Brilliant Marketing…Rock N Roll Half Marathon Style

 Brilliant Marketing...Rock N Roll Half Marathon Style

I’m going to be running the Dodge Rock N Roll Half Marathon at Virginia Beach organized by Competitor.com. Note, the number of sponsors and trademarked names in the title says it all, this is a big, marketing-heavy race. It’s the kind of race advertisers love; it’s a hardcore audience that’s not afraid to drop major money on clothes and shoes.

Now, if you’ve ever run a big race, or done a long hike, or any endurance event, you’ll know there’s some very important personal business that should be attended to before you start. No one wants to see you on the side of the road doing a pee-pee dance, and most definitely no one wants to be downwind of you if, ahem, you need to “drop the kids off at the pool”. On the other hand, if you’ve ever been to a big race, you also know that the only way to deal with this is usually Port-a-Potties (or the woods, which are usually cleaner and nicer anyway!). Not fun.

So, with that background, here’s the email I received today from Competitor.com. $100 gets you the chance to relieve yourself VIP style! Would YOU take them up on it? Are you already thinking of instances when you can use the phrase “Potty like a rock star”? And how bad is it that I’m tempted to go on a buying spree just so I can find out what a “Run Happy” surprise is in a VIP bathroom?

Brooks VIP Porta Potty for a Super-Deluxe Start

Take your pre-race potty break in luxury with the Brooks VIP Porta Potty. As a thank you for choosing Brooks and Moving Comfort gear, Brooks is setting up tricked out toilets on race day at the Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon starting line.

Enjoy a spacious, climate-controlled restroom with running water, flushing toilets, and some Run Happy® surprises. To claim your VIP access you must do one of the following:

  • Option 1: Head to a participating retailer August 1 – September 1, 2011, and purchase $100 in Brooks or Moving Comfort apparel or Brooks shoes. Offer valid at listed locations only.
  • Option 2: Come to the Health & Fitness Expo presented by Power Balance on September 2-3 and purchase $150 in official Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon merchandise, Brooks apparel or running shoes, or Moving Comfort apparel.

You’ll receive a special sticker for your race bib that gives you access to the Brooks VIP Porta Potty staffed by Brooks employees and volunteers from participating Virginia Beach-area retailers.

Please note: Passes are available while supplies last. To maximize your enjoyment, the total number admitted is capped. The Brooks VIP Porta Potty will be available on race day from 5:00 – 7:30 a.m., and we strongly recommend arriving early.

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About the Author

Zek
Zek has been a gadget fiend for a long time, going back to their first PDA (a Palm M100). They quickly went from researching what PDA to buy to following tech news closely and keeping up with the latest and greatest stuff. They love writing about ebooks because they combine their two favorite activities; reading anything and everything, and talking about fun new tech toys. What could be better?

4 Comments on "Brilliant Marketing…Rock N Roll Half Marathon Style"

  1. lgreenberg | July 31, 2011 at 1:25 pm |

    Brooks first did this back at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2008. Back then all you had to do was show that you were wearing a pair of Brooks shoes and you were allowed to enter. The trailers even had bathroom attendants – they were those t-shirts that looked like tuxedos – and of course Brooks shoes.

  2. Dang, if all it took then was Brooks shoes I could dig up an old pair…and if I had a need for new running gear I’d take this into account, but thanks to various target sales I am all set with tons of C9 stuff. Maybe I’ll be tempted by the expo offerings.

    So is it really a higher quality of portapotty?

  3. lgreenberg | July 31, 2011 at 2:08 pm |

    Yeah, it’s sort of a shame they made it more difficult to use.

    And it’s no comparison. It’s not even fair to call them port-a-potties. They’re full scale trailers, like an RV. I’ve heard they use similar things for big time weddings, when they’re held outside where there are no facilities. Think real bathroom, where many people go in at the same time, not like a single port-a potty. Running water, real stalls, etc.

    Just like these –

  4. Wow. Ok, now I’m definitely tempted to budget for a spending spree at the expo. Need to see how far where I’m staying is from the start…if it’s far this might be worth it…

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