RACE DAY REPRIEVE

So far, Bratton’s events and community-building efforts have been a hit. Maybe the most notable of them all is Psychoactive: A Last-Runner Standing Event. This non-traditional race has participants run 1.5 miles at set time increments until every single participant drops out, except for one … “The Last Runner Standing”. If the physical challenge isn’t enough, the mental challenge kicks in as the farther you run, the less time you have to complete each lap! This makes the race’s end time “open-ended and completely in the hands of the participants, and not the Race Director,” Bratton said, adding another element of intrigue and adventure to the sold-out competition capped at 120 runners.

The event is held annually at the beautiful Blackberry Ridge Farm in Huntersville, NC. Among the participants were the farm co-owners—a husband-and-wife team—and, yes, also their rooster for part of the race, each of whom pushed themselves to their limits. This unexpected group is proof that Psychoactive embodies its name, combining craziness, movement, and lots of fun into a single experience.

Psychoactive isn’t the only elimination-style race of its kind, but it might be the only one set on an idyllic family-owned farm with a route winding through rows of hemp and wildflowers. On soft grass, packed gravel, or hard pavement, Ecotents can be assembled wherever they’re needed. For Human Powered Movement, that means they’re ready to go, no matter where the adventure takes them. 

Their vibrant, custom-printed tent prominently features their logo, which helps the organization boost brand recognition at events like Psychoactive and there other events and community gatherings. Beautiful and convenient tent accessories also cement the brand with the runners and spectators. Human Powered Movement uses eye-catching teardrop flags to support wayfinding and add visual interest at the race. Plus, Ecotent feather banners offer a stunning addition to the event’s signage.

Psychoactive lasts as long as the runners last. So, there’s no telling how many hours the event will go. In 2023, the Psychoactive winner completed 47 laps over 12 hours and 22 minutes for a total of more than 63 miles. 

No matter how long the event stretches on or what the weather’s like, Human Powered Movement knows they can count on their Ecotent to serve as a space of much-needed solace, rest, and community for runners between laps. Competitors have the chance to recharge so that they can keep pushing themselves to go even further or enjoy some much needed rest after their inevitable DNF (Did Not Finish). The tent is 100% waterproof, fire-retardant, wind-tough, and light-fast—even in prolonged sun. 

With a tent that’s even tougher than the runners, Human Powered Movement has peace of mind. They rely on the Ecotent to perform well for a long time, even if the sun shines bright or the wind and rain roll in. 

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear,” Bratton said.