#nikitafunrun

For five days 

Tremulous skies threatened to downpour on Portland. To rain. As March 28th approached, the forecast flip-flopped between boasting predictions of sunny skies and soggy afternoons. Finally, the day arrived. The skies were filled with patches of sun and white fluffy clouds-- and not a drop of rain in sight. Nature had given it’s blessing to the first ever Nikita Just For Fun Run here in Portland, OR.

Laura Lawson Visconti was one of the many that showed up for the day of activities, bringing along a few more friends and a lot of energy to get the run going. She lead the enthusiastic group in a series of pre-race stretches, ensuring everyone was safely warmed up to begin the run!

This wasn’t just any normal 5K- fans who joined us for the #NikitaFunRun were in store for a lot more than a jog through the neighborhood. Local businesses partnered with Nikita to host the event, putting together mini-challenges at a total of five different stops along the run route. Runners had to visit each stop, complete the mini-challenge and receive a “task completed” wrist-band before continuing on to the next stop. Challenges consisted of such high-skill-based trials like: The Hula Hoop Walk, Corn Hole Toss and Frisbee Golf Challenge.

As each person crossed the finish line they were met with cheers, high-fives and (for those over 21) a nice cool Basecamp Beer, kindly served up by evo. After everyone completed the run, Clutched Key Collective began taking people through the steps of tie-dye and shibori. While the running portion of the day was over, there was still a snowboard to win and tons of give-aways to raffle off (See our Facebook page for more photos from the event!).

The giveaways went fantastically, with amazing items from Nikita, Next Adventure and Basecamp getting raffled off to the animated crowd. Giveaways culminated with the announcement of the winner of the Instagram contest (and soon-to-be owner of a new Nikita Chikita snowboard). @prairiechicken; aka Amie, a visitor from Canada, took home the grand prize!

Everyone gathered together after the raffle for one final group photo. Sweaty smiles (and a few birthday wishes) were abound in the group as everyone gathered together in high spirits. As people filtered out of the evo parking lot, there were more high-fives, hugs and grins being exchanged between all who were there. The day was an amazing success, and not even one drop of rain fell the entire time.