I beat my 10K PR!!! 1:04:58…read more For this run, I saddled up and drove over 350 miles of sun-bleached, blistered terrain to "The West's Most Western Town": Scottsdale, Arizona. "The Night Run," Arizona's oldest night race and a 25-year tradition in Old Town, beckoned. And I listened. You see, I had four BIG reasons for making this trek: I had yet to run an evening race; Phoenix just so happens to be my 5th through 7th grade stomping grounds; as challenged by Adam Richman, Chompie's had forever been bookmarked; and I wanted--no, I REALLY wanted--that glow-in-the-dark Night Run medal! But to beat my Personal Record in AZ, it wasn't easy... At 7:20pm--sundown in the wild west--it was still a dry 84F. Over 1200 shoe-laced die-hards, armed and necklaced with glowsticks, sidled up to the starting line. There were mosquitos... And at 7:30pm, we were off! The double-looped course for the most part ran alongside the city's streets--red cones separating runners and traffic--but then it also wandered in and around the park and pond of the Civic Center Mall. It was very dark at times, and although volunteers assisted, waving glowing batons, the cars being so close felt a bit dangerous. Maybe it's just me. Yet I pushed. This route was pretty much flat, and I knew I could maintain. I had to. I needed to. I did. Nevertheless, I had great fun, Scottsdale! And I'm sure that next year "Owl Be Back!" =]

The Night Run is an unusual run in a nice setting. Earlier tonight (by this time of night,…read moretechnically yesterday) I participated in the 5k portion of the Night Run for the first time. I've done a lot of races, but this was the first one that I ever did that was completely in the dark. I found it to be a generally good race, but with some important organizational hiccups. Here's the breakdown of what I thought was noteworthy: PROS: - Unusual, novel event, unlike other races - Very family-friendly, with kid-inclusive side events - Good course in a good part of town - Ample police presence and road closures for runner safety - Plenty of volunteers along race route, most with lighted batons and easy to spot - Everyone gets a glow-in-the-dark medal! CONS: - There was a huge amount of disorganization at the event for bib, goodie bag, and t-shirt pickup. I got there more than an hour early and it made very little difference. Extremely large crowds made it impossible to view most expo booths. (Was there some kind of prize wheel? I would have checked that out.) Bib pickup was the worst. There was no real separation of bib pickup into alphabetical groupings. Getting your race packet meant you had to wait a very long time in a huge confused crowd for your bib, then walk all the way around the expo to avoid the bib crowd to go to a separate table for your bag, then get in ANOTHER separate long line for your t-shirt. Amazing. Also, the event confirmation email said to ask the people giving out bibs for a timing chip if you decided you wanted to buy one -- but that was not true. The person who gave me my bib could not even tell me where to get a chip and did not try to help. Turns out that was yet another separate table and separate line! I've never gotten into so many separate, long lines just to assemble the pieces of my packet. It took forever, and no one seemed to know what was going on. - There were two water stations on the route, but the first was completely unmanned. It was just two orange cooler-dispenser things surrounded by cups and a huge crowd of stationary runners, waiting their turn. This does not make any sense in a chip-timed race. I did not get water at the first water station because I did not want to have to completely stop moving, just to wind up standing in another line, in the middle of the race. - There was very little light at the finish line, making it hard to see well enough to even get a medal. To top it off, race organizers or volunteers were spraying everyone with these squirt gun water-tube things. (I saw that they had prepared tubs of water to fill these things with, before the race, so it wasn't just some random person playing a prank. I didn't find out what the tubs of water were for until the end of the race.) This wasn't a mist; it wasn't coming down from above; they were spraying these things at us, pretty much sideways. I wear glasses, so when the water went right in my face, I couldn't see where I was going. It was not helpful, not refreshing -- more like a huge annoyance and a very real hazard. I appreciate that they were trying to do something nice, but spraying water in my face and all over my glasses, when I already can't see because it's so dark, AND I have runners coming down the chute behind me, is NOT NICE. Do you know how disoriented runners are when they come down the finish chute? Seriously, everyone is sort of mentally gone. You just don't do this. IN CONCLUSION: Would I do it again? Maybe, but only if: 1. I carried my own water, 2. I was able to get to the running store to pick up my packet in advance, and 3. I could get some assurance that no one working for The Night Run would spray the race finishers in the eyes with a big squirt gun, as the runners staggered around in the dark in a state of running-induced mental vacancy. The problems with the race could easily be fixed. I'm assuming that the race organizers are good people who want to plan a safe and fun event, so I'm hoping that this detailed feedback is useful to that end.

Fun and well run 5K course that starts and ends at Mill Ave Bridge in Tempe, AZ. I've run this…read moreevent twice now (2020, 2022), and have had a lot of fun! I like that you're able to run on the bridge! The 5K starts at 8 am on Saturday of Rock N Roll weekend so be absolutely sure to pick your packet on Friday! Add the 5K to your Sunday 10K, half or full marathon to complete the Remix Challenge and get an additional medal!!

