Monday's Featured 5k of the Week - Rock The Night!

Well, Chicagoland, with all the recent announcements regarding Lollapalooza, it just seems fitting that today's featured 5k will be the Rock The Night 5k.

The Rock The Night 5k is an evening race (duh) that takes place at Stadium Green at Soldier Field.  Coincidentally, this year, it is happening the Thursday night immediately before Lollapalooza!!!

The focal point, supposedly, is the 5k, though music fans may disagree.  The 5k is an out-and-back course from Stadium Green (south of Soldier Field) to south of McCormick Place along the paths between LSD and Lake Michigan.  The race starts in the early evening, and by the time it finishes the lamp posts are just starting to take affect.  Seeing how this race is held in late July - an evening race is quite refreshing!!  Even in the hot summer nights, there is still a refreshing breeze coming off of the lake.

The event starts around 4:00pm when the first band takes the stage.  The run starts around 7:00pm.  Bands play from 4:00 until the end of the evening, the faster a person runs, the more songs they can hear!!  All finishers (over 21) receive a free beer after finishing the 5k - and the beer line is well staffed.

Last year Big Head Todd was the headliner, with several local bands opening.  It did rain early in the evening so that messed up some of the schedule - but I believe there would have been 6 bands total.  Even with the early rains (including a tornado watch), the event organizers put on a perfect event.  The rain stopped early enough, and things were up and running with the race starting on time and bands still performing, and beer still flowing.

Really, the best way to describe this 5k is a "music event, with some exercise".  Hours upon hours of music, with a quick 5k right in the middle.  Lake Michigan to the East with a nice summer evening breeze for comfort and the Chicago Skyline to the north - and LIVE MUSIC starting at 4:00.  LIVE MUSIC and a 5K - I mean - is there anything better?

I know this isn't my usually detailed "technical" review - but it is LIVE MUSIC and a 5K - need I say anything more?  Oh yeah, in Chicago, near Lake Michigan - need I say more?

It's a race with a rock concert reward!!!

(Designated Driver Shuttle from Stadium Green to Union Station/Ogilvie is provided for $2.00)

Bands are not yet listed - but to keep informed check out the official website - http://www.rockthenight5k.com/