Friday's Featured 5k of the Week - The Electric Run

So far all of the events I have written about were timed events.  Though, that didn't mean they were just for competitive runners.  Walkers, woggers, joggers, and runners all compete in those events.  Today I am going to write about an event that flat out tells you - This is not a timed event!

And it doesn't need to be timed.  The Electric Run is all about fun and friendship - with some level of exercise included.  Most people jog, a few flat out run, many just walk, and many do a combination.  This event is a night run - and it needs to be.  The Chicago run takes place on the grounds of McCormick Place and Stadium Green.  It takes place in the fall, so you don't have to wait long for the darkness to settle in.

Participants line up just south of McCormick Place in the South Lot (for lack of a better name), all decked out in florescent body paint, florescent clothing and bling, battery operated flashing lights of all kinds, fingertip lights, glow-necklaces, battery powered flashing sunglasses, glow-stick glasses, crazy hats, and every other nighttime carnival-esqe thing you can picture.  It is quite the electrical spectacle.  But even more enjoyable is watching the cars on the nearby expressway ramps slowing down and staring - trying to figure out exactly what they are looking at.

The music is pumping the crowd is jumping - and the runners/walkers/whatevers leave in waves.  It's like a Rave or Disco atmosphere.  The course itself contains tons of different types of light displays, from a tunnel of lights, to "stars" under McCormick Place (the race immediately goes under the building - it does this twice), to theme "rooms" along the course, including an area dedicated to Deadmau5, an electric castle, and trees decorated with lights.  It's psychadelia meets fitness and fun!

To be honest, nobody is sure if the course is really 5k, or even close.  Nobody cares.  At one point, the thrill of smashing the plastic color water cups completely consumed all of the participants - and there were even fog machines - and better yet - BUBBLE machines!!!

This is definitely an event you want to "run" with someone because it's all about laughing and having fun - and some fitness.

The finish line empties into a giant room complete with a dance floor, a live DJ, lots of lights, and lots of dancing!!!  Festival atmosphere for sure!!!

There are also soft drinks, mixed drinks, beer, and food available at the after-party!

Looking for a fun, wacky, non-competitive 5K - this is the one to check out!!!

Official website