No gimmicks. Just running. That's one reason I love the Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K.
Individually, each race is already great. Combined, they make for a low-key, yet top-notch race experience.
Here are four reasons why:
PR-tastic: The flat, fast course (starting in Diversey Harbor and winding along the lakefront trail), small field size (capped at 3,000 combined) and cool temperatures are ideal for setting a personal record -- and maybe even scoring an age group award.
Training Test: Races can be the best training runs. The early spring date of this race (April 4) makes it a perfect test run for later races. If you're training for a May or June half marathon, try the Chi Town 10K. If you're going in for a full marathon in early summer, sign up for the Chi Town Half. You can practice all of your race strategies -- from pacing to fuel stops to pre-race planning -- and also score yourself some sweet race swag to use at the next one.
Above Mentioned Sweet Swag: The Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K always delivers with cool tech shirts, nice medals and a solid post-race party. This was also the first race I ran with a personalized bib number back in 2011.
Rare Breed: As more and more themed 5Ks take over the running landscape, it seems as if the 10K is a dying breed. If 6.2 miles is your wheelhouse distance (as it is mine), you take what you can get. And in this case, what you can get is pretty fantastic.
Registration for the Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K is now open. Sign up before March 8 for a reduced registration fee.
Maggie Jenkins is a comic, writer, runner, rapper and five-time Chicago Marathoner. She is also a co-founder of the blog rulesforrunning.com. Find out more at maggiekay.org.
