I found out about this race through an ad on social media. You know how they spy on you and then show you ads for things you talk about. The race was advertised as free through a certain date. I checked out a promo video and it looked cool. I recruited a friend and then we encountered loads of B.S.
The fine print:
*REQUIRES EVENT INSURANCE, VENUE FEE, & CHARITY DONATION.
Total: $17
Parking $20 per car
If you cannot pick up the packet the day before they charge you an additional $5 per packet. Total cost $42 dollars…huge leap from free.
I didn’t complete the registration so hearing about the added costs afterward felt too much like a bait-and-switch. It tainted the experience but I maintained my positive attitude. I was excited about the course and still in good spirits on race day.
I left my phone in the car on race day but I wish I had brought it so I could take photos to document my criticism:
- There were too many people in each heat and they were too close together.
- The obstacles could only accommodate four people at a time. There were huge lines because there were so many people.
- One of the 6ft walls had nails sticking out on the backside. A few people found out when they tried to climb over and warned others.
- The spacing of monkey bars was inconsistent (one section was too far and 80% of the people I observed fell at the same spot.
- None of the ropes that we were meant to crawl under were taut including the cargo net.
I watched a video so I’d know what to expect and the quality of construction on the video appeared to be far superior.
Overall, I was disappointed but at least the shirt was decent. I had fun with my friend and had a goal to work towards as I was getting back into running. From there we continued on to Wildwood. You can read about that here.
No regrets, just wisdom gained.
Stop being enticed by things just because they are free.
For my readers and dreamers:
Have you ever gone to an event just because there is free food?
Tell me about the last bait and switch you experienced.
Have you done any obstacle races? If so, which one(s)?