Monday's Featured 5k of the Week - Tiki Run Chicago

The review of the race that was not held.

Mother Nature won the event.  Rain, race is still on.  Low lightning near a Lake and trees - race is not on.  Easiest medals won by any participant ever.

The races were scheduled to start at 8:00pm (15k) and 8:30pm (5k) at scenic Belmont Harbor in Chicago.

Around 7:00pm, participants could be seen in Racers Village, throughout north Lincoln Park, and standing next to Lake Michigan enjoy an amazing view of the downtown skyline as well as a view of water that extended well passed the horizon.  I recall looking out over the giant lake and realizing it was no different than looking out into an ocean - no land to be seen on the other side.

Participants in a festive mood, as one would expect at a Tiki Run, were socializing, warming up, and just hanging out.  Then, the rains came.  A little at first, nobody stopped what they were doing.  Then heavier and heavier to the point where everybody was huddled under EZ-UP tents and under Lake Shore Drive.  The race was still on.

Then the lightning came.  Race officials announced they were pushing everything out by 30 minutes in hopes the storm would pass.  30 minutes later - it had not (and would not for another 2 hours) - and the race was canceled.

So, why write about this race then?  Well, it looked like it was going to be a great event.

Racers Village was set up with several EZ-UP tents in a u-shape with tables and benches under each one.  Surf and beach decorations were abundant, and there was a live DJ.  Tiki torches were set up (ready to be lit).  The post-race celebration was going to be a rocking beach party (on the grass).  The start/finish area (out and back course) actually started on the grass before heading to the lakefront bike path.  The grass was lined with mini-tiki lights - which would have looked amazing as runners funneled to the finish line!  At completion of the race runners were to have gotten a cool light-up lei and a finishers medal, which doubled as a bottle opener.  (Participants still received both of these upon cancellation).  Free pizza and beer/pop was also to be had during the post-race beach party.  (Participants also still received these after cancellation).

This would have been a great race - the scenic lake to the East, the skyline to the South and West, Chicago at twilight and night, a Tiki-Lined finish area with runners zipping past the mini-tikis, a beach party with a DJ, drinks and food, and camaraderie.

But, it was not to be this time.  Mega-kudos to the race organizers and to all the volunteers (many who stood in the rain to make sure everybody got their gear and to keep runners informed).  The organizers and volunteers were absolutely wonderful - and even apologized for the cancellation - as if they could control Chicago's crazy weather!

So, even though I didn't get the fun of running - I still had fun.  Next year, I'll be writing about the actual race!!