Hollywood Half Marathon BEST BAND Competition

It has been one month and we are back from the Hollywood Half to see what bands you remember, and enjoyed the most!

Join us in voting for the BEST BAND of the Hollywood Half Marathon and cast your vote today!

Here is what the bands have to say about their experience!

Carnival Seasons: Our performance was awesome while it lasted. Around the hour and a half mark the police came and shut us down due to complaints from the locals who were trying to sleep, which we obliged to easily. We had a great time it was a fun experience, and the people who saw us were all very surprised with us. We performed on Hollywood Blvd and Wilton Pl.  We gave it our all though and with all people asking us what happened to the music made us feel that they really liked us!

Down South Mambas: We had a blast playing on Santa Monica and Vermont. We were at the turn around portion and we could see the joy and realness from all the runners. Hope the runners liked us because we certainly loved playing for them.

Attic Empire: The event was a blast! Had a great time playing out in the street and, even at the finish line, the runners brought great energy!

Cats With Class: The Cats with Class had a great time at the Palladium. We played a set of original and cover jazz, on a stage to be dreamed of, and even had a chance to appear on NBC :D.  We especially enjoyed the impromptu dance routines by some of the vendors at the foot of the stage, as well as Mr. Jones's enthusiastic "Guacamole's" as we finished out the set. Remember, "GUACAMOLE ALL NIGHT LONG!" 

The Blues: Playing the Hollywood Half Marathon was a great experience.  It made us happy seeing the runners recognize the Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Eagles and Queen songs we covered.  Sure we had some people complain about how loud the music was, but the look on the runners' faces of excitement made it all the worthwhile.

Final Notice: On behalf of our band Final Notice, we would like to thank the Hollywood Half Marathon directors/staff and event coordinators for the opportunity to perform at your event. Final Notice performed on the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Bronson where they rocked out all the classic rock songs from artists such as Van Halen, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc...

Franco Funktion: Our station was on the intersection of Hollywood and Western our performance included Bands Bear Lincoln and Franco Funktion. We really enjoyed playing here because we felt that the runners fueled off of our creativity while we fueled there desire to make it to the finish line.

 

Panoramic: We are Panoramic! We were supposed to play along the racetrack, but after being denied access to our position, ended up playing on the Walk of Stars just past the finish line! We had an incredible time and are very grateful for this opportunity!

Joseph Anthony: My performance at the Hollywood Palladium & Hollywood Half Marathon was truly an amazing experience! An opportunity that that I am extremely grateful for! I can literally feel the intensity from the runners at the start line as I was performing before the race. It was a feeling that I can't explain, you just had to be in my shoes. Overall the events were a pleasure to be apart and I would definitely do it all again in a second.

Thank You to everybody at Superhero Events, The Palladium, & The Hollywood Half Marathon.

Stars At Night: Star At Night performed at Mile 11 on Hollywood & Gower with one goal in mind. Our goal was to keep the moral of the runners up and pumping. It was a phenomenal feeling performing as we watched a sea of people so excited, full of energy and passionate about what they set out to achieve. The runners really gave us a rush of energy which we wanted to give back by cheering them on. We made a promise not to stop till they all made it to the end and it seems we all accomplished our goals that day. It was simply exhilarating. Thank you to all the runners and the Hollywood Half Marathon.

Celebrate National Running Day With Superhero Discounts

How will you be celebrating National Running Day on June 5th? Going on a long run?  Running with a family member?  How about signing up for some of the funnest races around!  Now is your chance to get a superhero discount! Can't decide which race to run?  May we suggest you run them all?

Superstar to Recovery - The Day After

You earned it!

More than likely you are all still experiencing that "runners' high" from yesterday. You are thinking about how much fun you had, that darn hill, and the euphoric feeling you felt as you ran the red carpet towards the finish line. You may be still wearing your medal.

Although you are most likely feeling fatigue and muscle soreness today, as you walk stiffly around the house (or sit on the couch with your feet up,) you may be wondering when and if your next race will come.

Any exercise you can do in the next day or two will promote circulation and aid healing. If you feel like you can run, start slowly. It is mornal if your legs feel stiff. After running a short distance, your legs should loosen up and running will feel better. When you feel your legs beginning to tighten again or if something hurts, you've had enough. Don't run any more than you did the day before the marathon (about 10 to 15 minutes).

