The CPD Run/Walk is held to honor and remember the 575 fallen officers in Chicago. The money goes to a scholarship foundation which is used to put the children of the fallen through college. The 2017 event had more than 5000 participants, and the event has raised over $8 MILLION throughout the years.
Many Chicago races start near Soldier Field, either at Stadium Green or the McCormick Place Tailgate Lot. This starts near those places, but instead starts on the West Side of the CPD Gold Star Family Memorial Monument and finishes on the East Side of the same monument. Giving participants plenty of opportunity to stop and pay their respects and show their appreciation. The final 1/4 mile (a guess) of the course is lined with photographs of each fallen officer on each side of the course. The entire event is presented with the highest level of respect and class.
Participants can register as walkers or runners. The run is chip-timed start and finish. The course itself heads north from the Soldier Field campus and winds through the Museum campus on route to a Lake Shore Drive bike/walking path. The first half of the race is run with LSD to the left, and cars honking in support. Participants pass Buckingham Fountain as well - and the Chicago skyline in sight the entire time. As the course gets further north, it turns around, and the final half is run directly along the Lake Shore itself, down away from the noise of the Drive and with beautiful Lake Michigan on the left this time - literally 5-10 yards away. The course finishes by going around the Aquarium, between the Oceanarium and the Lake - and the towards the finish line by the Gold Star Family Memorial.
In addition to a truly scenic route, the race has a spectacular start as well, with a Prayer, the National Anthem (sung live), a bag pipe band at the start line, and a flyover. Yes - honestly a flyover - as the Chicago Police Helicopter swoops down over the starting line just before the race. The Helicopter is visible the entire race, which is not only cool, but also good in case there is some sort of injury or life threatening situation (hopefully not). In addition, in the Lake, are the Police Boats, using their sirens as encouragement.
There is a post-race party, for a fee (which goes to the scholarship fund), which includes hot dogs and pizza (just like a Chicago event should), soft drinks, and beer. Yes, beer. There is also a live band as well, plus all the standard post-race amenities.
The race draws many First Responders from all departments (FD, PD, Ambulance, etc) - plus teams from far away, like NYPD, and other suburban departments.
A great event, a great course, a great view, and a great cause!!
If you decide to do this race - usually the first Saturday in May - be sure to get there early or stay late and take some time to reflect at the monument, it is truly moving.
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