For runners looking to "earn their right to party," or those looking to kick off their New Year's resolutions a day early, Chicago has you covered.
The new Chi-Town Rise & Shine 5K Race and Fun Run will step off for the first time this year on Dec. 31 in the city's Millennium Park.
The event is part of the Chi-Town Rising mega-event returning for its second year to the city.
“The goal of Chi-Town Rising has always been to be a celebration worthy of Chicago, and teaming up with Chicago Sport and Social Club, affords the opportunity to build upon our New Year’s Eve celebration,” Arena Partners President John Murray said in a statement. “We want Chicagoans and visitors alike to kick-start their New Year’s resolutions on an already epic day in Chicago.”
The race will begin at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street at 9 a.m., followed by a fun run emceed by NBC 5's morning anchor Alex Maragos. Runners can register with early bird pricing at $20.17 through Nov. 28, though participants can register up until Dec. 24.
All 5K runners will be given a winter wearable and will receive hot chocolate and warming blankets at the finish line. Fun Run participants will get a Chi-Town Rise & Shine youth t-shirt.
The event will be followed by a post-race party, though the location and details of that party have not yet been released.
After making its debut last year, Chi-Town Rising returns to the heart of downtown for another highly-anticipated event.
Produced by Arena Partners and televised live on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago, Chi-Town Rising 2017 will feature a “larger public footprint, incorporating outdoor and indoor elements,” organizers said in a statement.
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Attendees can expect a large outdoor viewing area, on both the north and south sides of the Chicago River, offering viewing for locals and visitors free of charge. Video screens will provide entertainment and an outdoor countdown to midnight will culminate in the ascension of the Rising Star, the largest New Year’s Eve icon in the world, organizers said.
The star will “rise” 360 feet into the air on Hyatt Regency Chicago’s West Tower as a fireworks display synchronized to music takes off along the Chicago River and on Lake Michigan.
“We were thrilled with the response from attendees from Chicago and around the world last year, who came out to be part of Chi-Town Rising or who watched the celebration on TV,” said John Murray, president and founder of Arena Partners. “We surveyed attendees from last year, and we have incorporated their feedback to make this year’s Chi-Town Rising celebration bigger and better.”
The event drew an outdoor crowd of 90,000 attendees in its first year, with host Mario Lopez and musical guests Chicago and American Authors.
NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago will showcase the grand celebration live on TV and online with highlights from the crowds, musical stages, celebrities, fireworks display, and a countdown spectacular.
