like, OMG! this run was so rad

last year, i wasn't able to participate in the inaugural awesome 80s run at the rose bowl.  it'd been scheduled for the same weekend as the disneyland half, and took place while the disney kids' run was going on.  although i did collect my cassette tape medal at the 10K down in san diego, so it was all good.  this time around, there was no way i was going to miss out - especially as a race ambassador with superhero events, the company that organizes the run.

i managed to rope the teen into joining me to volunteer for a shift at the expo the day before the run.  we each took a spot at the check-in tables, handing out bibs and goody bags and fun neon sunglasses.

plus, i had a couple of friends who signed up to help out with us.  it was fun to see them and chat as we greeted the runners.

totally awesome tunes from the greatest decade ever were being spun by this dude.

and for a short time, we had this 80s icon parked behind us.  as a huge "back to the future" fan, the teen was stoked to see it.

because the city required us to charge for parking, we were offering these prepaid passes for half of what would be charged on race day.  the teen cut all of these out and handed them to me to initial.

the next morning dawned bright, sunny, and hot.  it was already close to 80 degrees as we approached the start time.

there was quite a long line to take pictures with the delorean.

the national anthem was sung live, and was beautifully done.  and then our race director, "michael blackson," and our very own run mc took the stage to welcome everyone and get them warmed up.

team superhero group shot!  can you see me?

also, it was nice to see my friend big ray.  the name is fitting - he's slouching down here!  dude is TALL.  but apparently not tall enough to shield us from getting photobombed by a fellow teammate.  heh.

there were a ton of people there.  i think we actually sold out of spots for this race.  ahead of me:

and behind.

the costumes were pretty fantastic.  some of these folks really went all out, although i was sweating just looking at a few of them.  but check these out:

this guy gets my vote for best costume.

can you see me in this one?

i did my best to get through the three miles without passing out from the heat.  first, this:

then this.

on the downhill finish, i ran past "michael" again.

then finally, i was done.

i stopped here to turn in my timing chip and collect my prize.

my buddy interview was there too, and we got in the blessedly short line for the delorean for a triumphant post-race shot.

super gnarly to the max, dude.