Anything but ordinary. No set course, just checkpoints – a blend of urban jungles and local trails, and the freedom to forge your own 5-7km path. Sounds epic, right?
These pop-up events are where running and exploration collide. The brainchild of passionate trail runners and The North Face team athletes Majell Backhausen and Dave Byrne, the Guerrilla Run concept is simple. You turn up to the start, scan a QR code which reveals a bunch of information, sign the waiver, pop on your GR bib and then wait for the pre-run briefing. This is where things get fun. At this point a series of checkpoints are revealed. Armed with the knowledge of where you’ve got to go, the next step is simple – map out the best possible route to get to them all. As you reach each checkpoint you take a selfie to prove you were there, before making a b-line to the next one. Once you’ve bagged them all, head back to the start as quickly as your pins can carry you.
As much as these are a race, in reality, the creators were more focused on making events that are accessible to anyone, where everyone is celebrated and it’s all about community and injecting a little bit of chaos in a sport that’s typically very structured. The launch event in Hobart proved just how hectic things can get. Leaving the start line, people went in every direction. There was no ‘perfect’ route, due to some elements that were out of people’s control, such as traffic lights. Because the first rule of Guerrilla Runs is that you have to obey all the usual laws that apply to pedestrians. This means that a bit of bad luck with traffic could mean a lead is blown. Some runners are also a little more adventurous than others and willing to jump fences, charge through bushes and dash across parks in order to save a few meters.
The courses are designed to be a maximum of 7km, so the distance is relatively consumable, even for those who consider themselves recreational joggers. And as for the checkpoints, well they’re generally landmarks and easily identifiable, so you don’t need to be particularly adept at navigation. In reality, you can plug them into Google Maps and it’ll plan a course for you. But is it going to be the fastest? The other thing is, people are encouraged to share the journey. To buddy up if they’ve come on their own so that new connections can be forged. It’s a real social fair, where the excitement and energy make for a fun and community spirited event.
Post run is a celebration. There are drinks, food, a presentation and plenty of laughs. Awards are given out not only to the winners, but for all sorts of reasons that aren’t revealed until afterwards. So pretty much anyone can pick up a prize. Considering you get all of this for free, everyone is a winner!
The next Guerrilla Run is taking place on April 10th at The North Face World Square store from 6pm.
For more information on the GR series, visit: www.guerrillarun.com
