April 29--Running a 5K in this town can be a blast, but it can drain your energy and your savings when you consider entry fees cost up to $50. This summer, runners won't have sweat paying to lace up for a series of new runs at three Chicago neighborhood parks.
The city, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the nonprofit Chicago Area Runners Association, will host a 'Go Run -- a play on Chicago's name -- every Saturday from May 21 to July 9 at Humboldt Park on the West Side, Warren Park in West Rogers Park and Washington Park on the South Side, the mayor's office announced Friday. The 5K and 1-mile runs will start at 9 a.m. and will be timed with results posted online at cararuns.org, but no awards will be given.
Runners and walkers are encouraged to sign up online at cararuns.org by clicking on the 'Go Run tab or in person before each run between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Saturdays at any of the three parks. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help out with registration and gear check at each run. Water will be provided before and after the runs, according to the city.
Participants, ranging from newbies to avid runners, also can run with a dog or a stroller. No street closures are planned as the courses will be on park property, a mayoral spokeswoman said. The locations and dates were selected so the running series doesn't interfere with other park activities, she said. The free event also eliminates a cost barrier for residents so the event can be as inclusive as possible, she said.
Typically, the registration fee paid by runners is used to defray the expense of staging the race. For the new pilot program, the Park District has allocated approximately $100,000 from its operating budget, which is generally funded by property taxes and park fees, a Park District spokeswoman said. For the first series, CARA will be paid about $20,000 for administrative fees and staffing costs, the park spokeswoman said. The city intends to use the remaining funds to expand the program into other seasons and additional park locations in the future.
The running series is aimed at engaging the community, encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle and activating neighborhood parks, according to a news release issued by the city.
"These neighborhood runs are one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Chicago, stay active with friends and neighbors, and build a stronger social fabric in communities across the city of Chicago," Mayor Rahm Emanuel is quoted as saying in the release. " 'Go Run is yet another example of the Park District's efforts to keep residents healthy and engaged at little or no cost, and an opportunity for Chicagoans to participate in a great activity right in their own backyard."
lvivanco@tribpub.com