If you feel too sore or stiff to run, take a walk or ride your bike for 20 to 30 minutes to get your blood flowing. If anything hurts, ice it after your workout. Your whole body may feel fatigued, so take it easy and go to bed early.

This week, as your stiffness and soreness fade away, start back on your running routine slowly. Just like you tapered the week or two before the race, it is time to do the opposite. Build your distances back up again, especially if this was your first half marathon or the first one you have done in some time. You will be back to your celebrity status in no time.

Thank you to all of our stars that took part in yesterday's event.  From the runners to the volunteers, you helped make the 2nd Annual Hollywood Half Marathon a success!

You Are A Superstar!

There has been a lot of focus on various things for this event.  The celebrities, the course, and most importantly, our charities, Los Angeles Youth Network and Covenant House California have all been in the spotlight.

Tomorrow is about you.  Without you, we would not have reached our fundraising goal of $500,000.  Without you, we would not have an event.  Whether you are running the 5K, 10K, or half marathon, all of you are the reason the we have been able to make the Hollywood Half Marathon possible.

Jett Dunlap of RunHollywood.com will be out on the course tomorrow looking for you.  Tell him your story, your cause, what keeps you running.  It is time for your spotlight. 

We want to hear all about you and collect video clips of our runners that have done so much to deserve red carpet treatment. If you see Jett, flag him down and make sure you get to be the star that you are.

Good luck to everyone tomorrow!

What Are You Doing After The Race? This Guy Is Gettin' Hitched!

There are a lot of things people want to do after running a half marathon.  Get a massage, eat a burger, and take a nap are all fairly common answers that we get from our participants.

This year, we have someone doing something a little out of the ordinary for a post-race activity.  He is getting married. Yup, as in walking down the aisle after the Hollywood Half Marathon.

Francisco Hernandez has been running since he was 14 years old with SRLA, (Students Run L.A.) and is now a volunteer with the program. He has run 18 L.A. Marathons, 3 Ultra-Marathons, countless 1/2 Marathons, including last year's Hollywood Half (go legacy!), 10Ks and 5Ks.

After the race, Francisco will be heading to Woodland Hills to meet his bride, Hillary Hazelton for their evening wedding.

Francisco and Hillary met at Union Station and although she was a little nervous to let him run, she knows that running is his passion and just couldn't stop him from his legacy status.  Hillary reports that once Francisco found out that both events fell on the same day, he was nervous to ask her but the lure of the legacy was too strong.

He just had to promise Hillary every single dance at their wedding.  Not a bad deal!

Good luck to Francisco (bib #472) and CONGRATULATIONS to him and Hillary on this special day.  Wishing you a lifetime of Hollywood Half Marathons and happiness.  Maybe you can name your first child after race directors Ken or Sabrina?

Last Minute Tips For A Strong Finish

A lot goes into preparing for a running event. It doesn't matter what the distance. You prepped, you trained, you metally prepared. This last thing you want is to let something small ruin all that hard work.

Here are some last minute tips, for beginners and veterans alike, to make sure that your celebrity status is ready for the red carpet (in no particular order.)

1. Stick to your plan. Your adrenaline is going to be pumping the morning of your event. It is going to be tempting to shoot out of your corral faster than normal. For me, a follower of the Galloway method, I always feel good enough to run the first three miles at least. But don't. Watch your pacing and stick to how you trained.

2. Try out your costume. One of the best parts of running the Hollywood Half event is dressing up as your favorite super star. Don't wait until the big day to try on your costume. Whether it is a new boa, a hat or tiara, or simply a new pair of shorts, try them on before the race. Even better, run in your costume at least once. Too tight clothes, chafing or rubbing can absolutely ruin a race. Don't forget to lay out all your clothes the night before. This will save you hunting for your left running shoe on race morning.

3. Take it easy the day before. I know it is tempting to take a last mintue run the day before the race but fight the urge. Take it easy on your legs and your mind by doing something relaxing. Chances are you will be too excited to sleep so your body will need all the rest it can get.

