Sometimes, it ain't easy being sexy. In October, organizers from the first-ever adult-themed mud run announced it would switch locations from central Florida to Virginia Key. Now, the event is tweaking its brand in an effort to foster connections with more companies, according to founder and organizer Kelly Perez.
"Because the name 'X-Rated Run' was rejected from LivingSocial and Groupon, [it] prevented us from forming partnerships with some sexual health organizations -- and based on emails received -- people assumed we were a naked run," Perez told New Times this week. "We were forced to change the 'name to 'The X Run.'"
See also: X-Rated Run Moved to Miami! Porn Stars and Mud-Wrestling Pits Coming to Virginia Key
Perez says a representative from online coupon service LivingSocial rejected the event specifically because of the name, and Groupon echoed the sentiment, sending the run's campaign to a few subscribers as a "test," which garnered very little exposure.
"Our name has hindered us more than it's helped, which is why we are re-branding to The X Run," Perez said in an email. "It's sad we have to conform, but that's society and sex talk is still very much in the shadows."
Fortunately, the X Run has a few sponsors willing to get dirty, including SLS.com, Wasteland.com, and Juicy ads. Despite the hiccups, the event keeps piling on the filthy fun.
In addition to the race and sex-themed obstacle courses -- the Blue Balls Dash, G-string Crawl, and Dominatrix Dungeon, to name a few -- organizers just announced that Playboy TV and Ash Armand, star of Showtime's Gigolos, will appear at the Saturday, May 31, event.
Gigolos follows five escort studs seducing ladies and living it up on the Las Vegas Strip. Star Armand will sign autographs and offer photo opportunities to panting mud run participants.
The run, created to promote sexual positivity and healthful living, is an un-timed, 5K obstacle course and mud run for men and women of all fitness levels. Participants are in for a number of steamy activities, including adult starlets meet and greets, pole-dancing contests, and a Mr. and Ms. X Run Competition. Amid all the mud-wrestling and boob-wall climbing, registrants can look forward to a free beer, free T-shirt, and a condom-shaped medal at the finish line.
"Within the first two weeks we announced Miami as a new location, we received over 100 registrations from Miami alone," Perez said. "Our event is sexy, Miami is sexy -- we are two peas in a pod."
Though fantasy fulfillment and fitness offer more than enough motivation for some to join in, the X Run is also working to do some good. The run will donate a portion of its proceeds to Clitoraid, a nonprofit association that aims to build a "pleasure hospital" in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The goal is to offer free medical services for the physical restoration and rehabilitation of female genital mutilation victims.
Potential runners can sign up early for any time slot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at $65 per person, or as a team for $60 per person. For those who just want to take in the scanty sights, food, and live music, the run offers a spectator admission price of $25. Perez is looking forward to everyone celebrating sex, having fun, and getting some exercise while they're at it.
"Very rarely do people openly talk about sex, let alone participate in an event where they watch their friends slide through a penis tunnel and into a foam pit!" Perez said. "I believe that life is too short, every minute should be enjoyed, and you should laugh as often as possible. Our event will produce loads of laughter and in the process help you burn some calories."
New Times readers can get a $10 discount using the promo code "Miami New Times" when they register. Email [email protected].
Send your story tips to Cultist at [email protected].
Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.
