She Runs LA Race and Celebration

Tons of fun for girls and the gays! I signed up to accompany my friend on her first 10K and ended up being about 15 min late due to traffic, so my advice to other runners if this event returns next year is get there early! Parking was $ 5 on the Paramount Studios lot, which was still a little bit of a walk to the starting line and event festivities, so I was already a bit winded before I reached the starting line. I noticed available street parking around the perimeter of the studios, but these fill up quick.
Because I was late and didn’t see a timing chip, I didn’t try as hard as I would have had I not been late. I didn’t realize until the following day that the timing chip was embedded in the runner bib, so my time was shitty, but accurate.
I had a great time running because of the several entertainment stations placed along the route, which included a gospel choir, 90’s pop lockers, a band, and some 80’s dancers. The 80’s theme attracted serious droves of people (runners and non-​runners) in fluorescent and ray bans.
These are my complaints:
— Pre-​race day bib pick up. I wish they accommodated those who were unable to pick up prior to the event by setting up a race day pick up table. I usually do this because pre-​race day pick up times are usually inconvenient for me.
— Registration fee. It was slightly more expensive than most runs that I’ve done and while I am happy to oblige for a cause, the cause wasn’t publicized very much. As it turns out, the run benefited a program that helps at-​risk students, but I found that out through my own research on Google and I don’t know much more than that. It was unclear if all or part of the proceeds went to this cause.
— Finish line. Probably the most annoying finish line I’ve ever experienced. Most of the route is a straight shot west on Melrose Ave and then back, which was cool, but then just as you are about to turn into the studio grounds, event volunteers are saying you’re almost done so you think the finish line will be there as you turn into the studio grounds. Nope. You actually have to weave through the studios and run about another mile before you get to the finish line. By the time people turn into the studio grounds anticipating the finish line but find a lot more ahead of them, they stop running in disappointment and exhaustion. Most of the people near me at that point walked. Perhaps we would’ve known this if we researched the route online prior to the race, but I’m not sure if it was available.
— No swag in the bag. As a somewhat avid runner, I’ve been to more than a few running events that 1) don’t have such a high profile sponsor and 2) weren’t as organized, yet I received much cooler freebies at these events. All we got was a one-​strap pull string bag with a headband and hair bands. We received a leather/​chain bracelet at the end of the race, but I would have preferred a t-​shirt.
— Post-​race party. Since this was sponsored by Nike, I expected a kick-​ass party with food and maybe a drink tent like I’ve seen at other events. There was none of that. We stayed for the costume contest and cleared out shortly after.

great run! — FUN and as always NIKE always put on a good event!

This was an awesome race! My best friends hubby and I flew her into LA for the race from Jacksonville Fl. She runs marathons all the time and is a fanatic so this was an awesome surprise birthday for her.
Super organized and so much great pre race entertainment! The staff did a great job. I wish there was more swag in the swag bag but oh well. I normally HATE running but this wasn’t so bad. Maybe a little more race sideline security next time? There was a dog who ran out and tripped me and two other runners which forced all three of us to walk due to injury. My friend Booked it though and had a blast. I got to the finish line and she was all smiles and dancing around. Good job NIKE.

This valley girl thought this race was totally rad! ;) OMG how much neon was on Melrose today — a whole hell of a lot. This estrogen filled race was seriously fun stuff!
Bib pick up was quick and easy at Nike Santa Monica Wed evening — but why no swag in the bag??? I would have loved an awesome Nike running t or tank or… anything! Heck maybe even a coupon for a discount on some Nike goods. The nothing but two hair ties and an info page sort of through me off but ok!
Race Day — parking was $ 5, quick and easy off of Gower
Start Line/​Corrals — were pretty organized — super cool starting on the Paramount lot and heading right out the 5555 Melrose gate.
Course — pretty flat, need to upload my Garmin data (I know I know, I don’t use Nike+, I’m a Garmin Girl), water and aid stations were out, good course support in areas, great signage all around the area for this event and easy to spot mile markers.
Last ½ mile = a bit deceiving :(once everyone is approaching the gate you think you’re almost done because it’s an out and back course but NO! you are right at about 5.75 with a little windy course throughout the lot to the finish line — through some gals off but it is what it is…
Finish Line — awesome Hurley bracelets!!! :) bananas, trail mix, photobooth, coconut water, water bottles, Spazmatics concert, Karaōke on the treadmill to «I will run to you» commercial — awesome!!! Paul Mitchell 80’s themed hair and make up and free samples, Nike free run shoe try on, Nike ID van thing… tons of fun.
Getting back to the parking structure and out of the area = a breeze!
I think all the girls had a great time today, this is a REALLY REALLY fun LA race, not to be missed, like ever!!!
and I set another PR :)

I got there super late! started at 7pm I got there a little past 9pm, pretty much everything was taken away… no more bliss grab bags… no more massages. I got to see a little bit of the concert and scored some nice Envirosax with free goodies. I wish I got there earlier and got to take pix and get some more free goodies! Also the dry fit tank is super cute! Would def purchase tix again but go there on time next time, Nike obviously know how to throw a bash!

I wouldn’t have known about this event if Groupon did not offer it for $ 20, just a few days prior. It regularly would have cost me $ 45, a non-​student rate. The offer came with a very cool Nike Dry-​Fit tank top, which I would gladly use.
I was excited to be inside the Nokia Theater for the first time. Coke was being given out in the new plastic bottles which are shaped like the old school glass bottle. I scored a coupled of Paul Mitchell samples but did not wait in line for any of the pampering services.
The concert was hosted by KIIS FM’s Boy Toy Jesse Lozano and Karli from the Block. The show opened with Season 4 winner’s of America’s Best Dance Crew, We Are Heroes, followed by a performance by Nikki & Rich.
Finally, Mike Posner was on stage. He threw his Nike kicks, one shoe at a time, into the audience. He was given another pair and ended up throwing those out as well. Haha, somebody in the crowd was asking for his jacket but he wouldn’t give that up.

THIS IS GIRL POWER, on CRACK, with style, free massages, and just plane awesomeness.
She Runs La is a project powered by Nike Pro. You register for the 10K «race,» which you do on your own at your own pace with no time limit. Easy peasy! 10K = 6.2 miles… we did ours by running 3.5 miles to Scoops and back. Most fun 6 miles in my life!
THEN, came the celebrating. Club Nokia was transformed into a pink palace, complete with KICKASS female role models like Dawn Harper and Marathoning queen gRACE padillia. There were free massages and manicures, courtesy of Bliss Spa in WeHo. Free coke products (including coconut water mmmm) and popchips. Free hair and make up from Paul Mitchell salons.
And if that wasn’t enough, Mike Posner stole the show and all the girls’ hearts! Such a charismatic sweetie! Amazing performance, got the house jumping!
As we left there were ecobags giveaway totes full of cosmetics, popchips, and other amazingness.
It was all about empowerment, charity, giving and growing. Amazing race, event, idea, and people!