Go Run-Warren Park is one of the the 3 simultaneous Go Run events that happen almost every Saturday from Spring through Fall in Chicago. The other two occur at Humboldt Park and Washington Park. More information about the Go Run program can be found at the bottom of this blog entry.
There are many great things about the Go Run program, which are detailed later in this entry, but something I really enjoyed about the program this past weekend was the casual nature of it. The race starts at 9:00, registration starts at 8:00am. But if a participant is already registered, and has participated before, they just show up, with their bib from the previous event, and just get in line at start time. The previous event doesn't even have to be at that particular location - just put the bib on - get in line to start - and the participant will get credit at the finish line. No check-in whatsoever. For first time participants, they need to check-in and get a bib. So, for me personally, this week's run was sort of something I was doing as an intermission from a weekend long event I was attending. And that was nice, because there was no pressure to get there early to avoid lines or to make sure I was registered and so on. I showed up, at a time convenient for me, did some warmups, put my bib on, and got in line. At the finish, I was recorded and included in the results. No long lines to leave either, so I was able to just show up - participate - and leave. Perfect!
The 5k is a two-loop race, and there is a 1-mile race which is 1 abbreviated loop. The course is well marked, volunteers at some key turning points, and cones to indicate where not to turn. The route leaves from the parking lot area (perfect for those showing up within minutes), and goes around the perimeter of the park. It's all on paved paths, and some concrete sidewalk in one area. Interestingly, the perimeter route includes running alongside a 9-hole executive golf course - and even in between the "clubhoue" and the course. Scenic and quite. When not near the golf course, the path goes past an open field, some baseball fields, and some open areas. Most of the past is tree-lined. At one point, and interesting twist, the path actually meets a regular city sidewalk, complete with people waiting at the bus stop. At 9:00am on a Saturday, this area is still relatively empty though, and pedestrian traffic is not an issue, but it's definitely different to suddenly be on a sidewalk open to the public. The few pedestrians that are there, are courteous, and there are no issues. The course then goes back into the park towards the finish line. It's a fun course and the scenery is ever changing. According to my GPS watch, there is a total 23 foot elevation gain - so 11.5 feet per loop - but it's not even noticeable - though I do admit, there is one spot where the decline is somewhat noticeable (not steep), but one can feel the easiness of going downhill. Well organized, relaxing, and fun.
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.
There are many great things about the Go Run program, which are detailed later in this entry, but something I really enjoyed about the program this past weekend was the casual nature of it. The race starts at 9:00, registration starts at 8:00am. But if a participant is already registered, and has participated before, they just show up, with their bib from the previous event, and just get in line at start time. The previous event doesn't even have to be at that particular location - just put the bib on - get in line to start - and the participant will get credit at the finish line. No check-in whatsoever. For first time participants, they need to check-in and get a bib. So, for me personally, this week's run was sort of something I was doing as an intermission from a weekend long event I was attending. And that was nice, because there was no pressure to get there early to avoid lines or to make sure I was registered and so on. I showed up, at a time convenient for me, did some warmups, put my bib on, and got in line. At the finish, I was recorded and included in the results. No long lines to leave either, so I was able to just show up - participate - and leave. Perfect!
The 5k is a two-loop race, and there is a 1-mile race which is 1 abbreviated loop. The course is well marked, volunteers at some key turning points, and cones to indicate where not to turn. The route leaves from the parking lot area (perfect for those showing up within minutes), and goes around the perimeter of the park. It's all on paved paths, and some concrete sidewalk in one area. Interestingly, the perimeter route includes running alongside a 9-hole executive golf course - and even in between the "clubhoue" and the course. Scenic and quite. When not near the golf course, the path goes past an open field, some baseball fields, and some open areas. Most of the past is tree-lined. At one point, and interesting twist, the path actually meets a regular city sidewalk, complete with people waiting at the bus stop. At 9:00am on a Saturday, this area is still relatively empty though, and pedestrian traffic is not an issue, but it's definitely different to suddenly be on a sidewalk open to the public. The few pedestrians that are there, are courteous, and there are no issues. The course then goes back into the park towards the finish line. It's a fun course and the scenery is ever changing. According to my GPS watch, there is a total 23 foot elevation gain - so 11.5 feet per loop - but it's not even noticeable - though I do admit, there is one spot where the decline is somewhat noticeable (not steep), but one can feel the easiness of going downhill. Well organized, relaxing, and fun.
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)
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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