Godfather Sean’s Rose Parade Run

I just ran the 12^th Godfather Sean’s Rose Parade Run this morning, my 3^rd one in a row. I really enjoy it. A great and healthy way to welcome the new year. I ended up going by myself but once I got there people came up to talk and introduce themselves. It’s a very friendly atmosphere and Sean seems to be a really nice and down to earth guy. Basically you get to see every single float up close and personal. Then you go home and watch them on TV in action!

This was the 10^th anniversary of Godfather Sean’s Rose Parade Run. 10^th anniversary really? Okay so this run is for people in know (and maybe for nut jobs for getting up that early) and apparently I am in the know now.
Basically this is an organized run put together by a group of people (Godfather Sean, some running and triathlon groups). The 10 mile course is an out and back reverse route of the Rose parade. You can run, walk or bike this event and do the entire course or as little as you want. The benefit of running the entire course is at the half way point you are at the location of the floats. And since this run starts early (meet 5AM and start around 5:30AM) you get the opportunity to walk through and see the floats prior to them leaving for the parade route. However, please know that the course is not closed and there are people lined up and down the course waiting for the parade and will walk in front of you. They will cheer, howl or even give you the extremely original «Run, Forest, Run!» Oh… there is an occasional car that will drive through the streets so you will just have to move over.
As far as organized running goes this was really fun. You get to run the parade route in reverse, see all the people sleeping on the streets and the floats up close. Afterwards, the group meets up for breakfast. While I did not join them for breakfast since I had to work a 12 hour shift later that day I did enjoy the run a lot. However, getting up at 4AM after another 12 hour work shift the day prior was not fun.
If you ever get a chance and a crazy bug up your ass to go run this early on New Year’s day due to some new year’s resolution you should give this run a try. It’s fun. Happy runnings!