Featured Running Event of the Week : Go Run Washington Park

First, a little bit about "Go Run".  Go Run is a series of races, sponsored by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), which takes place on Saturdays from Spring through Autumn, at Chicago Parks.  The races are held each Saturday at 9:00am (with check-in beginning at 8:15am) at Washington Park, Warren Park, and Humboldt Park - at the actual parks that the neighborhoods are named after.  The three races literally occur simultaneously - each 5K run/walk (or 1 mile run/walk) kicks off at 9:00am at each park.  This goes on all Spring, Summer, and Autumn.  Pretty much rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous (pretty standard for running events).

What makes these events even more unique (aside from occurring every weekend and simultaneously) is that they are FREE.  Yes, 100% FREE.  CARA is a registered charitable organization and one of their methods of giving back is to encourage people to get out and run - or jog - or walk.  And to do it for 5K or 1-Mile, whichever.  These races are timed, but are non-competitive.  There are no awards for first place or for age groups.  It is stressed that people may choose to use this for a leisurely walk around these scenic parks, to jog, to begin or continue a healthy plan, or to run to try and get a fast time.  And every participant understands this and the camaraderie is amazing and healthy.  Just like most running events, participants encourage each other before - during - and after the race - regardless of time and speed.  The fact that this is non-competitive allows for shy newbies to take their first steps (pun intended) into the running event world.  Many people often are self-conscious about joining a crowd run or a competitive run - these events are the PERFECT welcome wagon for ALL levels of running and walking.  In addition, usually entering a running event costs money.  I've seen events as low as $10, but that's a rarity - most start at $30 and just go higher.  Again, another hurdle for the newer runners - or for people who WANT to run every weekend in a friendly group environment, but simply do not have the extra cash to that.

Go Run is also eco-friendly.  Results are not printed out on paper and posted at the event.  Instead they are uploaded to the Go Run webpage - usually within 60 minutes after the final participant crosses.  In addition, participants are given a bib with their assigned number written on it.  This bib can be used at EVERY Go Run event, regardless of which park or which week.  The computer system recognizes the number.  This doesn't sound like much, but the amount of paper that is saved over a 3-month season of 3 races per week adds up to a mound of paper saved!  (by the way, if a person forgets or loses their bib, they do get another one, no charge, no penalty)

Now, onto the Washington Park event.  The park itself is located just west of University of Chicago campus.  The 5k is 2-laps around the park on interior paths, and the 1-mile is an out-and-back on the same paths.  Both events start together.  The path itself is pavement for about 50 yards - and then is all crushed gravel - very soft crushed gravel and very easy on the feet and legs.  It almost feels spongey and bouncy.  It is also a very well-kept path, no large rocks, no garbage, few twigs, and very clean.  At one point, before the first mile, if participants look up to their left, the park trees frame Chicago's skyline perfectly!!!   The course crosses no streets and only crosses one parking lot entrance which is sparsely used at 9:00am.  The path also passes by several baseball diamonds, usually with youth teams playing or practicing.  And last, but most definitely not least, the volunteers are very friendly and very encouraging.  There is also water and Gatorade at the start/finish, which is also the half-way point.  Plenty of parking very close to the start/finish as well as other areas in the park.

As the band Chicago once sang : "Saturday In The Park".

Information about these events can be found on the CARA website at http://www.cararuns.org/gorun/