So, this is a first, I am going to write about a 5k that I have never been to........physically at least.
Thanks to Chicagoland's 6th worst winter storm in history - I was snowed-in and unable to attend the Winterfest 5k in Kankakee on February 1.
I love snow-runs - some of my
favorite runs were in Chicago in 4+ inches of snow, blowing snow,
drifts, and so forth. Snow runs are the equivalent of being a kid
again, no ifs ands or buts about it. I wanted SO BAD to go to
Winterfest, there had to be at least 8 inches of snow at race time -
plus snow still falling. It had to be a great time! But, alas, Mother
Nature had other plans for me - but not for other runners.
The Kankakee River Running Club, the race organizers, made the decision on Saturday night to run the race, regardless of the weather. A decision that I whole-heartedly agree with, even knowing I couldn't be there. Turns out lots of people agreed. Over 100 runners and walkers participated, about a 50% turnout based on registrations. Not bad at all considering it was the 6th worst Chicagoland snow storm ever.
I was able to follow the action "virtually" though facebook and the KRRC webpage. And this is what I want to write about - how well the organizers handled this adversity.
As I said above, they were communicating with participants the night before via facebook. They also had constant updates all morning on raceday (it was a 1:00pm race). The updates were to confirm the race was still happening. There were road updates - honest road updates, if it was risky to travel, they told you. There were weather updates, how much snow, how much coming down, temp, etc. There were course updates, I remember seeing an update indicating when the city would be plowing the route - and it was pretty close to start time, so the route would be freshly cleared (thank you to Kankakee Public Works for that). Even though I wasn't there, I knew exactly what was going on, even an estimate on how many participants were there.
Even better, pictures started to be posted from the club itself and members of the club. I felt like I was there (albeit still bummed that I was not). And finish line photos - always my favorite thing about KRRC supported races. What I noticed in the finish line photos that stood out - 1) everybody was smiling and having fun 2) it was still snowing and 3) volunteers would continuously shovel the final few yards leading to the finish line to ensure a safe clear finish.
Even though I was not AT the event, I was extremely impressed with the event. Next year I hope there is just as much snow on the ground - but the snow ends early enough (like a day or two) to allow safe travels - and then let it snow while the race is going on.
Regardless of the weather in 2016 - I'll be registered!!
Here are some cool photos, courtesy of the Kankakee River Running Club - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.922114641141204&type=1
The Kankakee River Running Club, the race organizers, made the decision on Saturday night to run the race, regardless of the weather. A decision that I whole-heartedly agree with, even knowing I couldn't be there. Turns out lots of people agreed. Over 100 runners and walkers participated, about a 50% turnout based on registrations. Not bad at all considering it was the 6th worst Chicagoland snow storm ever.
I was able to follow the action "virtually" though facebook and the KRRC webpage. And this is what I want to write about - how well the organizers handled this adversity.
As I said above, they were communicating with participants the night before via facebook. They also had constant updates all morning on raceday (it was a 1:00pm race). The updates were to confirm the race was still happening. There were road updates - honest road updates, if it was risky to travel, they told you. There were weather updates, how much snow, how much coming down, temp, etc. There were course updates, I remember seeing an update indicating when the city would be plowing the route - and it was pretty close to start time, so the route would be freshly cleared (thank you to Kankakee Public Works for that). Even though I wasn't there, I knew exactly what was going on, even an estimate on how many participants were there.
Even better, pictures started to be posted from the club itself and members of the club. I felt like I was there (albeit still bummed that I was not). And finish line photos - always my favorite thing about KRRC supported races. What I noticed in the finish line photos that stood out - 1) everybody was smiling and having fun 2) it was still snowing and 3) volunteers would continuously shovel the final few yards leading to the finish line to ensure a safe clear finish.
Even though I was not AT the event, I was extremely impressed with the event. Next year I hope there is just as much snow on the ground - but the snow ends early enough (like a day or two) to allow safe travels - and then let it snow while the race is going on.
Regardless of the weather in 2016 - I'll be registered!!
Here are some cool photos, courtesy of the Kankakee River Running Club - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.922114641141204&type=1
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