The World's First Ever Five Fingers 5k race

The World's First Ever Five Fingers 5k, sponsored by Mahoney's was held this past weekend in Johnson City, TN. It was open to all runners, regardless of footwear. However, the winner was wearing fivefingers and finished the race in 17:33. Vibram Five Fingers fan, Nestor, ran in the race and shared this excellent report with us:

Nestor's report on the first-ever Vibram Five Fingers 5K race

I recently participated in the "Five Fingers 5k" in Johnson City, TN hosted by Mahoney's, a diverse local outdoor retailer(think REI combined with a Bass Pro Shop). It was a relatively small race, with 89 participants, mostly locals. Touted as the "world's first" Five Fingers 5k, special consideration was given to VFF-clad runners, with completely separate rankings, awards, and prizes, as opposed to "regular shoe" runners who were still welcomed to participate. Of the total participants, 15(including myself) were VFF runners. Amazingly, there was only one female in the bunch sporting peach/chili Classics. The course ran through an adjacent residential neighborhood characterized by many frequent small hills. Combined with typical "deep south" weather (read high heat/humidity), it made for a particularly unique 5k race.

Some notes from the race

• Overall Winner - Derrick Gibson (18) 17 minutes 33 seconds running in VFF's
• Full results can be found at www.runtricities.org

The experience was uniquely refreshing. We didn't feel like a strange "minority," as many of us are used too during typical road races. There were none of the typical questions about the footwear(i.e. comfort, where to buy them, does it hurt, why did you choose to run in VFFs? etc. - akin to the "bee girl" from finding her "home" in Blind Melon's "No Rain" music video). It was nice to look down and see bunches of individual toes rather than shod toeboxes.

Race Photo Gallery from Brandon of Mahoney's Outfitters

Scoop about upcoming Five Fingers models

Also, for the duration of the event, a regional Vibram Five Fingers rep was trialing demo pairs to curious shod runners.  I had a chance to "talk shop" with him. Apparently, he just returned the week prior from the VFF sales meeting. I was able to get a hands-on with the new TrekSport and gleen some info about a new model, apparently called the "Bikila LS" (*See Note Below).  This yet-to-be-announced model is a lace-up version of the new Bikilas. Unlike the European-only Speed, it's laces are configured in an offset-curve designed to better accommodate fitting wide and narrower foot widths.

I also managed to snag a couple new VFF product packaging pamphlets. It includes FAQs, Sole detail overviews, Model detail overviews, introduction, and "reasons to wear." Of interest were details of the new TrekSport and Smartwool Classic.  Update!  The Five Fingers Trek Sport is now out (learn more)!  And the Smartwool Classic Five Fingers are now available, too!

Smartwool Classic Features from the pamphlet

• Smartwool, which is known for its outstanding performance properties will keep your foot warm when it's cold, and cool and dry when it's hot
• Illustrating Vibram's commitment to utilize new and sustainable materials, this model also boasts the Vibram EcoStep+ outsole, which is made from 50% recycled rubber scrap.
• Machine Washable, Air Dry
• 7.3 ounces (Men's 42)

TrekSport Features from the pamphlet

• Our TrekSport offers a 4mm EVA midsole for plating protection and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram performance rubber outsole for added traction on a variety of surfaces
• The Coconut Active Carbon upper offers a natural breathability and abrasion resistance for maximum performance during your indoor or outdoor athletic pursuits
• Machine Washable, Air Dry
• Anti-Microbial, Microfiber footbed
• 6.1 ounces (Men's 42)

Nestor

Nestor, thanks for the report and all the scoop about upcoming Five Fingers models!

*We're trying to follow-up and learn more about this new lace-up Bikila and will report any new info as soon as we get.