Awesome 80’s Run

I had a lot of fun running this race and my sister and I did it in heavy prom dresses (I even ended up having minor heat exhaustion at the end)! I have to admit that there were a lot of flaws (e.g., late start, not enough water, yada yada), but take into consideration that this was their first time setting up a race event in Pasadena, which already has so many strict rules because it’s PASADENA (if you went to 626 Night Market the first time they set it up, you know what I mean). I’m sure the race organizers tried their best to accommodate everybody, but things just didn’t work out as planned. First time events are always going to have a lot of kinks to work out, but when people give so much demoralizing negative feedback instead of constructive suggestions you completely forget the fact that it was fun!
My favorite part was seeing so many neon colors and costumes. Not too many people dressed up in elaborate costumes because it was too hot (everytime we ran by folks they would comment on how we were crazy to be running in prom dresses), but I still felt like I was transported back in time to a decade where being tacky was «in» and my dress was considered «cute» instead of UGLY. «I had the exact same dress!» said a few women who passed us. LOVE IT!

I will never run in another Superhero Events LLC event again. I posted a review on the Facebook page and the Awesome 80’s run FB admin seems to be removing negative posts. Ok. Edit your Facebook but let’s hope the Unilocalers can get some actual information on this event and the organizers. The run started far too late, the 5K runners being held back for about 40 minutes after the first wave so the «Pasadena PD can clear the roads for the run.» This statement alone tells me the organizers were not taking responsibility for how the event was run. Compound this with the fact that there was only one water station at the 1.5 mile mark. I can deal with this for a 5K, but this was dangerous and negligent for the 10K racers. No water at the end of the race, in 85 degree weather makes for a large, unhappy group of runners. This seems to be a problem with this organizer as I have read via FB that this happened at the Hollywood Half Marathon as well.
I’d rather they spent more money on actually organizing the event properly. The medel is cute, but put the money into what runners actually need; professionalism. Oh, and water.

Not «totally awesome.» Very disorganized, and running out of water for runners on a hot day with a late start is completely unacceptable.
I still had a nice run, but was seriously concerned for my well-​being and took walking breaks to avoid overheating and dehydration.
Improvements to be made:
1. Start on time (this is more important than waiting until the «warm up» dance is over). Additionally, the race should have started at least an hour earlier to avoid the heat.
2. Close off the road to traffic or cap the race at fewer runners so that people can start in a few waves, not 20.
3. DO NOT RUN OUT OF WATER! This was the most aggravating thing about the race. IF, despite your best planning, you run out of water at a station, at least send a volunteer to point out the one drinking fountain on the course. Many runners did not see the fountain and could have had a much less unpleasant experience with just a few sips of water from it.
4. Plan for people to be hungry after the race– bring enough Power Bars and/​or fruit for everyone.
5. Do not have everyone park inside the course, only to be unable to get out when they are done with their race, dehydrated and hungry.
6. Ask volunteers to be encouraging and cheering the runners, not standing in the shade, hiding because they have no more water.
Overall, I had a fun day because of the company I was with. However, the race itself was mostly miserable– I was hot, hungry, and thirsty before I was even allowed to cross the starting line. Think twice before doing a Superhero Events race.

Fun idea, but poor execution! The theme was a great idea and everyone had a blast dressing up, but aside from the costumes and awesome medals everything else was abysmal. First off the race was scheduled to start later than most races. The course was not closed off which resulted in an even later start. Running in the scorching heat is not ideal for a race. Another major issue was that there wasn’t enough hydration stations. There was only one station on the entire loop around the rose bowl. Once station wouldn’t be so bad if they did not run out of water midway through the race. Late start, High temperatures, and lack of hydration are definitely not good when you have thousands of people running.

