Monday, July 31, 2017

Featured Running Event of the Week - Go Run-Humboldt Park


Go Run-Humboldt Park is one of the 3 simultaneous Go Run events that happen almost every Saturday from Spring through Fall in Chicago.  The other two occur in Warren Park and Washington Park.  More information about the Go Run as a program can be found at the bottom of this blog entry.

I've been to Humboldt Park (the actual park, within the neighborhood of the same name) for a 5k before, it was a RAM Racing event and it took place 100% on the streets of the park.  The route on the streets almost resembled a bow-and-arrow.  This run however is VERY different - VERY different.

This run takes place 0% on the streets - as a matter of fact, a runner never puts a foot on the street except going to or from their car.  The entire 5k takes places on the paved bike/walking/jogging path which weaves in and around Humboldt Park (the park, not the neighborhood).  As a matter of fact, it actually goes UNDER a street, twice, as part of the route.  The route first runs a 1-mile loop on one side of the main street, then on the 2nd time around, runners are diverted under the road, on a path that is next to a stream that the road is going over.  The runners then complete about 1 mile on that side of the street, then go back under the same bridge, on the other side of the stream, and finish up on that first loop.  The course is VERY WELL marked, and has a volunteer at that split-location to make sure everybody goes the right way.  

The race starts and finishes next to Little Cubs Field which is amazing ballpark, complete with real stands behind home plate, fencing, and a view of the skyline in center field.  This in itself makes the race scenic.  But the race also goes alongside wetlands, open fields, streams, ponds, and a beach - yes a beach.  This is NOT on Lake Michigan, but rather a pond in Humboldt Park that is used for swimming and beaching.  It even has a boathouse from the way-back times of Chicago - and it's quite a grand building.  90% of the course is shaded, with large trees everywhere.  For a brief moment runners run alongside the park roads, but still on the paved bike/running bike trail.  Runners never need to cross a road or run on a road - the only potential traffic are some Canadian Geese on the trails - and they were kind enough to say in the water during the 5k.  Saying this is a scenic run is an understatement.  It's almost impossible to believe one is right in the heart of city when on this course, except for the view of the skyline when passing Little Cubs Field.  A very serene setting for a 5k.  The course is relatively flat, except for the up and down hills going under the road.  This is one of those 5Ks where it is worth it to get there early (or stay late) and check out the park as a park, and not as a course.  And, as always with Go Run events, excellent volunteers!!

Now, the following section is copy/pasted from an earlier blog about Go Run-Washington Park, but I believe it is important to understand the concept and reason for the Go Run events.  So, if you missed that blog entry, here it is again.

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)

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