Let's be honest, trying to find your family and friends after a large race can be kind of a marathon in itself. One of the perks of the VIP area is that there are a lot less people roaming around and you have a definite spot to meet up with your family & friends after the race.
Runners and spectators start entering the race area very early on race day. With the race starting at 4:30, but pre-race activities and venue opening at 2:30, there is a lot of waiting around to do before you start your 13.1 or 26.2 mile journey. Being VIP met that we were able to easily able to meet up with friends before heading to the start. Sitting at a table and chairs is a lot more comfortable than sitting on the grass or sidewalk while waiting for the race to start. Hey, you are about to rock your run, you might as well be comfortable a bit beforehand.
Waiting in line for restrooms can be annoying, especially before a race. Face it, you probably feel the same way. There is nothing that can cause more anxiety than needing to take a last minute restroom trip before heading to the corrals only to find a MASSIVE line waiting for the port-o-potty.
Thanks to the Rock 'n' Roll VIP package, you have access to private restrooms. There were no lines, and had a little "freshen up" station with any last minute toiletries that you might need such as spray deodorant, sunscreen, and Vaseline. Just another great perk to being a VIP.
No doubt that runners need to eat. Heck, some of love to eat so much that we dream of that epic post race meal mid-race. Ok, maybe that is just me. HAHA! When you are a Rock 'n' Roll VIP you are treated to a pre-race "breakfast" (even though it was the afternoon) including bagels, bananas, water, coffee, etc. In addition they also had some pasta and pizza option as well. If you were there early enough to digest it before you ran, this was definitely a great perk.
I am a big creature of habit when it comes to my pre-race routine (plus you don't want to try anything new on race day), so I mainly just enjoyed the beverages with my protein bar. If you are one though that enjoys a peanut butter bagel or bananas before hand, having this readily available to you before heading out to the corrals is pretty sweet - especially if you traveled to the race.
I always appreciate races that offer gear check. They are great to keep a post race shirt/jacket, phone charger, your sandals, etc waiting for you afterwards. After a race the thought of standing in a long line to collect my bag is the last thing that I want to do. When you are a Rock 'n' Roll VIP, you get a private gear check. That's right, there are only a small number of bags and no long line to deal with afterwards. Yes, please.
Prices of Rock 'n' Roll VIP packages very between locations and perks may also vary. To upgrade your race day experience you are looking at around $70-90/person (prices vary by location), but if you are wanting to add a little bit of extra hospitality and feeling like a true 'rock star' I highly recommend at least trying it once.