Just because you’re not getting married doesn’t mean you can’t don a white dress or a tux for this year’s Great Bridal Chase 5K.
After a two-year pandemic-induced break, the 5K will return to Covington on Nov. 6. The wedding-themed race starts at Hotel Covington and goes through Covington’s historic district, down by the riverside, and back to Hotel Covington. The event ends with a wedding reception-themed afterparty.
“We like to say it’s all of the party, none of the commitment,” founder of the race, Allison Schroeder, said.
Schroeder said she had a lot of time to think while training for 5K and 10K events that she participated in, which is how she came up with the idea for a bridal-themed race.
“I was like, well, there’s this interesting intersection of people. They’re runners who are really dedicated to the novelty races, and so they’re really invested in the experience of a 5k,” Schroeder said. “They want the swag; they want a premium medal that they can show off. It’s all about the after-party. The course not so much, though we do have a really beautiful course.”
She said mixing that idea with people looking to get married brings in participants interested in fitness before their big day or something fun to do with a bridal party.
Runners can also partake in the tethered couples race with their significant other.
Participants are encouraged to dress up, but it is not required. Schroeder said runners could be seen in tuxedo t-shirts, wedding dress costumes, and old bridesmaid dresses. A costume contest is held during the after-party to judge the best looks from the race.
“There’s this group of two girls, and they come back every year, and they always do interesting plays on different like wedding-related themes,” Schroeder said. “So, one year, one of the gals had Amazon labels all over her wearing all white, and so she was a mail order bride, and then the other one had like a dragon tail or dinosaur tail in the back, and she was a bridezilla. They are just they’re so creative with their costumes.”
Schroeder said when creating the after-party for the event, she wanted something inclusive that people would want to hang around afterward to enjoy.
“If you’re an avid runner, you’ll know that a lot of times the after party might be there’s some music, and then you grab your banana, and then you leave,” Schroeder said.
Upon arrival, participants are welcomed to the after-party with a complimentary glass of champagne. Cake samples and pizza will be offered, along with a DJ.
Schroeder said not all of the events vendors have been confirmed, but in the past, they have had stretching from StretchLab and chair massages from The Woodhouse spa.
“There are lots of different elements and moments for photos for hanging out with your friends,” Schroeder said. “There will be a cash bar there as well on-site, so you can continue the party after your glass of champagne if you so choose.”
She said the reception-like after-party lets participants see what’s out in the bridal community firsthand.
The after-party will also have a VIP lounge area that participants can sign up for during registration. Schroeder said past VIP lounge areas have had a braiding bar from Zephyr Blowout and Salon, mimosas, and charcuterie boards from The Rind.
Participants can sign up for the race in groups or individually.
Registrants may select or add a charity, and 10% of the registration fee will be donated to the nonprofit of their choice.
Early bird registration for $30 is now open through Aug. 31. A second-tier pricing registration of $40 will be available Sept. 1 through Oct. 15, and a final tier price of $50 will be offered through Nov. 4.