My original review is below. However I feel the need to update and continue with what I have to say that I can’t say on their Facebook and review the race. Not once did I say that I didn’t enjoy the race and make the most out of the race. The concept was pretty awesome — getting a group of people to re-​live the fashion and style of the 80s with a carefree attitude. The pickup for the race packets were easy, breezy, and smooth. The medal was beautifully designed and I am grateful for the item. That was the reason why I believed that my original review deserved two stars versus one for the actual race.
My friends and I have been publicly attacked and harassed on their facebook. My comments were deleted and blocked from commenting. I wasn’t harassing the people who were saying they had a lot of fun and etc. Great! We were on there trying to get the race director to apologize or at least acknowledge the issues that were on hand from the race. There are some mean-​spirited comments that were made towards people that wanted their constructive criticism heard and acknowledged. It’s an industry standard to have water stations stocked and supplied. If water wasn’t at least supplied — why do I pay to attend these events? I rather have enough water, and no medal/​tshirts, I value my health. I understand that this race was quite cheap compared to other runs, however, with 90+ degree heat (which we knew) and not having adequate water for runners is not acceptable. Racers who were scheduled to run a 10k had to change to a 5k due to the lack of water and heat.
Comments made — «Real Racers know that you’re supposed to be hydrated and bring water to every race» «Seriously, you are all a bunch of rude and immature bunch of people. If you come on here to insult the race directors then I totally understand if they delete posts. If you give constructive criticism fine, but keep it civilized.» «Grow up. ENough… Move on.» «My my what classless, dysfunctional little children the two of them must have been. I assume both Mandi and the Wilson lady (presently not acting as one) are single. I can’t really imagine a man that would want two individuals that are so bitter. They come on a this page so gosh darn upset because things didn’t go there way on race day. Then they result to the use of crude language, usually used by individuals of markedly lowered intelligence AND slandering the name of a guys who seems to be genuinely nice. I met him on race day and I had a blast despite all these issue. I decided to have fun and so guess what I did. Tsk, tsk so shameful were these acts I decided to share my thoughts. «I had to wait to get out the parking lot (awww, tear (I have a remedy, next time they shouldn’t come:)) «Well there just wasn’t enough water!(waaaah, tear (Oh I have an epithet I think would go well with for this one: BYOWB — Bring your own water ?(the last letter stands for a reference I would never call a lady BUT since I have already determined I am not talking about ladies they may imply its reference if they so please. My Awesome 80’s Run friend why would you even respond to such stupidity» and so forth.
Because of those issues, I removed one star and WILL never put my well earned money into events/​races coordinated by SUPERHERO EVENTS LLC until things are changed.
I will also be emailing the above to the race director and see what type of response I get.

PROS:
* Awesome medal
* Awesome costumes
* Awesome cover band
* Easy packet pick up
* Free drinks
* 5 Hour Energy Drink gave out stuff
CONS:
* Started late
* Did not secure the whole street — lots of problems
* The photography booth that you take with the Delorean — Didn’t tell you it was $ 5 a photo. I ended up buying it cuz they printed it already –_​–
* Unorganized — because I finished my 5K before my friends even started their 10K. They started late and it was SO hot!
* They ran out of water for the 10K people. The 5K people had drinks.
PARKING:
Lots of parking cuz it’s Rose Bowl
But get there early cuz it’s a clusterf**k.
OVERALL:
I got in for a discounted price, so I was fine and I ran so that was a plus for me.
Good concept, just bad execution.

Great concept but needs a lot of work!
The same people who put together the Hollywood Run should have learned from that clusterfuck.
C’mon guys have enough water for the runners who you made wait in the blazing sun longer than they expected to be there.
Would I be back?
I can see this being a race that people bandit
If you are going to treat this as an easy run, why bother even paying since the course isn’t even closed off to the public. I don’t know if I will register for next year.
The late start
The lack of organization
The lack of water or snacks after the run
and the list goes on…
My friend and I just treated the run as an easy 10k and still came in the top 2% of the pack.
There is so much potential with this race but the right people aren’t running it. Those who are should just come up with the race idea and pass it along to someone who is more experienced in running a race that has thousands of registered runners.

Well, the medal was cool… The start was scheduled WAY too late and then ended up being even later and it was HOT! There was very little shade along the course and running in the heat and direct sun was killer. Really, only 1 water station? I brought my own water and still didn’t have enough water. Ended up walking loop #2 as I knew there wouldn’t be water to rehydrate if I had run it. Water cups at the 1^st stop were less than ½ full and then by the 2^nd time around, the cups were gone. A snack (banana, bagel, something) would’ve been greatly appreciated at the end as I think everyone was spent. Great idea, fun theme, but bad execution. Hoping they can learn from today and make the next 2 WAY better!

This was the worst race I have ever done, and I have been running for the past 17 years. First off, they were totally unorganized! The 10K was supposed to start at 9 AM which is late to begin with. They were not even finished getting all the 5K people off. They only had 1 water station on the course. And when we finished, they ran out of water to give the runners! WTF! NEVER AGAIN!

