2014 Race to Wrigley

Finally the weather has warmed up in Chicago! I was able to wear shorts! A perfect weather day for a run. I’ve always liked this run, because it’s in the neighborhood and is an easy 5k.

This year I met up with a couple of High school friends, Dorinda and DeLauna. They did the timed run, I did the fun run. It looked like they didn’t indicate where each race started, so I started in the middle of the pack.

The race started right outside of Wrigley Field by Clark and Addison and we headed west in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The course was similar to the path that we did last year, except of a slight change around the 2nd mile mark and by the finish. The added another water station along the course, which was good because I didn’t bring my water bottle and I was getting thirsty.

When we got closer to Wrigley Field they re-routed the course to have the runners run around the outside of the park, and had us enter the corridor in the entrance no Sheffield and Addison. This change shortened our time inside the corridor, but still had us exit at the marquee entrance.

Another reason why I enjoyed this run this year is because the race benefitted the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Very good friends of ours Rox and Angel’s son received a heart transplant this year and thankfully is doing well. So I am glad that the proceeds will be benefitting that hospital.

I finished in 33min 28sec according to my Nike+ app.

Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln Presidential Half a Marathon. The had a special medal made, based on the design of the $5 bill.

We arrived at Springfield Friday afternoon, checked in at the hotel and then headed to the expo. This year they had it at the Hilton, and it was much bigger than last year.

Saturday morning was the race. They moved the start by the old capital building. I met a few Half Fanatics before the race. We started A little late. Abe Lincoln gave a speech, had the national anthem, and a musket fire from the 114th Regiment to start the race.

We ran through the village, where Lincoln’s house is, then ran towards the capital building, the neighborhoods and parks of Springfield, the cemetery and back to the old capital building where we finished.

The Post-race party was held at the lawn of the old capital building. I had the chance to take a picture with Mary and Abe Lincoln, and met another half fanatic. I finished the race in 2hes. 41min 23sec. I managed to get back to my average finish time. I am satisfied about my time, considering that i’ve been lax with my training because of the cold!

For the rest of the day we spent time at the Lincoln museum and library. We got discounted tickets from the hotel, we enjoyed the museum and the library was just ok.

I really like this race, and will most likely be running it again next year.