Last weekend I participated in the Mardi Gras run (a Wiz Event) and it was definitely a fun, but smaller event. This race had 4 options: 15k, 10k, 5k run, and 5k walk – I chose the 5k run. The 5k was $40 and I used a $5 off discount code which brought the total with tax back to about $40. I don’t normally spend this amount on a race, but I love Mardi Gras (I’m from Southern Mississippi) aaannnd the medal is pretty dope. Wait til you see 😉
The race was advertised as a “big celebration with jazz music and more great tunes”. I would say it was more of a mediocre get together with a retired DJ. You tried your best Mr. DJ, I give you a gold star. 🙂 The event was held at Hospitality Point in the Mission Bay area. Parking was free and it was fairly easy to find a decent spot. The venue was a bit smaller than expected, but the course was scenic and easy to follow. Much to my surprise, however, there were only three Porta Potties along with one women’s bathroom and one men’s bathroom. I really anticipated more bathrooms given this was expected to be such a huge celebration.
The course had nice support from the volunteers and water along with beads and leis were offered at the halfway mark. The DJ kept up the energy as each finisher crossed and we were met with medals and water as well as bagels, peanut butter, and bananas.
There were a few vendors, but again I expected a bit more…and there was a photo booth along with a food truck offering authentic New Orleans cuisine. Some participants dressed up in festive costumes so I really enjoyed the vibe of this race, but was definitely expecting a bigger celebration. I felt that there could have been a bit more energy (this is supposed to be Mardi Gras after all) and maybe even some activity stations for the kids. I didn’t order anything from the food truck because I wasn’t really craving fried food at 9am after running 3 miles and food was not included in the registration price.
I did try a sample of the Arctic Zero frozen dessert. I tried the salted caramel flavor and was surprised at how tasty it was since it was…are you ready…lactose free, gluten free, GMO free, fat free, and Kosher. Basically it was made from swan saliva and unicorn blood, but it wasn’t bad.
Also, let me just say…the organizers of this race clearly have never been to an actual Mardi Gras celebration as there was not one drop of alcohol in sight! Overall, I would say it was a well-organized race with a decent attempt at recreating a Mardi Gras party, but sadly it fell short in the celebration area. I do feel that it could be improved and I hope to see a much bigger celebration in future years.
So what was the SWAG?
Your eyes are not deceiving you…That is a light up jester hat!
Shirts were offered for an extra $10 so I passed on that one.
A string of beads and a lei.
Free professional pictures.
Beautiful scenery cause I always count that as swag.
And a rad medal. 15k participants received the same medal, but with a fancier ribbon.
I would mostly likely do this race again because I’m a sucker for unique medals…but maybe they will at least have Daiquiris at the next one.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
~SM
The Swag Mama 