4. Skip the pasta party. Unless you are used to gorging on pasta, the carb loading dinner can cause havoc on your stomach. Have a big lunch the day before and then stick to a well-balanced, light dinner the night before. You will be nervous enough on race day as it is without having to worry about food-related stomach issues.

5. Bring a throwaway shirt and/or gloves. It can be cold that early in the morning. Waiting in the corrals can get chilly and your body needs to reserve the energy for running. Find an old shirt or gloves to wear and toss on the course. Don't have one? Go to a sporting good store and ambush the clearance rack. Or cut some holes out of a grarbage bag and wear that. It doesn't matter what you look like and when you feel warmed up around mile two or three, just toss the apparel to the side. Many events will donate tossed clothes after the race.

Victor Diaz finishes strong in 2012

6. Go easy on hydration right before the race. As soon as you wake up, start hydrating. Stop drinking about an hour before the race time. You want to be hydrated but you do not want to be sitting in your corral having to go to the bathroom. Because I worry about hydration, I overdid it at my last half marathon. I used the bathroom twice before start time and then went on the course at least four times. It totally messed up my time goal.

7. Have fun! You have worked too hard for this day to not have fun. If you are anything like me, you have a time goal hovering over you like an annoying mosquito. If you can, just push it out of the way. You are running the Hollywood Half Marathon. There is entertainment, cameras everywhere, and plenty of celebs like Victor Diaz, Andrea Baraber, and Titus Welliver. You came a long way to miss out on the aspects that make these runs so special.

Good luck to all of  your red carpet participants! Have a great race!

It's Time for the Hollywood Fitness Expo!

The UEvolution Hollywood Fitness Expo opened today at noon and will be going through tomorrow until 7 pm.  There are lots of booths for you to visit! The hours are 12 pm - 7 pm today (Thursday) and 10 am - 7 pm tomorrow (Friday.)

ALPHA Running, Tu Me Water, Zipfizz, Clif Bar, Odwalla, Flip Belt and many other good booths are here as well so be sure to come by and spend some time!  There are lots of free samples, sports apparel, the latest running gear and nutrtional snacks.  Be sure to check out the deals and coupons in your bag including 20% from ENERGYbits! Your bag will be full by the time you leave!

Thank you to all of our sponsors and exhibitors that have come out to support the Hollywood Half Marathon and our runners! 

We are ready for a fantastic race day!

Our STAR Blog Contest Winner!

A STAR IS BORN!

Thank you for all of your entries.  There were so many inspirational stories that is was difficult to choose one star.  "Big" Mike, as he signed his entry, not only has an inspirational story, but has also used his trials to help others.

Congratulations Mike on being chosen to be a Hollywood Half Marathon Star, and we are honored to have you join us on race day.

Here is his story:

Why I should be a star,

There are moments in our lives, where we make a decision that alters the course of our lives forever.

After losing my job year ago and weighed in at 245 lbs. my heaviest ever. I was starting to feel more unhealthy and wasn't paying attention to my body. Then the unthinkable happened, my body broke-down and I was rushed to the Emergency Room. I had to stay a few days at the hospital and I learned that I had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

I was in total shock, I was sad, and thought I was going to die a young death. I'm already a DEAF individual, so this shocked me to my very core. While unable to do anything for a while, I used this time to think. I said to myself that this is something that I can control and I can change. I decided to transform my body as a weapon to fight this disease through health and fitness and so I became a late blooming athlete.

Running gave me purpose, strength and a community. Yet it’s so much more, I run for everyone who has ever been touched by diabetes, cancer, AIDS, obesity and many others --that includes caregivers, those currently fighting it, and those who've lost their lives--I carry them with me in my heart while I run. Thus finding out that we’re so much capable of things we never imagined and that's all the motivation I'll ever need. As Bon Jovi once said “It’s my life it’s now or never I ain’t going to live forever”

The Hollywood Half Marathon, is personal because not only was it my 2nd half marathon ever that pushed me out of my comfort zone one but where my idea hatched. Because of all the running I was doing, and countless other races. A few months after Hollywood I created "Bless Your Sole" which seeks to provide less fortunate Deaf and Hard of Hearing men, women, children, and people with disabilities with moderately worn athletic shoes. All shoes are donated from the community, churches, non-profits, race events, etc. Running saved me and I just wanted to pass that blessing to others.

