Running was popular in Europe long before it caught on in America, which is why most races are measured in kilometers instead of miles and why most of the Pilgrims were eaten by bears. Race to the top of the food chain with today's Groupon to the Gladiator Rock’n Run on Saturday, October 1 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Choose between two options:
- For $50, you get entry and a VIP package for the 5K race (up to a $120 value)
- For $60, you get entry and a VIP package for the 10K race (up to a $140 value)
Competitors receive the following:
- Gladiator Rock'n Run T-shirt by Affliction
- "Gladiator Tough" finishers' medal
- Admission to the postrace party, featuring three bands
- One complimentary postrace beer (ages 21+)
VIP packages get racers the following additional perks:
- A second complimentary beer
- One SuperSports digital photo
- Access to the closest parking lot
- Access to special VIP areas, including VIP check-in, bag check, and restrooms
The Gladiator Rock’n Run sends runners scurrying through a maze of 14 obstacles replete with mud and ice-cold water en route to a hard-rocking after party. Racers bolt from the starting line in waves of up to 500 competitors to scramble up the 8-foot "wall of fame," dash up and down the Rose Bowl bleachers, and slither through mud pits in search of a lost contact lens on their way to the 5K or 10K finish line. In addition to arriving an hour before the starting gun, competitors are encouraged to form teams and don absurd costumes, spandex, and the pelts of broken finish-line ribbons.
After the race, runners can retire to mud-drenched party to down complimentary beer while dancing off excess adrenaline to tunes from three live bands. A portion of the proceeds from the race benefits Talk About Curing Autism and participants can choose to further help the nonprofit by forming teams with friends and raising money, or squaring off for gladiator-style bouts in a rumble pit smackdown (not included in today's deal).
Gladiator Rock'n Run
Presented in part by Dan Clark, also known as Nitro, of American Gladiator fame, the Gladiator Rock'n Run 6K pairs an obstacle-heavy running course with post-race entertainment, including beer, music, and food. Six kilometers’ worth of collective scampering awaits participants as muscle-testing obstacles impede progress to the finish line. Those prepared to race must dance through tires, army-crawl through mud, and clamber up rope ladders to avoid barrels thrown by giant apes. The roar of spectators rings throughout the course as bystanders cheer on runners to inspire strong finishes. Gladiator Rock'n Run proceeds go toward a good cause, helping to raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization that provides education, support, and information to aid parents in helping their children diagnosed with autism.