Release the hounds! SkirtChaser 5K Tempe

I opened my email today and excitedly found the SkirtChaser 5k Valentine's Day Run in Tempe from my normal Active.com spam. With a catchy name like the SkirtChaser 5k, it had potential.

I have to hand it to the marketing crew, it's a great idea. The women (mostly in skirts) start out 3 minutes ahead and the guys pursue, all seeing who can get to the finish line first. I can picture the start of the race as the hounds of Mr. Burns running down Homer Simpson. Sadly skirts aren't required so the classic pickup line, "that's a nice skirt, it would look even better crumpled up on my bedroom floor" won't work in all cases here, even being Valentine's Day and all.

The after race festivities include a happy hour-like block party, dating games, and PG-13 fashion show. Quite possibly this could be the biggest party of the year with lonely singles excitedly chasing each other and then getting all liquored up as they lament about having no Valentine's to share the day with. Wording on the site tempts those lonely singles, "Be careful on that course! You may be the next "most likely to make out at the water station" winner!!"

Reading through the FAQs produced curious questions:

Q: Are strollers allowed?

A: Yes, you may run with a stroller but we ask that you start in the back of the men's wave (even for the ladies pushing the stroller). The course gets very crowded so to keep it safe strollers have to start very last.

Going with the skirt chasing theme, the Lemming's interpretation of that is that it would seem to indicate that guys don't want to chase women with strollers, or maybe that women with strollers should try to catch the guys that run from them, or perhaps that catching women pushing strollers would not be sporting? Regardless, that's what it says.

At any rate, it sounds like a blast, and until one comes to Pottawatomie I won't be "making out at the water station". If anyone makes it to the Skirt Chaser 5K, send me pictures, my email address is under my profile.

Date:

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Time:

02:00 PM

Venue:

Downtown Tempe

Address:

Tempe, AZ 85281

Additional Information

Winner Snags $500!
Regardless of gender, the first person across the line takes home the grand prize!

Catch Me Wave
The women's start will kickoff the event, with all women wearing a SkirtSports Skirt. Race Skirt included with entry.

SkirtChaser Wave
Catch us if you can! The men will eagerly watch as the women have a three-minute lead before their start.

Block Party
The post-race Block Party includes happy-hour style food and drinks, dating games and a fashion show- all the way down to the skivvies!