We’ve been talking about putting together this race for many months after we watched November Proejct Boston pull off a similarly challenging event. It took a few months of thinking “Hey, wouldn’t that be cool!?”, bleeding into another few months of “How is this thing going to actually work” to finally “What date are we going to make this happen?” For years now we’ve been watching our members push themselves, workout after workout, running more miles at faster paces, taking on ever bigger challenges and gently nudging each other to improve with each new event. Watching everyone improve in this way inspired us to put out a daunting challenge, something that is intentionally just a little bit intimidating.
The fact of the matter is that we know the Gin Riot is bigger and tougher than anything we’ve thrown out there yet. It’s going to be a tough race for everyone, no matter how fast you are. But if watching everyone’s perseverance over the last several years has taught us anything it’s that, no matter what you think you’re capable of, you’re actually capable of a great deal more. The Gin Riot is meant to be conquered, and it’s meant to be conquered by you.
It takes a village to pull off fun events and we are super excited to be partnering with Caledonia Spirits (Barr Hill Gin) to co-host this event, ending it with some Gin cocktails at Johnny Rads on Eastern Avenue. Notably, it sometimes takes more than the three of us to pull off fun events. If you have been thinking “DANG, The Gin Riot looks super rad but I have this nagging injury,” or “I would love to do it but this isn’t the time for me,” WE HAVE THE SPACE FOR YOU! We are now looking for a few volunteers to help us with the logistics on the day of. If you want to be involved but can’t run for whatever reason, reach out to Bryson, Nick or Kaye or let us know at one of the workouts this week. If you have an awesome skill like cheerleading at a water stop, or photographing runners in the wild, or want to test out your new videographing equipment, NOW IS YOUR TIME! Hit us up.
LOGISTIC DETAILS: The important stuff
We will open our super serious registration at 4:20PM at Rash Field where you can come, learn the route and get your shiny bib. There will be a car there to transport gear that you can pick up at the end (Please keep it small…it’s just one car and it’s a subaru). We will begin explaining the race at 4:50, bounce at 4:55PM and the race will kick off with the first 5 burpees immediately after that. We don’t plan to putz around so don’t show up late. There is an after party to get to, afterall!
This 8.8 mile route is fairly simple but we do want to point out a few spots:
- Begin with 5 burpees and proceed onto 6 laps of PR day style Rash Field Loops. When you finish the sixth lap, no need to do burpees, just head to the race route on the promenade. This will eventually you to Patterson park.
- The map is above and we will have printouts before the race. We aren’t asking people to do any extra mileage (around the Aquarium etc) as we’re attempting to take the most direct route. If you ever get lost, simply get back on the promenade, the only detours are because of construction.
- At Pier 5 you’ll curve around the building and hop over the bridge to harbor east. Continue on the promenade past under armor until you have to follow detour signs with the construction. At this point *PLEASE* follow the construction signage and stay on the sidewalk/crosswalks to keep yourselves safe. Make a right on Eden Street ( by Teavolve) to get back on the promenade.
- Stay on the promenade until you hit Captain James Crab Shack, at which you will make a sharp left to get off the promenade up to Boston Street. We are hoping one of our volunteers will be here to check in with and will guide you up to Boston Street!
- You will cross Boston street (again at the crosswalk and when there is an appropriate walk signal) and turn right, run along Boston for one block until you get to Patterson Park ave, turn left and head all the way up Patterson park to the corner of Baltimore and Patterson Park.
- At this point you will begin your three hills. In-between hills we ask you to turn into the park and head up the short steps as we normally do on Fridays. When you’ve completed your final hill you will run to the finish line at the Pagoda!! Just like that, you did it!! CELEBRATIONS!
- PLEASE NOTE: If this seems at all confusing we promise we will have some volunteers to help you sort out any parts. Stay on the mapped course and you’ll do great! Feel free to reach out with questions.
AFTER PARTY LOGISTICS:
We are super excited to host the after party at Johnny Rads in collaboration with Barr Hill Gin of Caledonia Spirits. They will be serving three specialty Gin Riot cocktails for the occasion!! We expect people to finish, cheer on the group finishing after them and mosey down to Johnny Rad’s as they please. If we show up in small groups it will be easier for the staff, however, we know how deep it runs in our NP blood that we should stay and cheer on all the finishers. A healthy mix of both is encouraged!
If we are really lucky all your co-leaders and Alex of Barr Hill Gin will #justshowup in this outfit…you’ll have to show up to find out though. Looking forward to seeing everyone! E-mail Novemberprojectbmore@gmail.com with any questions!
