It’s getting to that time of year when running races in Arizona have to move to the ultra-early morning. The organizers of the Scottsdale Night Run for the Arts decided to chart a different course – move to the evening!
At 7 p.m. on May 2, the fun runners and walkers started their 3-mile untimed event. At 8 p.m., the runners hit the Old Town Scottsdale streets for their 8 K, or just less than 5 miles.
Getting There Not So Bad
Parking in Scottsdale for events can be a challenge, especially since this one is right smack-dab in the heart of the Scottsdale’s club district. But I was able to find a spot quickly in the parking garage near the Museum of Contemporary Arts, even though I arrived at 7:15. Just don’t try parking too close.
Check-In Too Much Like Voting
The check-in process was maddeningly slow. The line moved at a glacial pace. It looked like the organizers weren’t able to drum up very many volunteers. The ones they did find were friendly enough, though.
Same Ol’ Scene
There wasn’t much an expo area, though Honest Tea was giving away products and SRP had snazzy, battery-powered glowing necklaces. The entertainment supplied was a dreary & generic blues band. Snoozefest!
Windy Course, Lots of Wooing
The course was quite twisty, and the early stages took us past the club scene. More than a few supportive members of the $30,000-a-year millionaire brigade took time to give us a hearty “wooooo!” or two – I suspect that was mostly for the ladies running, not for me. The course eventually straightened out. It was always a bit narrow, and the overall running etiquette was awful. If you’re an average joe aiming at a personal record -which I am every time I pin a number plate to my shirt- you’ll have a hard time making it here. I wasn’t exactly thrilled with my 41:29 and 8:08 pace.
Could I Get Some Water Here?
A good finish line needs water in an obvious place – and close by. Having it a few hundred feet away through a crowd of people under a street light that only works intermittently? Not so good. Runners had to get through those obstacles for water, oranges and what might’ve been bagels … I didn’t grab one, and it was too dark to tell.
The Real Post-Race Fuel
I’d run the event with my wife and some friends, and we congregated at the always-awesome Orange Table. Great food and beverages along with friendly service. And I felt like I really earned that chipotle chicken sandwich!
Wrapping It Up
I’d give the Scottsdale Night Run for the Arts a 5 out of 10. It really needs some work to be a great event to appeal to semi-serious runners. And even to the less serious, an upgrade in expo area and entertainment would help.
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