Being a diabetic is not a death sentence. My disease was only a minor setback and I knew I could beat this, choosing to overcome obstacles and believing in all possibilities. Running has given me the will to push to live. That I may have a disease, but the disease doesn't have me. In Hollywood I may not “hear” the cheers, I may not be the fastest, and I certainly don’t do this for the applause. But you asked why I should be a star well because “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine” As we run may we all shine as bright as the stars.

Tick Tock - One Week To Go!

Are You Ready?

The clock is ticking and the Hollywood Half Marathon is only one week away! The time is finally here for you to shine bright and be treated like a celebrity!

By now you should have completed your longest “long run."   Continue with your regular running program but there is no point in trying to squeeze in one last long run.  Your body will not benefit much and it will cause more stress on your body the necessary.  You have trained, gotten those miles in, and now it is time to relax! This week should be all about winding down and
                                                                                       saving your energy for the big event.

If you are getting really itchy to get a good workout in, think about cross-training this week instead.  Go for a swim or ride your bike on the days where your energy is tempting you to have a good sweat.

You can do some mental preparations this week as well.  Many of you already have your mental game routine ready. Some people like to look at the course map to see details, gains in elevation, etc.  If you live close to the course, think about driving it so that it is familiar to you.  Read those race day instructions, print out your registration for bib pick-up and start making a list of things to pack for race day.

Despite all the hype on the carb loading the night before, carbohydrate intake should actually begin Wednesday or Thursday.  Aim to increase your carbs by 60-70% and that doesn’t mean with beer which brings me to my next topic.

Keep your body hydrated.  Drink plenty of water this week and try to avoid excess amounts of coffee, tea, and alcohol.  If you are planning on bringing a sport drink with you, experiment with them now so that you don’t have any upset tummy surprises on race day.  Many runners like to get massages before a race, and if you are one of those people, do it before Wednesday.  They can be dehydrating.

Test run any of your new gear or apparel.  If you have a costume, a new hat, hydration belt, etc. wear them during one of your easy runs this week.  You don’t want any surprises or wardrobe malfunctions while you are out on the course.

Have a great week and try to contain your excitement for the big weekend!  We can’t wait to have you out at the Hollywood Half Marathon!

Behind the Scenes: Meet the Hollywood Half Pace Car

You can't have a red carpet event without some mean looking cars and the Hollywood Half Marathon is no exception!  We found a car that proved to be a perfect fit for the branding of the event and our company Superhero Events.

The car "Red Mist" was built specifically for the Red Mist superhero in MTV's "KICK-ASS".  Red Mist was played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse who most of you know as McLovin from the movie "Superbad."  This mustang features many custom upgrades including a one-off body kit developed by Rich Evans Design, a 550-horsepower 4.6 liter V-8 engine, custom made 20-inch wheels, and Lambo-style scissor doors.

"Red Mist" KICK-ASS Video Clip

The unveil video starred Race Directors Ken and Sabrina along with special guest Nadia Ruiz who is a professional runner and the First Lady of the New Year's Race.  Model/musician Sima Fisher and Indie Music Host and host of RunHollywood.com Jeff Dunlap, and Prince and Charles of PrinceCharles Entertainment were also on site.

In this video, Ken comes face to face with Michael Blackson played by body double Brian Simmons in a fun, 007 themed shoot.  All of which was filmed at Galpin Auto Sports Astin Martin Lounge.

 What better way to kick off the Hollywood Half Marathon. Let's all hope "Red Mist" evokes some extra speed as we run the red carpet!



BEHIND THE SCENES AT GALPIN

 

 

10...9...8...Countdown to Win a Free Jacket!

The Hollywood Half Marathon is now ten days away. Well,  maybe nine if you don't count race day.  At any rate, it is close and there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes!  The goal for this second year was to reach 8,000 runners.  We are over 7,000 and well on our way!

How can you say no to this bling?

This week we will be giving one lucky registrant a Hollywood Half Marathon jacket every day. Every person that registers will have a chance to win!  If you haven't signed up yet, now is the time!  Have friends that are on the fence about running with you?  Maybe this will help!

