On the Road with the Diva Dash

We started in Colorado. Packed and ready to go with 12,000 pounds of obstacles, merchandise, equipment and race gear.

Leaving Colorado...
 



My Goodness Kansas is long.
But there's a lot of information on the highway...

Still in Kansas.

We made a few stops along the way...

A few beers.

Got in a little mountain biking in central Missouri.

More beers.

Lunch on the road...

Bored enough to take a self portrait.

 

Then rolled into Atlanta on Monday.
 

 

Followed by a week of set up, rain, more rain, 4 hours to take down, did I mention rain and 3 days travel back through a snowstorm.

 

Through it all a great event. The 1000+ ladies who ran the Atlanta Event were smiling the whole way. It always amazes me how cheerful and excited they are to be out running and challenging themselves on the 3 mile course.

 

 



Top Secret: New Diva Dash Obstacle #2

Behind the scenes of the Diva Dash. More obstacle construction.

Code Name: Reach for the Sky

21 feet long.

14 feet wide.

Foot rails on the left side of obstacle.

 

2 specific lanes that will acommodate over 10 racers.

 

 

 

The concept: Racers approach the obstacle and choose either the left or right lane. Racers then use the step provided and use the hand rails overhead and swing their way to the end of the obstacle. Racers who prefer, may use the left side of the obstacle that contains foot rungs that will aid in the process.

 

 

Top Secret: New Diva Dash Obstacle #1

Another look behind the scenes of the Diva Dash.
Secret photos of the construction of an obstacle.

Code Name: Shopping Cart Corrall

18 feet long.

3 feet high.

6 lanes of racers.

Maximum Capacity: over 24 racers.

The concept:
Racers approach the "Swinging Steps" and choose one of 6 lanes. Using the handrails, racers step onto the flexible step and swing to the next flexible step and advance down the lane.

 

 

 

Diva Dash Ambassador Program

Do you know anyone who would like a free iPod Shuffle, a pair of running shoes and free entry to the Diva Dash?

Let me tell you about the Diva Dash Ambassador Program.

The Diva Dash is a women-only adventure obstacle run. It is sponsored by SHAPE Magazine. The 5K course is designed to challenge and empower women with obstacles that test strength, speed, balance, agility, etc.

The purpose of the Ambassador is to promote and expose women to the Shape Diva Dash and encourage fitness, fellowship and fun. By encouraging teams to register together we feel that shared experiences will help create bonds and further empower women to be healthy and strong.

Each Ambassador will receive posters, postcards, and a unique coupon code that saves $5 off registration. Use your network to distribute your code and receive free benefits for every 10, 25, 50 times your code is used for registration. For example, a free Diva Dash entry is the first benefit after 10 registrations.

The only place that you cannot post your code is the Diva Dash Facebook page.

Know anyone who is interested?

Want to find out more about the benefits of being a Diva Dash Ambassador?

Email ambassadors@adventurefit.com with your name and a few sentences describing yourself. Tell us why you are interested in the Diva Dash and reasons why you would make an awesome Diva Dash Ambassador.

The Diva Dash- A unique perspective

Let’s talk a little bit about the Diva Dash…

I’m going to give you a little peak behind the curtain.

I work off and on with the Adventure Fit Crew. I arrive in a particular city a couple of days before the event and get to participate in the set up of the course and perform a lot behind the scenes. If you’ve ever seen me it’s usually tearing off on a bicycle to a particular spot to check on the race course or to support the staff and volunteers. Our job is to provide a safe and rewarding experience for all who participate.

When I hear people talk about the Diva Dash, they try to compare it to other similar races. Oh, it's similiar to this race or that race. That it’s just another obstacle run. I feel that it is more than a physical exercise of speed and strength. What I see at races cannot be compared to your typical 5K or adventure run.

There’s a lot of cheering, smiles and energy around the start line. I see women, stopping short of the finish line to cheer others to the finish. I see groups of friends who used the Diva Dash as an opportunity to train together, to improve their fitness, and bond with others through the shared experience of an obstacle run. There’s always a crowd around the cargo net cheering the women climbing up and over the last obstacle. After the race groups are taking pictures, playing tug-o-war, and grabbing snacks or other giveaways provided by our sponsors. It’s not just about the run. It seems to be a gathering. People hang out with friends and enjoy the day and the sense of accomplishment.

For more pictures: http://divadash.com/gallery/

I look forward to seeing you all there and if you want more info about the Shape Diva Dash, just go here: http://divadash.com/

SHAPE Diva Dash - BOSTON - Frequently Asked Questions!

Answers to YOUR most commonly asked questions!

Q: Do you have packet pick-up information for Boston? 
Q: Can I still add the option to have my bib and t-shirt mailed?
Q: What if I can’t make it to packet pick-up?
Q:  Can a friend attend packet pick-up for me?
Q: I see on Facebook that a lot of ladies have received their registration packet. I registered for shipping but haven’t gotten mine yet. Where is it?
Q: I received my packet in the mail, and it only had a T-shirt and bib number. Am I missing anything?
Q: Where can I park at the Marshfield Fairgrounds?
Q: When do I get my timing chip?
Q: Can my family and friends come to watch?
Q:  Is there a BAG CHECK for athletes?
Q: What else do I need to bring?
Q: What is the course like?
Q: What should I wear for the SHAPE Diva Dash?