3rd annual 5K at RNR AZ. I was going to be a spectator but so glad I became a runner. Now I will…read morehave a chance to get two more medals tomorrow for a completing a race plus running both days! Just about six months ago when I crossed the finish line at the San Francisco marathon, my mini me said she wanted to run 5K after being inspired by my trainings and result. So we trained together for the past six months. She couldn't even run a half mile in the beginning. For someone like her to cross the finish line at 37 mins strong, I must say that was pretty impressive! Our weekly training paid off. So glad I was able to experience her joy with her. It helped her with self confidence. Bib pick up: available on Friday from noon or on the race from 6:30am only for 5K and kids run. Expo is fun, lots of different vendors to visit. Picking up bibs for both events was easy, well organized. Parking on the race day: available for free at 700 west rio salado. Seemed like a plenty of then, it was easy, perhaps It was easy due to Saturday event being smaller. I will find out tomorrow how bad it might be. Race is well organized, and fun, fun, fun. One aid station about mid way. One live band and two DJs. Family friendly events, my mini me was at the corral 3 and had no problems with crowds. My boy and I were at corral 1, got to talk with fellow runners before the race. One runner from LA, who he said hoping to get #1 on full tomorrow shared his story how he inspired and trained his family members. After race event: adult gets one free beer. Be sure to carry your ID with you while running. Since I had two minors, I was hoping I can use their beer tickets to get me more but they marked on my bib and was allowed only one. Concert was fun too. Not as crowded as Sunday, easy to hangout and enjoy. All in all, it was such a family bonding event for me. We trained together and run together. 6 mins or 16 mins per mile, a mile is a mile. That's what I kept saying to her. We all achieved our own goal time, we became stronger together. Looking forward to more running and fun time tomorrow!

I came better prepared this year. From the previous review, you could tell I was absolutely livid…read moreabout the parking situation, so this time instead of exiting on Indian Bend, my friends and I exited earlier on Pima Rd and took Hayden up to the parking area. There was still a long line but faster than waiting an hour in the car last year. There was group yoga warm ups at around 6:30 and again at 7:00am, which made it a nice way to start the cold, brisk morning with a stretch. Everyone was suffering because it was so cold this time, but moving around made it better. Now that I'm a more seasoned runner, I did the 15K instead of the 5K, which is about 9.3 miles. This was my first experience being in the first corral of runners too, which was kind of intimidating for some reason even though it was a fun run. One of the girls was in a specialized wheel chair so she even had a 1 minute head start, but she flew like the wind leading the way. I was expecting actual hot chocolate along the run this time, because of rumors, but instead there was tons of Gatorade stations. If you didn't want Gatorade, there was also water available and port-a-pottys at each station. The one chocolate stop I was looking forward too was not hot chocolate. Instead it was just Godiva candy. Even though I was slightly disappointed I survived. I layered on so much clothing because it was so cold that I felt overwhelmed during the run after the first mile. I now will never run with a hoodie, over a long sleeved shirt over an undershirt, so that's one thing I might change next year. The course itself was nice. Nothing extraordinary. Running through Scottsdale is always nice since there are plenty of trees lining the way. You even ran past the Butterfly World building during the run. There are a couple of hair pin turns on the run, so that was my only complaint. It wouldn't been alot easier if they rounded those couple of turns a bit better.

The Hot Chocolate 15/5K run or as I like to call it, "walk at a slightly faster pace" is one of the…read moreonly events like this that I have participated in, here in the valley, on my almost free will. (Seriously, how much free will or will power can there be when chocolate is involved?) I don't even think I own a real pair of sneakers but the promise of hot chocolate can convince me to do a lot of things. With that in mind, as someone who know absolutely nothing about running other than from my elementary school days, I thought the event was very well organized and the course was pleasant even for a novice. The well deserved hot chocolate you earn is delicious. Thick and full of flavor. Smart choice on that one organizers. Could the hot chocolate at the end of the race be bigger? Ah, yeah! But probably nothing short of getting to drench yourself in a bath of chocolate at the end would be enough. It could always be bigger. Maybe you could get two cups? No? Can't hurt a girl for trying. I have a feeling though many other runners were not solely motivated by the promise of delicious treats at the finish line. The proceeds from the run go to Ronald McDonald House Charities in each city the race is ran. The cost to run also includes a hoodie which you pick up prior to the event and can wear during the run. It is a nice way to make everyone feel like they belong whilst the faster runners push you out of the way for being too slow. Also, there are many photo opts during the run and afterwards you receive an email to claim the photos if you so choose. This seems pretty typical but is a nice way to remind you of how you friends tricked you into waking up early that day for good parking. Maybe I can just volunteer next time. They get chocolate too, right?