Register for the half marathon today (or tomorrow, or the next day...) and you could not only run away like a movie star, but you could run away with a new jacket!  Register now!

Know of someone who wants to get involved but doesn't want to run? We still need volunteers are cheer groups to come out on race day and lend a hand!  For more information you can contact kelley@superheroevents.com or check out our page for volunteers!

Be sure to keep your eyes glued to this blog for information about the Hollywood Half After Party, featured runners and running groups, and the latest on celeb sightings!

Two Weeks To Go: Time to Taper

With the Hollywood Half Marathon being just under two weeks away, it is time to start tapering your training runs. Some people have their own schedule that they follow religiously before a half marathon and, if that works for you, now is not the time to change it.

If this is your first half event or if you still haven’t found the perfect tapering schedule, here are some tips to try.

Your last long run (somewhere between 10 and 13 miles) should have already been completed in the past week.  This is to ensure that your body has enough time to fully recover and reap the fitness gains from the long-run trainings.

At this stage, your runs should gradually become easier and less in volume as your prepare to run the red carpet on April 6^th. There is no need to cut back on the frequency at which you’ve been running because your body is used to it but you do want to decrease your mileage.

A general rule of thumb is to decrease your mileage by 25-50% by the week prior to the race. Any easier way to go (without any calculations) is to run 30-40 minutes from here on out, each time you run.

While you are out on your runs these last two weeks, you can focus on running mechanics and form, take your running apparel out for a test run if you are wearing something new (or a costume), and simply take it easy.  If you want to play around with speed at this point, don’t run any further than a 5K distance each time you run.

Be sure to get your rest days in between your runs and don’t be afraid to take an extra day off if you are battling an injury. It’s countdown time so treat your body well and mentally prepare!  You are about to become a star!

Be A Star At The Hollywood Half - Run on Us!

This year, the Hollywood Half is ready to roll out the red carpet. All participants, whether running the 5K, 10K, or the half marathon will be treated just like a star. Why? Because you deserve it!

There are so many wonderful stories that we have received about why people have chosen to participate in this year's event. Some people are dedicating their runs to others, such as those running with Team Run3rd.  Others are running to raise money for causes like autism, animal rescue, and cancer. This certainly makes our name Superhero Events even more fitting.

We are looking for a few more stars to run alongside those that are already registered. There are so many causes and reasons why people run - and we want to hear about them!

Do you think you should be a star? 
Tell us your story about why you want to run in this year's Hollywood Half on April 6th. Superhero Events, along with your help, will be selecting one lucky runner to receive a complimentary entry to the race. Are you already registered but know of someone who isn't?  Share their story and win them an entry!

Post your "Why I Should Be A Star" story in the comments section below along with your email.  Then help spread the word by posting the contest on Facebook and Twitter.  The more the merrier right?

On Saturday, March 30th, a star will be born when one lucky winner will be chosen to run the red carpet, on us, at the Hollywood Half. Good luck and start training because you just may be running a half marathon on April 6th!

All entries must be received by Friday, March 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST.

Hollywood Half - Just Around the Corner

Your chance to run down the Walk of Fame and through Hollywood is fast approaching! Superhero Event's next themed race in Saturday, April 6th and is is one that you don't want to miss.

What better way to tour the streets of Los Angeles than by RUNNING! This exciting event features a friendly 5K, and leisurely 10K, and for those of you that want real celeb status, a half marathon.  Participants are encouraged to come out dressed to impress - as their favorite celebrity. Who speaks to your inner Hollywood?

If running down the famous Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Dr. isn't enough, the run will be raising money for the Los Angeles Youth Network and Convenant House California.  Although those at the official charities, there are many charity groups participating for their own cause. Team in Training, Autism Speaks, and run3rd will all be out there running with meaning.

Sean Astin, Andrea Barber, and Joey McIntyre were amongst the real celebrities who chose to ditch their normal red carpet way and take on Hollywood in their tennis shoes.  Who will be there this year?

The Hollywood Half is near capacity, so don't wait! Get your red carpet running fashion and register for this fun, themed race today.  You won't want miss out!

Check out the half marathon course preview!