Rose Parade Bandit Run – Wed., Jan 1, 2014 – Super Early – Details Below

Rose Parade Bandit Run details: A while back I heard about some runners that annually run the Rose Parade backwards. So, I decided to give it a try. There is nothing official about it. This is not a formal event. There is no entry fee, no medal, no shirt, nothing, but fun at your own risk. Some friends are meeting on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 around 4:30 AM (depending how fast you are).

I did it for the first time a few of years ago and it was a blast. 2014 is the year to make sure you do it. You can check it off your bucket list if you haven’t already done it, and if you are into parades you can hang around, watch the parade after you finish your run and maybe, a little breakfast.

I realize it is difficult to hardly sleep then run but it is good practice for use full and half marathoners. It is also good practice running in this cold weather.

This is an unofficial 11 mile run that starts at the Starbucks, 3429 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. There are many FREE parking spaces available on the street behind Starbucks and at the Sierra Madre train station, which is across the street. The shopping centers security gets a little crazy about their parking lot.

This run basically starts beyond end of the Rose Parade route, goes to the beginning, where the floats are. We view the floats up close and run back for the Stealth Bomber fly over.

I will be getting to Starbucks around 4:30 AM Depending on your speed you should plan on leaving between 4:50 – 5:15 AM to make it to the beginning of the parade around 6 am. Groups will be leaving about every 5 minutes. Since it is about 5.5 miles you can do the math but if we all get up to the beginning by 6 – 6:10 AM it will give us 45 minutes to walk around and check out the floats. Since we have had many runners doing this that run different paces, we usually see each other walking around the floats. The parade starts at 8 AM but you need to start running back around 7:15 AM. If you leave too late we will get thrown off the route.

It is usually cold so you need to dress appropriately and bring layers. It can get cold walking around the floats. You much bring a hydration system or a bottle of water and money for beer, warm drinks or goodies afterwards. There are LIMITED porta-potties along the route. PRP at home please.

Parade Focused, Steve Mackel – SoCalRunning.com co-founder, since 2006

December 30, 2013 | Filed Under Steve's Posts 

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