If both Jackass and Double Dare hold a special place in your heart, then we have just the event for you. The ROC 5K (a.k.a. Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge) is coming to Phoenix on November 2, and slots are filling up quickly.
With the world's largest inflatable water slide and world's largest moon bounce in attendance, we're betting that the fun will be worth the potential embarrassment of falling off the tightrope obstacle, tripping over the concrete-stadores (they're like hurdles on steroids), or face-planting on the tire mile.
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This is the race's first year in Phoenix, since starting up in San Diego in 2011. It went national as of this year, premiering in 33 cities with plans to expand to Canada. The event takes place at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale on November 2, with several time slots throughout the day starting at 8 am and going until 5 pm. Race times can vary significantly, but the average range is between 30 minutes and an hour to complete the 12 obstacles.
When registering, you'll receive the option to select morning or afternoon waves, but not an actual time slot in that wave. If you want to race with a group of friends, just start a group and pick a group leader, in addition to creating a group name and password. Anybody you want to race witht can signup under the group and guarantee the same time slot, which is selected randomly otherwise. Costumes are common and highly encouraged.
The 5K challenge is an untimed event and anyone 13 or older can participate. You'll get the opportunity to see your fellow contestants wipe out while waiting your turn (we're guessing that's at least half the appeal of going and possibly biffing it yourself).
Participants will receive a T-shirt, and there will be a post-run celebration that will run through the final race of the day and include a beer tent (so bring your ID), food trucks, live music and DJs, and a spectator viewing area of the course. There will be a free bag check area located near the finish line to keep your valuables secure, as well as any change of clothes you might want to bring.
If you want to avoid the race-day pickup fee (and long lines) for your packet, make sure to arrange time to grab it the Thursday or Friday before the event. The pickup location will be announced and sent out via email once it has been secured.
The race fee is on a sliding scale, increasing each month until the race. Currently it is $60 until September 5, $65 after that, and $75 the day of the race. Cash-only parking will be $10, and you'll want cash for the beer tent and food trucks as well.
For more information or to sign up for the race, see www.rocrace.com/phoenix.
