Monday's Featured 5k of the Week - Deep Dish Dash 5k

“Now, THIS is a Chicago race.”

“How so?”

“They run for miles and finish with Deep Dish Pizza and a beer!!!”

Yep, that about sums it up.  What says Chicago more than a half-marathon, a 10k, and a 5k in Lincoln Park followed by Deep Dish Pizza (provided by Lou Malnati’s and Connie’s) and Beer (provided by Lagunatis)???

This was a combination event – a half-marathon, 10k, and 5k – however this review is about the Deep Dish Dash 5k only.

Arriving to the 5k about 1 hour early (or sooner) is the perfect timing.  At that point, 5k participants can watch the 10k and Half-Marathon runners begin to cross the finish line – including the very first runners across the line.  There is nothing more motivating to a runner than watching other runners compete and/or finish a race.  That sense of accomplishment that is so evident on their faces is enough to provide all the motivation and inspiration needed to run a 5k.  This also gave the 5k participants a chance to cheer on complete strangers as they crossed the line (or approached the line) – something all runners love to do!

As the Half-Marathon and 10k runners began to finish, a live band, The UFC Band this year, began to rock out the crowd, starting with a song by Chicago.  (again, this is truly a Chicago race).

The 5k started about 30-40 minutes after the Half and 10k runners began finishing.  The course began just south of the finish line and merged onto the main course, as the 5k runners were heading out, they were encountering half/10k runners coming back – again more motivation.  This 5k route was different than most Lincoln Park 5k routes, as it headed south first, and then went west into Lincoln Park and south again to LaSalle and Stockton and then back again, making a big loop in the southwest area of Lincoln Park.  This was a welcome change to normal out-and-back courses from other 5Ks. 

The path consisted of primarily crushed gravel, but also some pavement, concrete, and even a very small portion of a boardwalk, with wooden boards.  At places the pavement also had crushed gravel next to it that was wide enough for running.  Because of recent rain and melted snow, the crushed gravel was quite soft and comfortable and most runners chose the crushed gravel over the pavement when possible.  There were a couple of hills, one going under Fullerton and another smaller one in the southwest portion of the course. 

The course then headed back up north – and ran directly next to the “celebration area” before going around it and back south to the finish line.  The same finish line used by the Half-Marathon and 10k.  Now, this provided added motivation as the final 3/4 miles or so was run in front of spectators as the course looped the enclosed celebration area!  Due to the start times of the races, the 5k runners were hitting the final stretch alongside quite a few  Half-Marathoners and some 10k runners, which made for a cool finish.

When the race ended – aside from the usual bottle of water and/or Gatorade, runners were treated to a free slice of Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish or Connie’s Deep Dish pizza and a free 16 ounces of Lagunitas Beer.

If ever there was a “Chicago run” – this was it.

Link to 2015 event (past)