Local Group Going for New World Record at 'RVA Streets Alive!'
New Balance Richmond will attempt to make the longest consecutive string of shoelaces, and their manager explains how you can help them set the record.
By: Nan Turner
New Balance Richmond will be hoping to set a new world record at ‘RVA Streets Alive!’ for the longest consecutive string of shoelaces. And they’ll be depending heavily on participants in the event to make it happen. PULSE caught up with NB Richmond manager Jeff Strojny to get all the details about their weekend plans.
Q: How long have you worked at New Balance Richmond?
A: I opened New Balance Richmond in May 2010, though I used to work at New Balance Delaware for about 4 years prior to that.
Q: Explain the record-breaking shoe lace tying that will be going on at the event.
A: This record will be an attempt to make the longest consecutive string of shoelaces. We will try to make it all the way around the 2.56 mile loop before the end of the event. We are relying on participants to pick up a pair of laces from our tent and walk/run/bike/scooter/pogo stick to the end of the string where they can add theirs on. We are estimating needing about 1,000 people to help out! We have 2,850 63-inch laces which totals 2.83 miles. Since we'll use about 2 inches of lace at either end of the lace to tie a knot, we will in essence have 2.65 miles of lace. For every lace a participant adds on, they can enter their name for a chance to win a gift card to the store. The more laces added, the better your chance to win!
New Balance shoelaces for the world record attempt (Courtesy: New Balance Richmond)
Q: How did this first become an idea for this event?
A: We've done a few vendor fairs in the past that are always the same and pretty uneventful. I only wanted to go if we would be able to do something fun and different. Since 'RVA Streets Alive!' is such a unique event, thinking of something different was much easier. The record idea was at first a joke but all the pieces seemed to fit and were very attainable. I figured if anything else it would be fun and would get people moving which is the whole idea behind this event.
Q: What other things will New Balance Richmond be doing at the event?
A: We will be offering full gait analysis by a Certified Pedorthist at our tent. People can run up and down the street, and by using slow motion capturing, we can determine if they have any biomechanical abnormalities and if their shoes are correct for their gait. Additionally, we will be having a shoe lacing competition. Participants will have to unlace and re-lace a shoe as fast as they can. The fastest participant at the end of the day will win a GC to the store. The record at the store is 36 seconds so we're hoping to see that go down!
Q: What are you most excited for on Saturday?
A: Seeing people exercise freely in the middle of major roads is going to portray the city in a completely different light. Hopefully a positive, encouraging environment will allow people to enjoy exercise, not dread it.
Q: Why should people come to the event and stop by your tent?
A: This event will give people an opportunity to take advantage of the city. When else will you be able to walk in the middle of the Manchester Bridge without worrying about vehicles? We will have so many fun things going on at the NB RVA tent. It's not every day that you have the opportunity to be part of a world record and know that you're getting good exercise while doing it. We'll also have all the newest NB styles on display which look amazing.
Q: Why do you think events like this are important?
A: Exercising every day can become a bit mundane. This event mixes it up and gets you out of the typical workout environment which is important in developing a healthier exercise-driven lifestyle.
Q: What do you hope people take away from 'RVA Streets Alive!' and New Balance Richmond?
A: Exercising can be fun!