We showed up in force! Thousands of 80s Kids in America on Planet Earth showed up on a hot and sunny Pasadena morning, expecting to have a good old party with our 80s loving brothers and sisters. Then I Ran, like a Flock of Seagulls and Dexy’s Midnite Runners, We ALL ran, walked and strolled our way through an overcrowed and delayed 5k and 10k. After we listened to a guy introduce himself as «Michael Blackson», (huh?) spend too much time introducing his wife, (who cares) and congratulating himself, and not enough time, energy, and our money on making sure the water and aid stations were adequately stocked for the THOUSANDS of people who showed up! HELLO… It’s not like you didn’t know we were all coming! Then, when we finally finsihed, and the temperatures were over 90 degrees, I was HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF, with NO FOOD at the end of the race, and very little water, again! A couple of orange slices and a banana or two would have been nice. To the organizers of this race: Please, Don’t Come Around Here No More, Cuz in L.A., I Can’t Go for That, (No Can Do). I hope you get your act together before you do the event in San Diego, they have a high standard when it pertains to athletic events, They Gotta Fight For Their Right to Party, and I hope they drive you out of town! Also, so many great artists and genres of music in the 80s. Why don’t you expand your music library beyond Michael Jackson, and Earth, Wind and Fire? By the Way, the best part of this race was seeing people having a good time regardless of the circumstances. And, the Robert Palmer dancers were the BEST!!! How original!

This is my 2^nd run with Superhero events and my last. Where do I start… how bout at Packet Pick Up… you should have had a hotel lobby where we could see more vendors and do more shopping. Race day. park 5k runners out of the loop, since you started them first everyone knew they would end first and want to leave the parking lot, lot K was a joke, I felt sorry for those folks who were in long lines just to leave the parking lot. Start of the race., I understand that we were running on active streets and had to stay to the left. not a problem… but with the 5k waves taking forever to start that was a joke. I am sure if you just had someone at the start of the streets with a sign or PA system telling everyone to stay in the runners path we could have started the run on time. As for the water stations, I thought the station at 1 ¹⁄₅ miles was great. however did I miss the water station at mile 3? Then on lap two of the 10k. I was shocked when I had flashbacks to the Hollywood half… they were pouring water into hands… really, what a fricken joke! I thought you would have learned from the Hollywood ½ to have more cups. Ok the area past the finish line. why was it so packed? NO WATER immediately at the end… and when I found the water station I was told they were out. as they were waiting for some. Really. people are crossing the line and no water. so I look for fruit… wait NO FRUIT? another REALLY??? Then I go get my medal… it looks very cool… but I have to bend over in a very packed area and take off the timing chip off my shoe to give it back so I could get my medal. I asked was their a 10K medal. and was told no… everyone gets the same. Ok REALLY… why no difference? Maybe a different ribbon, with 10K on it… but make them different. some of us run for the medals. The lack of anything at the end was just wrong… oh sure I could have bought some water from the roach coach parked next to the venue. but who carrys money on them when they run. This event could have and should have been better. but what we had was a joke… never again SuperHero Events… you had promise… I hope you treat San Diego better in a few weeks… as I am sure they will be reading these post…

80’s theme which consist of madonnas running to avoid preaching from papa, and pacman chasing the rubics cube. Awesome cassette finisher medal and free parking. But damn, it’s HOT because the race started late due to the sold out event: 4000 runners.

This was a race organized by Super Hero Events LLC. Their telephone number is (888) 353‑0898. The race directors are Ken Nwadike Jr and his wife Sabrina. I don’t know where to start. I am assuming that Ken will not be responding to the several voice mails I left this morning on this office telephone number. So I will address the organizers in this forum. Ken, this was the worst organized race I have seen and participated in over twenty years of running. Ken, stop and read that sentence again. I have probably run in several hundred events in my lifetime. The start time was at least one hour too late. We, the runners, spent too much time watching you in a Michael Jackson costume and introducing your wife. Why? Your need for attention? The temperature is getting hotter. There was no value to your show. The wave start was not organized. There were no signs for runners who do 6,8,10 minute miles. The problem you stated on stage was because of the Pasadena Police Department. Ken, what happened to the management of this race? This statement suggests that you don’t take responsibility for your actions or worse that you were completely overwhelmed with this situation. I noticed after the fifth or sixth wave had begun their races you were no where to be seen. There were runners like me who were frustrated and you felt that the best action was to hide. Another fact that proves my point regarding your professionalism. Ken, I don’t believe you knew this course or knew how hot Pasadena could get in the late summer. Again, Ken, lack of professionalism. Ken, where was the water on the course? I know the answer without asking the question. It is probably something like my understaffed, unorganized team was on it. Ken, I was one of those runners who signed up for the 10K race and decided to bag this thing during the race and finish the 5K instead. This was the best decision I made this morning. This race was really bad. At my finish I would estimate the temperature at somewhere around 90 degrees. I really felt bad when I saw an ambulance leaving after I left. Ken, I hope you realize how serious it is to have active runners and no water. Overall, the race organizers seemed like disk jockeys who thought they could make money playing music and not worry about how the race went. Ken, how about refunds for the runners? Ken, you know that this was a terrible performance on your side. You should not be rewarded with such a lousy effort.
PS. I have gone to the Awesome 80s run Facebook webpage concerning the event. There seems to be a situation that a lot of negative reviews of this morning’s event have been deleted. It is amazing how social media works so fast.