Really enjoyed our recent visit to the Phoenix Rising stadium! We attended a game ages ago when…read morethey were on the field between Tempe and Scottsdale, so so excited to have an official stadium that's located closely for us to visit, not to mention the light rail stops right in front of it, making it super accessible! Bonus, you get to ride free on game days! They have actual seats and some bleacher seating. We had some seats right in front of the goalie, so great view. It was quite easy getting into the stadium, they have security and permit two sealed water bottles per person, which I highly recommend bringing. Most of their offerings are quite affordable, but it's just to hot to be buying $6 water bottles. A lot of the vendors are food trucks or miscellaneous stands. We ate before, but did hit up a delicious donut truck for a sweet treat! They also feature a 3-3-4 night at their summer home games where you can get a three dolla beer, lemonade or four dolla hot dog! So definitely a great option if you're eating at the stadium! We of course hit up the gear shop and got a hat to rock at future games! Price's aren't too bad and same as online, which is nice. Overall, a fun game! They had colored smoke go off every time PHX Rising made a goal, This one was a draw, but looking forward to future games!

The parking lot is a bit ghetto here. Unpaved with huge holes in some areas. Leave early to avoid…read morebeing stuck in the one lane exit party. No Mexican food here. All I got was a hard, nasty pretzel. Still was a good place to watch a game. Nobody checks tickets, so buy cheap and move. Rising blew a 3-0 lead in this tie.

I like chocolate. I like chiles. I also have a paid membership to the botanical gardens which means…read morethe event was free for us. So, it was a match made in chocolate-chile heaven! We got here on Sunday around 3:30-4 so while the weather was absolutely gorgeous unfortunately there weren't a lot of samples and vendors left. The most memorable sample I tried was from Xocolatl who sells a divinely nuanced Oaxacan hot chocolate from Mexico. In addition to chocolate there were booths with pepper jelly, dried peppers, and there was a vendor that was selling roasted Anaheim chiles for $3.75/lb. (I thought this was odd since the entire booth was covered in poblano peppers which made me think the roasted peppers were actually going to be poblanos). There was also live music to enjoy and a cash bar. While I was disappointed there weren't more booths to browse through it might be because we came so late in the day on the last day of the festival. If I go again in the future I'll go earlier on the weekend. 3.5/5.

As Jew in the Isreal army, I visited America for first time week last. Handsome young man named…read moreMatt helped me buy first kart but i end up buying six more. Good deal, he promise me play Mario Kart together if I do. i crash into small child and they go hospital but still fun. Next time I in America, I visit again.

Went here not knowing a lot about kart racing and not even from the area. But wanted to talk to…read moresomeone who was knowledgeable about it. The owner took a hr out of his day to answer any and all of my questions. Definitely recommend!!

Stopped on a whim and had the best time!…read more We purchased three races each and got on the track pretty quickly. They give new racers the run down on how everything works, the flag system, etc. Explained the red button on the steering wheel that should only be used if necessary to back up. When my husband asked if the green button on the steering wheel was to boost your speed, the guy said if you think it does, then yes. LOL The carts go fast and it's a lot of fun. I like that after your race, you can get your results up at the counter inside to see where you ranked, your fastest lap, etc. I had one incident on my last race where I spun out and then someone hit me at full force. The flag guy ran over to make sure I was OK. My pride made me tell him yes, I was fine but it actually hurt. But I'm a big girl and can handle getting roughed up a little. LOL Thankfully it happened on my last race because my car did not handle too well after that - it shook terribly. I felt that the staff were patient, helpful and want everyone to have a good time. Our only issue was that we waited forever for our last race. They never called our names and group after group after group went on the course. Turns out they had somehow forgot about us. Arcade games, food, photo opps are inside and like I said, we had the best time!

They need to service their karts. 4 out of 5 times I come here, I'm in a bad kart. Kart doesn't…read moredrive straight and brakes were stuck on to where I have to physically pull back on the brakes to get it unstuck. I always buy one race instead of 3 because i don't know condition of karts. I've been to other k1's so I know how they should feel. Waste of money

Better than your everyday flea market; been going here since I was a kid & has never disappointed…read moreme, you'll for sure find something here if your old school but yea good stuff & fun!

Reminds me of yard sales haha I can always find what I need here just for gifts and what notsread more

This was such a fun escape room! When you first arrive there's a lounge room to wait in, pick out…read moresome costumes if you want, and there's a mini "warm-up" puzzle. Then, they take you into the escape room where there's some cubbies to store your personal belongings. There is only one escape room here and it's called Sal's Cybernetics and is for 2-6 people. The theme was really immersive and there were some really cool puzzles to solve! The staff increases the difficultly based on the teams progress so we got the hard version and solved everything in 42 minutes.

Friends and I came to do their escape room, and we couldn't be more impressed. Everyone in the…read moregroup had done an escape room before, but the consensus was this was a cut above. It was fun, with costumes and accessories to set the mood before you get into the room. The whole place had a coherent vibe from the second you walk in the door, and they do a good job of tuning you to their frequency. The theme is a sort of technological dystopia, cyber-punk with a touch of steampunk nostalgia. The room itself had a dynamic level of difficulty. I enjoyed the story, which followed us throughout and made sense with the aesthetic. The hints are just right to keep play active but engaging. The puzzle involves some moving around, but nothing physical enough to alienate people. (I had a knee injury acting up and I could do everything just fine.) Staff was helpful, and shared cool facts about their process and vision. We can't wait to go back when they open another room!