Photo courtesy of Choko Aiken of Just4Running.com.
Retro Run 5K
Participants are encouraged to wear retro clothing for The Trak Shack’s annual night run.
Retro Run 5K and Retro Run
Saturday, Aug. 8
7 p.m. Run
6:45 p.m. Bicycle ride
The Trak Shack
You’re not likely to see modern sweat-wicking running fabrics at the Trak Shak’s upcoming 5K. Think more along the lines of tube socks, polyester and track suits. The best wardrobe guideline might be, “What would Richard Simmons wear?”
The Trak Shak started the Retro Run 5K 20 years ago as a means of reviving and rebranding the Twilight 5, a 5-mile night race through downtown Birmingham. This year’s Retro Run race is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8
Participants have remained fairly consistent with their definition of retro — afros, tie dye, Aviator sunglasses, short-shorts — for the run’s lifetime, according to Jeff Martinez, an employee at The Trak Shak who has worked the Retro Run since its beginning. But in the past few years, Martinez said he has begun seeing a few pop culture icons in the run too.
“Forrest Gump has been in the run in the last few years,” Martinez said. “I mean, that movie came out in the 90s, and he was quintessential retro with the whole running outfit he had and the Nike Cortez he was wearing.”
Another pair of participants re-enacted Weekend at Bernie’s, and carried a dummy of Bernie they had made through the entire race.
For the event’s 20th anniversary, the Trak Shak will have more giveaways, such as shoes, and other special festivities that are still in the works.
Additionally, Cahaba Cycles has partnered with Trak Shak to hold a Retro Ride before the Retro Run 5K. Faris Malki, general manager of Cahaba Cycles, said they first scheduled a Retro Ride five years ago but that it was rained out.
“We are honored to be a part of [the Retro Run],” Malki said. “It’s also just as much fun to dress up on a bike, too. We see it as an opportunity to join in the fun and give our customers a chance to do a really fun family event that is short in length.”
Similar to the run, bikers are encouraged to dress up or decorate their bicycles. Cahaba Cycles will also give out gift cards to riders with the best costume or decorated bicycle, according to Malki.
Once the run is over, Trak Shak will hold a contest for best retro costume. In order to be eligible to win the $100 for best costume, contestants must run the 5K and be picked by the employees of the Trak Shak to participate. After a dance-off, the crowd will pick the winner.
Jim N’ Nicks will be catering after the race. The event will also have Birmingham Budweiser products, Powerade, Coca-Cola products and music.
The Retro Run begins at 7 p.m. on 18th Street. The Cahaba Cycles Retro Ride begins at 6:45 p.m. at the same location. There is a $40 race fee and a $2.50 sign up fee. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Homewood/2014TrakShakRetroRun5K.