Signed up for the 10K where the race started 30 minutes behind schedule. They started the 5K before the 10K, so pointless. At the 1 and only water station they ran out of water where the volunteers were sitting around not helping and a runner was pouring water into cups for other runners out of the 1 jug that was left. It was a hot day and unbearable conditions to run on day without water, what are you event organizers thinking!!! A bunch of people must’ve gotten dehydrated since the ambulance sirens were going off by the time people started finishing the first lap. The event sold out too, I was surprised how unorganized this was, NEVER AGAIN.

I was glad to complete my first 5k and the medal is beautiful.
However, there needed to be more water and more water stations. I would have given up some of the props for water. It made it hard with the heat and lack of water to give it my all. There were a few other things I would have changed but that is my biggest complaint. Its just dangerous. Lesson learned I will be bringing my own water to the next race.

I was in this race just for a fun run after recovering from a knee injury. There were lots of set backs in the race. The course was not on a closed road, so they set groups of people off in packs every 5 minutes to prevent overcrowding. If you wanted to run, you had to go into the street, which got you a quick mega phone «THIS IS NOT A CLOSED ROAD STAY TO THE SIDE» from the police. I was already concerned about the heat since the race started at 8:30. I think it would work better at 7:30 next year.
I was still enjoying the fun run and the costumes till on the last half mile, a traffic attendant made me stop running to let a couple cars out of the parking lot. I felt that was the most disrespectful moment I’ve had in racing. The entry was $ 35, and wasn’t catered to the runners.
I was in the 4^th wave of 5k runners, and the water station after the finish was out of water. I started to get pretty crabby. There wasn’t food available. Someone in the staff said there was coconut water, but that was out too by the time I found the booth. So, I sat in my car for an hour, dehydrated, waiting to get out of the parking lot, which due to the 10k taking off so late, was still closed off.
Everyone was happy with the medal, made of metal! I wish there was a little more detailing on it. It was my first time at the Rose Bowl, also there was no date, city, distance. Still very clever though.
The energy was good despite the shortcomings. I think the runners should be owed a free-​bee or discount to a local store as compensation for how unorganized the race was, for how expensive it was. I wont go through this organization next time, but I’ll watch out for the reviews to see if they start to figure things out.

hahahaha… I definitely agree with the majority of the reviewers here.
Poorly organized. No one knew what was going on. There was no race announcer telling you that’s it’s the 5k runners or the 10k runners. It was some random guy just saying, «ok go» and then stopping it randomly to make waves of runners. The 5k and 10k races started late and the temperature just kept going up and up as the time of the day kept ticking away.
The course. Again, because of the poor organization, they left the course open to non-​racers including random runners running in the opposite direction, walkers, walkers with strollers, walkers with dogs, and yes, even cyclists too were on the course. It was unfortunate if you ran really fast in that you had to run on the outside lane and in some cases, and even on the street to avoid the mess found on the loop itself.
Nutrition. They had one water station on the Rose Bowl loop. After I completed my first loop around and as I approached the same water station again, I soon realized (as well as everyone else) that they ran out water. For an elevated temperature on this 9.1.12 day, they just mis-​managed their water rations and well, it definitely effected people’s ability to finish strong.
Entertainment. I have to admit the only thing saving me from giving this an overall 1-​star review is the pretty good 80s music, all the different costumes, taking a picture with the Delorean, and the overall mood by most people there were pretty happy despite the lack of water and lack of organization.
Goodies. The cassette like medal was definitely unique and was greatly appreciated by me. Same with the cotton t-​shirt that came with the purchase of the race. So yah, even though the price for the 5k/​10k were pretty cheap in that you get a medal and shirt, I guess I can still forgo all those goodies, if they had at least managed the race system a lot better. The vendors did provide some solace since Jamba Juice, Naked Juice and the Coconut Water people were their providing the post-​race re-​hydration and electrolytes replenishment (It’s what plants crave.)
Final thoughts. Great music, great medal. I’m sure the experience would be a lot better in the other cities that is scheduled to be ran in. This «loop system» running was just a pain, and the fact that they ran out of water in their only water station was just a blow. Oh well. What can you do?!?
Race Results. Their website does not lead you to the race results. Go to
. Then click on Results. Then go to 80s run. Then click on either 5k or 10k.
Note to self: 45:35 10k in 2012.