WELCOME TO THE CHAOS!

We know your first organized race can feel a little intimidating. There are bibs, corrals, people wearing VERY expensive running watches, and an alarming amount of discussion about bathroom strategy.

We're here to help.

This is Part 1 of our Big Gay Virgin's Guide to 5Ks. Today, we're getting you from your front door to the starting line. We'll tackle the actual running (or walking!) in Part 2.

And remember: ALL FACES. ALL PACES. You have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete your 3.1 miles. That's a very manageable walking pace. Just keep moving!

BEFORE RACE DAY

1. Watch for your FINAL INSTRUCTIONS email.

Your inbox will get a little Big Gay attention during race week. We'll share participant perks, places to explore, and fun things to do before and after the race.

But the most important email will be titled FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. That's where you'll find the critical race-day information, including parking suggestions, arrival details, and schedules.

Read it. Save it. Perhaps frame it.

2. Get your bib.

Your bib is that fancy numbered piece of paper you'll wear during the race. It identifies you as an official participant and helps us access your information if needed.

You have two options:

• FREE: Join us Friday, October 23, from 3–7 PM at Highwire for our Kickoff Kiki. Collect your bib, grab your Big Gay swag, make some encouraging signs, and meet your fellow participants.

• RACE MORNING: If you purchased race-day pickup, plan to arrive extra early on Saturday. A.thlete support opens in Armory Park at 8:00AM

Wherever you collect your bib, grab FOUR safety pins.

Pin your bib securely to the FRONT of your shirt. Not your back. Not your thigh. FRONT. We need to see your number when you're coming toward us.

Plus, our photographers want to capture your beautiful, officially registered face. Unregistered runners (race bandits) aren't invited to photobomb your moment.

3. Give those shoes a test drive.

You don't need to become an athlete overnight, but please give your body and equipment a little practice.

Make sure the shoes and clothing you plan to wear are comfortable for 3.1 miles. Ideally, take them out for a few walks or runs before race day.

Remember, you'll also want some energy left for celebrating in the Pour Decisions Playground afterward.

Race day is not the day to discover your fabulous new sneakers are actually blister factories.

RACE MORNING

4. Have a transportation plan.

We're taking over streets in downtown Tucson. Which is wonderful for us and potentially frustrating for anyone attempting to drive through them.

We'll send parking suggestions and access information in advance, but start thinking about your transportation now.

• Downtown parking garages: Aim directly for a garage rather than circling neighborhood streets searching for parking.

• Carpooling: More friends, fewer cars.

• Rideshare: Have your driver drop you outside the road closures and enjoy a short walk.

• Public transit: An excellent option if it works with your schedule.

Whatever you choose, leave yourself more time than you think you'll need. Road closures, walking distances, and unexpected delays can add up.

5. Let's talk about pee.

Yes. We're doing this.

Try to use your bathroom at home before you leave. If you're grabbing coffee downtown, consider taking advantage of those lovely flushing toilets.

We WILL have bathrooms at the venue, but everyone tends to have the exact same brilliant idea about 15 minutes before the race.

Lines happen.

And remember, if you need to collect your bib on race morning, you'll need additional time for that, too.

6. Find your people. Get in your corral.

Our race starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 24.

We'll have several starting corrals, which are simply groups of participants organized by their anticipated pace. We'll send specific notes in the Final Instructions.

You get to choose your own corral. No auditions required.

• Planning to run fast? Start toward the front.

• Planning a comfortable jog? Somewhere in the middle.

• Planning a lovely morning stroll? Head toward the back.

The idea is to help everyone get moving safely without dodging or weaving around people traveling at very different speeds.

Plan to be IN your corral 5–10 minutes before the start.

Not pulling into a parking garage. Not standing in the bathroom line. Not pinning your bib on while sprinting down the sidewalk.

IN. YOUR. CORRAL.

Which brings us back to the most important piece of advice in this entire email: give yourself plenty of time.

And that's it! You've officially made it to the starting line.

Next up: What happens when we yell GO, including water stations, passing etiquette, course entertainment, and how to collect your hard-earned Big Gay bling.

See you out there!

your content.