So, the Humboldt Park 5k takes in Humboldt Park in Humboldt Park. Well, the park named Humboldt Park located in the neighborhood of the same name.
The course is true definition of an "out-and-back" layout. One person
described the course route as a bow and arrow (without the string
part). It's like a U - with piece in the middle sort of like the arrow
ready to be launched.
Runner run the U, then turn around heading back on the U - then go down the "arrow" and back up and then finish the "U". A flat course with a very minor incline where the "arrow" bridges the park's pond. Definitely considered a flat and fast course. So fast, that an 8-year-old ran the 1-mile kids dash in about 8 minutes. The winner of the 5k averaged just over 5 minutes/mile - finishing just over 15 minutes.
An advantage, which any runners feel increases speed, is familiarity with the course. Since it is a true out-and-back - the runners get to see everything twice, which helps in pacing and anticipating on the "back" portion.
In addition, the constant visibility of other runners running the opposite direction for most of the race is motivational to many runners. And being a flat course, this has all the earmarks for a PB course.
The Park itself is absolutely amazing with a giant natural habitat area, an actual beach, walking paths - and of course true to ANY Chicago Park - softball fields and a statue!!
The event starts with a 1-mile kids race, which is always a great way to start the event. Puts everybody in a great mood and ready to race. Who doesn't like to watch the kids going out there and giving it their all and enjoying the fun of running?
The workers spent all morning in a mix of drizzle and downpours to get everything ready - and the rain stopped just in time for the kids race - and stayed away until almost every runner completed the 5k. Then it came back with a downpour. This lead to some puddles on the course, but the course was exceptionally wide and the puddles did not have any impact. The 2 turn-around points were a little slick, but nothing concerning. Volunteers staffed the turning points and constantly reminded runners to be careful making the hairpin due to slippery conditions.
The Humboldt Park 5k is a RAM Racing event. RAM Racing is known throughout Chicagoland for their many races and nationally for the Hot Chocolate 5k/15k. As expected, the event was well organized, well staffed with awesome workers and volunteers, and was unique - especially being the 1st annual Humboldt Park 5k.
Runner run the U, then turn around heading back on the U - then go down the "arrow" and back up and then finish the "U". A flat course with a very minor incline where the "arrow" bridges the park's pond. Definitely considered a flat and fast course. So fast, that an 8-year-old ran the 1-mile kids dash in about 8 minutes. The winner of the 5k averaged just over 5 minutes/mile - finishing just over 15 minutes.
An advantage, which any runners feel increases speed, is familiarity with the course. Since it is a true out-and-back - the runners get to see everything twice, which helps in pacing and anticipating on the "back" portion.
In addition, the constant visibility of other runners running the opposite direction for most of the race is motivational to many runners. And being a flat course, this has all the earmarks for a PB course.
The Park itself is absolutely amazing with a giant natural habitat area, an actual beach, walking paths - and of course true to ANY Chicago Park - softball fields and a statue!!
The event starts with a 1-mile kids race, which is always a great way to start the event. Puts everybody in a great mood and ready to race. Who doesn't like to watch the kids going out there and giving it their all and enjoying the fun of running?
The workers spent all morning in a mix of drizzle and downpours to get everything ready - and the rain stopped just in time for the kids race - and stayed away until almost every runner completed the 5k. Then it came back with a downpour. This lead to some puddles on the course, but the course was exceptionally wide and the puddles did not have any impact. The 2 turn-around points were a little slick, but nothing concerning. Volunteers staffed the turning points and constantly reminded runners to be careful making the hairpin due to slippery conditions.
The Humboldt Park 5k is a RAM Racing event. RAM Racing is known throughout Chicagoland for their many races and nationally for the Hot Chocolate 5k/15k. As expected, the event was well organized, well staffed with awesome workers and volunteers, and was unique - especially being the 1st annual Humboldt Park 5k.
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