To be honest, I had no intention of running the Adidas City Runs 1 Hour event. Not because I didn’t want too, but because with a long weekend ahead of events, I thought I would take it easy (and the price seemed pretty trumpy for a 1 hour run). So after being proposed the opportunity to pace Elle (www.keepitsimpelle.com) to hit 10k within the hour, I pretty much jumped at the chance because I never turn down a opportunity to run!
1 Hour, No Limits
Well, apart from the time limit of an hour and a single mile lap, the distance you could go was ‘limitless’. Bad thing is that aiming for ‘limitless’ is tough and gives you no guide on how to attack the situation in a smart way. Luckily we had a goal! 10km within the hour was what we were aiming to do, so hitting 6 min kilometres was the ideal scenario. As Elle had been away from pounding the streets for awhile, I know how hard running is after months off, so the game plan was to take it easy (apart from a dash from the start line for a photo opportunity) and keep the run steady! That is exactly what we did!
The course was familiar as it’s literally around the corner from my place of work. Even though it’s a repetitive one mile loop which had a very nice setting (especially if you are not a regular to these parts), I didn’t find myself getting bored. I thought that this would put a downer on the run, but I was very wrong. As a proud member of Adidas Runners London, the full squad were out to show support at every corner and its this reason why the event was so good.
adidas city runs 1 hour
With a one mile lap, you were never alone. I have been in long races before where after a few miles, you end up running solo; either because your faster or not as fast as the rest of your competitors. The crowd didn’t seem to lose enthusiasm and that was a major boost which ultimately kept you feeling encouraged.
I liked the fact that there were timers around the course that made for consistent reminders that there was room for more! The run wasn’t over until the clock said 0:00:00. Another stand out feature was that no one was a loser in this run. That feeling itself is a great one for attracting those who might not be as regular to events in the fear that they might not finish at all. 200 meters of running could net you a medal. Yes it sounds daft, but inclusion is a big problem when it comes to events nowadays as there are simply so many people that feel as if they ‘just can’t do it!’. This event definitely got rid of such ideas. At the sound of the final claxon it was actually quite cool to see everyone who just put their all into the last minuet come to a grinding stop as the run was over.
adidas city runs 1 hour
Would I do Adidas City Runs 1 Hour again?
Adidas created a very simple event based on a easy idea and it worked. People looked like they were having a great time and the support was there. Yes, a 1 mile lap isn’t the most exciting thing in the world (almost reminiscent of a running track) but it made for an exciting inclusion to the Adidas City Runs series. Will it bring runners back next year? It probably will. Will it get people to sign up to other Adidas City Runs? I think so. They did a great job of putting on an event that everyone can enjoy and take part in, which ultimately, is the point.
….Ohh and by the way, we hit the 10k goal!
Were you at the Adidas City Runs 1 Hour event? How far did you get in your hour? If you did do it, will you return next year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments and thanks for reading.
The Urban Challenger 