Unsanctioned Cash Race Takes Over New York City's Inaugural 'Bandit Grand Prix' During Running Festival: Open to Everyone's Participation
The Bandit Grand Prix, an exciting fusion of traditional road racing and NYC's underground running scene, is set to take place at the Brooklyn Storehouse on July 5, 2023. This festival-style, multi-lap, crit-style race promises a unique and unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.
The event offers three race formats: an individual 5K race, a team 5K, and a relay race. After the races, participants can unwind at an afterparty featuring a live DJ set by Washed Out.
The race course, approximately 1km long, is a creative use of the Brooklyn Storehouse venue, with a combination of indoor and outdoor laps. The top 70 finishers in each 5K will advance to a 3K final race, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
The Bandit Grand Prix boasts a total prize purse of $12,000, with cash prizes awarded to winners across the different race formats. The specifics of prize distribution among the race categories or placements are yet to be detailed, but the organisers emphasise that the prizes are "cold, hard cash" to attract competitive runners.
For non-runners and spectators, the event offers live music, food, and drink, as well as an F1-inspired fan zone and brand activations from sponsors like Asics, AG1 Cadence, Smartwater, and more. The Brooklyn Storehouse will be fully activated for the event, featuring multiple food and beverage partners, DJ sets from Washed Out, and a Grand Prix merch capsule including shirts, socks, and hats.
Joe Andrews, vice president of marketing at Bandit Running, described the event as a "new way to experience running in NYC, built to bring people together." With an expected turnout of 1,400 runners and hundreds of spectators, the Bandit Grand Prix is aiming to become a "tentpole of the NYC racing calendar."
For those who wish to participate, registration is still open on Bandit's Register Now page. It's important to note that the Bandit Grand Prix has no direct connection with the Runningman Festival, another event occurring around the same time, which features Luminary speakers, health seminars, live music, and a choose-your-own-distance race.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply a spectator looking for a fun and exciting event, the Bandit Grand Prix promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. For more details, visit the Bandit Grand Prix website.
The Bandit Grand Prix, with its variety of race formats, offers an excellent opportunity for sports enthusiasts to compete in a unique, festival-style race. After the races, participants can socialize at an afterparty featuring music from a live DJ set by Washed Out, making it a fun-filled sports event for all.
