What to say? We're not exactly sure how to describe the crazy 20 hour period that was the OutdoorFest 2016 Campout.
Campers set up at the OutdoorFest 2016 campsite
To give you a sense of how we're feeling: in 2014 we had about 20 people campout, in 2015 it was around 50, this year there were over 150 people sleeping out with us under the stars (and even more of you who came to join the run!)
Wow. Just wow.
The campout was basically our dream event, a place where you could hang out in hammocks (thanks Therm-a-rest!) and just enjoy the sounds and smells of nature ...
Hammocks offered relaxation at Camp Therm-a-rest. Photo by Tom O'Hare.
... or a place where you could actively participate in yoga, hiking, and running.
Pop Up Yoga NYC led an invigorating, hour long class. Photo by Tom O'Hare
All of the activities we had throughout the night were thanks to our incredible local partners from Pop Up Yoga NYC who kicked everything off with Vinyasa yoga to the Staten Island Greenbelt crew who showed us 5 miles of the greenest borough.
Warming up with a 5-mile hike led by the Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy
We also felt lucky to have found a place in NYC where you can actually light campfires and under the guidance of Loomstate's Rhett Godfrey didn't just learn fire making ... but fire making using friction (aka no matches or lighters!)
Rhett Godfrey teaches his fire by friction class. Photo by Tom O'Hare.
Once we had our campfire going we helped host the first ever Outside Magazine Podcast Listening Party. First, we listened to this episode of the brand new podcast:
Next, we discussed the topic of legalization of wingsuit flying and the ethical dilemmas connected to the sport. As dusk settled in it was time to grab our race bibs and head to the starting line for the Headlamp 5K Trail Run.
A perfect capture of the start of the 5k Headlamp Trail Race by Tom O'Hare.
Though the race started with some light in the sky, by the time even the first racers were done, darkness had fallen and only the light of our headlamps and the finish line guided us.
Headlamps on the move.. By Tom O'Hare
Upon finishing the 5K, runners had a chance to recover then were treated to beer from Sierra Nevada and food from Mi Casa. The top 3 in Mens & women's even won brand new pairs of Salomon Running shoes. Dancing and foot stomping ensued as Silver City Bound kept the energy high in the wooded amphitheater for the big finale of the night.
Silver City Bound setting up by Tom O'Hare.
With that some of us headed back to our tents and others back to the campfire for a few more minutes (or hours) of reveling in the shockingly quiet night, perfect weather and amazing people that surrounded them.
The North Face VIPeak Camping Area lit up for the night.
Thanks to all who participated and made this such a special event with a special highlight to Sorta Outdoorsy for helping to curate the activities. Shoutouts to our sponsors The North Face, Therm-a-Rest, Clif Bar, Salomon Running, and of course Sierra Nevada!