you feed us, we will run.” 😉

They had some music going and a race photographer snapping finish line photos (available online FOR FREE) after the race. So that’s a definite BONUS! I never thought I’d say this, but even without food, it was still fun.

Medal/Awards

The awesome guitar-shaped medal is what initially drew my attention to this race. I love a custom-made race medal, and a finisher medal also has a lot of appeal to those of us who may or may not snag placement in our age group (AG). Let me tell you, this medal did NOT disappoint. It’s heavy and very well made. I definitely felt like a #RockStar with this bad-boy on!

On race day this year, I was pretty lucky that all the fast folks stayed home enabling me to snag second place in my AG. (WOOHOO!) Winners were given these “badges” to slide over the ribbon of our medal.

Volunteers

Most everyone I talked to was polite and helpful. The emcee called me by name as I crossed the finish line, and he even spoke to me later using my name again. It was nice to be recognized and remembered! 🙂

Course Scenery

The course was an “out and back” that ran up Highland Colony Parkway. This section of the highway is smooth, but it’s a commercial area and really does not have much in the way of scenery. It was a very warm Mississippi May morning, and I remember noticing the distinct lack of shade along most of the course. There were several *glorious* instances where I was gifted with momentary cover by buildings or larger trees. I was counting the steps to those few and far between shaded areas!

Course Difficulty: LEVEL 3

Wellllllll, who knew about them hills of Highland Colony? Not me, haha. Ignorance is bliss, but let me tell you, I am now fully aware of the elevation changes along this stretch of road.

Aid Stations

I believe there were two water stops along the route, technically one station that you double backed to and hit twice (once at around mile 2, then again at mile 4). I would recommend assembling an additional one at the turnaround, or even at mile 5 of the 10k.

Parking/Access

There was ample parking available right at the start/finish line and access to restrooms inside the Healthplex.

Race Management

I am VERY excited to welcome Bodies in Motion to Jackson! This national organization’s motto is “Fun. Family. Fitness.” They’re committed to getting our community active and healthy by providing high-quality, fun events at reasonable prices. I think their first Jackson area event was a success, and I truly look forward to watching them build a foundation and grow their events.

Come see what all the fuss is about! Give Dad the gift of health (and quality time!) this Father’s Day at the “Hero Hustle 5k/10k” and don’t forget about the patriotic-themed “Firecracker Flight 5k/10k” scheduled for July 6. Check out their website (or the RUNable calendar) for a list of upcoming events. I hope to see you there!