Old Town Scottsdale fun with the Giant Race

"Disclaimer: I received a complimentary entry to the Scottsdale Giant Race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Yesterday, I ran in the Scottsdale Giant Race 10k. What a nice event that was! I had taken some time off from running due to some knee issues and was hopeful that I could run this race without pain.  I’m so glad I did!

Packet pickup was a breeze. The only challenge was parking.  You had to be a bit resourceful – but it only took 5 minutes. Plus, there was a race gear store full of really nice shirts, hats and more, that was super tempting. Folks were strongly encouraged to pick up the day prior, but honestly it was available on race morning, and it would have been easy to just do it then.

On race morning, I was again worried about parking, but I ended up parking about a ½ mile away for free. There is a local “singing cowboy” who entertained folks near the check in and strolled around and chatted with us. He even let me pet his horse.

We lucked out and had perfect weather for the race.  There was both a 5k and a 10 but I went with the 10k. We started first.  They had native American hoop dancers performing at the start, and then the singing cowboy sang the national anthem. Everyone was dressed in San Francisco Giant fan gear!

The course was primarily on the Scottsdale Greenbelt – a paved path that goes along the golf course, ponds, and apartments.  Not a bad start to the day!  The 5k started 30 minutes after the 10k, and we didn’t have much overlap.  I was hoping to finish in under an hour, and I did! And, with no pain!

We finished on the field, which was fun.  I waited a few minutes because I knew my fellow BibRavePro Andrea was going to finish any minute in the 5k. I caught a snap of her crossing the finish line.

After receiving our medal – all finishers get the same medal, which is unfortunately one of my pet peeves – I made my way past the stands to the post-race goodies.  I heard the announcer mention cold beer. I don’t recall seeing that advertised, ,but hey, who am I to turn that down at 8am? There was yogurt, granola bars, frut cups, water, sports drinks,  and yes – cold local beer! They had Four Peaks Kilt Lifter.

Some of the racers were probably coming back for the spring training game in a few hours. The really fun thing about this race to me is the location. I only live 15-20 min away, but I never come to Old Town Scottsdale.  Parking can be a hassle, but it is full of character and it feels like another world. You step back into an old west town,  that is full of art galleries, souvenir shops, jewelry shops and tons of restaurants.  The area was BUSTLING by 10am.   I was very tempted to stay and play longer.  I met my friend for brunch and just walked there from the stadium.  Fun!

Next time, I will plan on staying in the area just a bit longer and shopping. The weather was gorgeous and it’s the best of both worlds. Run, stay, play!  I highly recommend this race for it’s charm, location and laid-back nature!