Q: What happens if it rains?

PACKET PICKUP AND PRE-RACE INFO

Q: Do you have packet pick-up information for Boston?

A: Boston packet pick up is at the Back Bay Hilton – 40 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115 – on Tuesday, September 4, Wednesday, September 5, and Thursday, September 6, from 3-7 PM. Packet pick up will be in the Adams Rooms A + B. Parking in the Hilton parking garage is $10 if you have your ticket validated at the front desk.

Q: Can I still add the option to have my bib and t-shirt mailed?

A:  The deadline to add shipping for Boston was Sunday, August 12. It is too late to add shipping at this point. Packet pick up is at the Back Bay Hilton in Boston on Tuesday, September 4; Wednesday, September 5; and Thursday, September 6 from 3-7PM

Q: What if I can’t make it to packet pick-up?

A:  We highly recommend attending packet pick up at the Back Bay Hilton. As a very last resort, bring your ID to the registration tent on Saturday morning and pick up your bib there. If you’re picking up the morning of, we recommend arriving 90 minutes before your start wave to give yourself ample time to park, get your packet, get your timing chip, and get lined up for your start wave without being stressed and rushed. We do not recommend this option (lines may be long, and we don’t want you to have to wait!).

Q:  Can I pick up a friend's packet, or can a friend attend packet pick-up for me?

A:  Yes! If you are picking up a packet for someone, have them text to you: a picture of their ID and permission for you to pick up their packet. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian can pick up your packet for you.

Q: I see on Facebook that a lot of ladies have received their registration packet. I registered for shipping but haven’t gotten mine yet. Where is it?

A: The post office still has it! Packets were mailed out over a period of several days. Keep an eye on your mailbox. Your packet will arrive soon! If you have moved recently and your mail is being forwarded, the packets were sent out early enough to account for mail forwarding. You should still receive your packet before the Diva Dash on September 8.

Q: I received my packet in the mail, and it only had a T-shirt and bib number. Am I missing anything?

A: That’s everything! You will pick up your timing chip the morning of the race and you’ll receive your Diva Dash bag and goodies as you cross the finish line!

RACE DAY

Q: Where can I park at the Marshfield Fairgrounds?

A: There is parking at the Fairgrounds. There will be overflow parking across the street at the school and the Grace Ryder Home. All parking is $10 and is CASH ONLY. Load up your car and carpool to Marshfield to save money and save the planet!

Q: When do I get my timing chip?

A: You can pick up your timing chip the morning of the Diva Dash at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Timing chips must be returned at the end of the race. We will be collecting them at the finish line. There is a $30 fee charged to participants who forget to return their chips.

Q: Can my family and friends come to watch?

A: Absolutely! Spectators, friends, families, and cheering sections are all welcome! The more the merrier. There is NO CHARGE for spectators joining us at the Marshfield Fairgrounds.

Q:  Is there a BAG CHECK for athletes?

A:  Yes. Athletes can check one bag (which will be provided by the SHAPE DIVA DASH).  To minimize crowds and chaos, please drop off your bag one hour before the start of your wave - not earlier.  You must show your bib number to claim your bag. The Shape Diva Dash is not liable for any lost, damaged or stolen items.  We STRONGLY recommend that you do not place any valuable items (ie: phones, cameras, car keys, drivers license) in your bag.  We also recommend that you do not overstuff your bag, place heavy items in the bags or store any breakables in the bag.  Unclaimed Bags will be returned to The Shape Diva Dash Event Producers (Adventure Fit Inc).  You will have five days to claim your bag or contact us about shipping your bag.  There is a $10 shipping charge for returning unclaimed bags.  After 5 days, all unclaimed bags will be donated to charity.

Q: What else do I need to bring?

A: Bring cash and your ID. All participants over the age of 21 will receive a free Coors Light, and other food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Q: What is the course like?

A: The course is a mix of everything from paved paths to rugged singletrack trail! You’ll encounter 11 obstacles over the course of 5k.

Q: What should I wear for the SHAPE Diva Dash?

A: Wear comfortable clothing with nothing that could get snagged on ropes, logs, or trees. Pin your race number on the front of your shirt so it can be clearly visible to race officials at all times. Your shoes will likely get wet and dirty – so don’t wear your new white kicks for this one!

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: The SHAPE Diva Dash is a rain or shine event! We will do everything we can to produce a safe event, regardless of weather. In the case of an act of God/terrorism/disaster, please refer to our Disaster Policy.

You can find additional information at www.DivaDash.com.

Like our Facebook page for the most up to the minute announcements and information.

Chicago Mystery Clue!

Chicago has a long and storied history with bicycles, not just for fitness and racing, but also as a viable mode of transportation. This is chronicled in many places throughout the city, including (at least temporarily) at the location of the FIRST mystery checkpoint at this Sunday's Urban Assault Ride. Use the word search below to find clues about where that checkpoint may be. (by clicking the puzzle below you can view and print it as one page).