There is always something exciting about race weekend. It starts with the Expo. You’ve been training for months and race day is right around the corner. It’s a perfect place for out-of-town travelers to pick up something they have forgot to pack. It’s also a great place to score some new gear with the event’s name. We all need that jacket with the race name and location across it, right? More on that later.
But most of all, it is a way to get excited for the race itself. The energy at a large and lively expo is thrilling. Here are some other reasons to love it:
There are motivational signs:
There are familiar brands wanting you to try their latest flavor or old favorites:
There are booths to purchase exclusive race gear:
There are races (local and around the world) with special promos for registration:
There are familiar faces and new friends:
@pavementrunner nice to meet you in person!!! :)
— Patra Boodsayaskul (@PBoody) April 5, 2013
On my way to the #RnRSF Expo! cc: @pavementrunner
— Jane (@janepfrank) April 5, 2013
At the expo @pavementrunner . Juiced for #RnRSF on Sunday!
— ⓢⓗⓔⓔⓝⓐ (@sheenabean13) April 5, 2013
#raceday — Julie Logan (@thejulielogan) April 7, 2013
Best way to recover after a 50 miler? how about a half marathon? San Francisco Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon done!… — Tony Nguyen (@Endorphin_Dude) April 7, 2013
I also got to meet up with:
I heart #SF. :)
— iRun Maiden (@irun_maiden) April 5, 2013
I cannot wait for this Sunday! Doing the #RnRSF & following it up with a celebration @alamedafaires !!!!!
— Sam Livermore (@Saminal_) April 5, 2013
On top of picking up my bib and (awesome) tech tee, I was able to grab a jacket and hat… gotta represent for the inaugural race, right?
I’ll have my race day recap up tomorrow. I should also have the GoPro footage all set as well. There were some technical difficulties (of course), but I got what was important and think you’ll enjoy it.
Here is a quick preview of the finish line view:
Yep, that is Alcatraz, or “the Rock”, within clear view at the Rock ‘n’ Roll finish line – get it? the rock… rock ‘n’ roll.
Wanna race a Rock ‘n’ Roll Event in California?
Save $10 on RnR in San Diego (June), San Jose (Oct.) and LA (Oct.): PAVEMENTRUNNER10
or Save $5 on the Mini Marathon — typically 3-5 miles: PAVEMENTRUNNER5
I was able to participate with the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Francisco event as a blogger participant. I’m currently running the California races (5) as a Rock ‘n’ Blogger. My entry was included, but they won’t run the miles for me. I have to do them myself. I was not compensated monetarily, but if they wanted to give me a million dollars, I wouldn’t be against it.
What do you love most about an expo?
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I love the sales! Somebody always has some gear I don’t need on sale :-)
hahha… so true.
I love seeing all the new products, the samples/freebies, getting all my products at one place, the energy, and the deals. I also think the Expo is a great place to discover new brands.
it’s a free-for-all of exciting things… runner overload.
I went to the expo in Las Vegas last year even though I wasn’t running! So inspiring! Can’t wait to read your recap!
going to an expo when you are not running the race is the true sign of being a dedicated runner… that, or having an itch to do some shopping. :)
i love walking around, meeting new people, checking out new brands, and really just the whole atmosphere of the excitement that’s in the air pre-race!
always fun. hard not too spend too much time there.
So fun. I wish there were more bloggers travelling to Little Rock for our marathon. I love to just look around – especially at the One More Mile booth with all the shirts with funny sayings. Sometimes it’s good people watching too ;-)
I wanna run that one. Doesn’t it have the BIGGEST medal ever?
I will most likely be meeting you for the very first time at the EXPO in May so, that’s what I will be looking forward to most at the next one! Yahooooooooo!
that meet up might make it the. best. expo. ever.
Ah that view!!! Can’t wait to read your recap!
it’ll be a good one with MORE views.
You’re famous ;) And you almost make me want to run another half with that awesome expo and view! Someday…and hopefully I’ll get to meet you and the first lady!
I’ll be famous when I get a picture with LLL — but that might mean I make a trip to another country.
look at you lucky guy meeting so many pretty ladies! and awesome runners! i’m jealous!
haha… it’s a nice mix of scholarly gentlemen and classy ladies.
AMAAAAAZING VIEW!!! Love! I really want to for a Rock and Roll Marathon. I am thinking Montreal 2014?!
someone caught the racing bug… how about San Francisco 2014?
I love the excitement in the air at expos! I have worked several RnR expos and I just love being there and talking to the runners!
must be so cool to meet so many people by working one… could be fun.
I love so much about an Expo. If I’m there with friends, we shop around the booths, but the most fun I have is getting my bib.
there is something special about looking at your bib for the first time… makes it “real.”
I think RnR has one of the best expos – which race apparel I actually like! :) My favorite running shirt is probably still the one I got at the New Orleans RnR marathon last year.
they always have some great vendors and plenty of them at their Expos.
Wow, gorgeous view! We were only in SF once… I’d love to go back sometime. You met so many fun bloggers! I love that aspect of blogging- always someone to meet up with at a race!
it’s always fun to meet bloggers in real life… it’s also weird to see runners in regular clothes. LOL.
LOVE expos :) I am hoping that there are tons more this summer in LA!! I will go to ALL!!
GigiEatsExpos
I would really love to run a San Fran race someday. I would love those views.
if you ever make it out here, drop me a line. there are plenty of races to choose from.
I love race expos! All the fun gear and gadgets in one place is so exciting.
so much fun to check out what is the latest and greatest.
SALES!… Be still my pitter patting shopping heart!
be still your credit card… :)
I should have bought a hat! I have issues with most of the race specific items not fitting me :( so I wasn’t able to purchase the tank top I really wanted, but I’m going to rock my awesome tech tee!
I love the tech tee… it’s a slick black, which is nice.
All the races I’ve run have had shirt & bib pickup, except for NWM, so for me it was awesome to just be there and soak it in.
The energy is always amazing… just something in the air.