State number 15 is done and dusted! I’ve crossed Illinois off my list, with the completion of the Bucktown 5K this past Sunday! That means 35 more states to go! While the Bucktown 5K isn’t as large or well known as the upcoming Chicago Marathon, it’s a very popular and well-appointed race, and I’m so glad I had the chance to be there!
About The Race
The Bucktown 5K touts itself as a community event, with all proceeds going to the Johnathon Burr Elementary School. Runners can choose to participate in person or virtually, and groups, sponsors, and volunteers are all welcome. It’s an easy location to reach, and brings in about 3500 for the 5K. A separate Kids Dash is held the same day. While this may be a small race for Chicago standards, it’s the biggest one I’ve run in in quite some time.
Packet Pick Up + Swag
While there were several local days and times to pick up packets, I availed myself of the packet mailing option. There was a special fee for day of pickup, and I didn’t want to be driving all over the place to get my bib on our vacation. It was super easy: about a week before the race, my packet arrived on my doorstep, with bib, safety pins, and a really nice zip-up, hooded sweatshirt. The Bucktown 5K has fantastic swag. I brought everything with me, in my carryon, so nothing went missing.
The Night Before
I’d love to say that I did everything right on race night, but I surely did not. Yes, I put together my flat runner and packed a few things. I even had a pasta dinner. But I also spent the day on my feet, exploring the city. And I had a few cocktails with dinner. And I also stayed up a little later than necessary. But that’s ok. This wasn’t a PR push, just an experience.
Race Morning
Happy race day! I woke up at around 4:30, of my own accord. I never really acclimated to the time change. The event started at 8:30, and I ended up reserving my rideshare for 7;15. There were plenty of warnings about road closures and traffic, so I wanted to arrive with as little stress as possible. I snagged a Vitamin Water and bagel from the hotel coffee shop for the ride over, and packed my gear. It was in the low 50s, so I wore a tank and shorts, with a long sleeve pullover that I planned to check. I ended up not taking my new zip up just in case gear check didn’t materialize (some of our local races claim to have one and then end up not): I didn’t want to lose it, or have to carry it.
I experienced no traffic, and had to be dropped off a few blocks away. Plenty of runners were heading to the start, so I just followed along. I had a chance to work on my bagel, and use one of the many portapotties. I bought a long sleeve race shirt, and explored the area a little.
The Start Line
Corrals were scheduled to close at 8:20, and after I stowed my gear and used the bathroom one last time, I made my way to my corral. I was kind of blown away at how organized everything was. There were tons of directional signs, plenty, of bathrooms along the road where the start was, and lots of communication. The streets were line with runners and spectators and the music was pumping. And of course, the tree-lined street was stunning! I couldn’t wait to be moving!
It’s been a while since I’ve been in an official corral situation: it did take us a few minutes to get to the start line and get moving. It was kind of unique for me, and definitely necessary for all the people about to be unleashed on the streets.
Miles 1-3.1
Let’s be honest. I’m a very “follow the leader” type of runner. I’m not going to be first, and I’m probably not going to be last, so I just follow the people ahead of me. Course map? Never saw one. All I knew was that we were running in a residential area and that people really seemed to love it.
And really, that’s all I needed. It was a beautiful course. The streets were shaded by gorgeous tree canopies, and there was so much crowd support. I especially loved all the houses decked out for Halloween, and all the pop up cheer squads along the way.
I started out strong, running the whole first mile. As usual, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the sights and the atmosphere. I was also giddy at being out at 9AM with the temperature under 60! It was truly glorious.
The course was well marked, with course marshals riding through and closed off streets. I counted two huge water stops, well manned with volunteers, and there seemed to be plenty of hydration.
The small inclines and little hills did me in: I always forget that not everywhere is quite as flat as home, and I did roll my ankle in a little pothole. It didn’t break my stride, but I did keep my eyes firmly on the road after that.
The Finish Line
The Bucktown 5K finish line and chute was something else! Cheering crowds, pro photographers, and a sizeable walk to the staging area. I got my medal, and passed volunteers handing out water, bananas, and pretzels. All bibs had a ticket for a donut, and so I obviously snagged one of those. I was very pleasantly surprised that these were soft and delicious and not your standard mediocre post-race fare. Yay!
The live music continued, as I picked up my gear, passed some compliments on to the volunteers at the volunteer tent, and took my post race photos. I had to get back to the hotel so I walked a few blocks to a clear area, and ordered a rideshare with female driver.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
The Good: Once again, we have a winner. From mailed packets, to gorgeously high-quality swag, to free professional photos, I can’t say a single bad thing about this race. Great pre- and post- race entertainment. Loved the goat medal. Plenty of yummy things to eat and drink at the finish. Music at the start line and live music at the staging area.
The Bad: MAYBE parking would be a negative? I have no idea how people navigated that. Also, there was no race-day pickup without incurring an additional fee.
The Ugly: My face when I rolled my ankle. That’s all.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t the race I planned to run in Chicago, but I am so glad I did. The energy and atmosphere was unreal and I loved being a part of that on a gorgeous fall day. Somtimes things just work out, and this, for sure, was one of them!
Where should I race next?
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Illinois is done!! What a fabulous race, Jenn!
I love that this ended up being such a happy accident, especially since it wasn’t even the race you originally planned to run. The atmosphere sounds fantastic, and a good post-race donut? I love it!
I’m just glad the ankle roll didn’t turn into anything more serious. And that goat medal is a pretty fun addition to any medal collection. You didn’t get a gold medal, but you got a GOAT medal instead!
How exciting to check off another state! This sounds like a good race even though it wasn’t a huge one. I’m so glad you didn’t hurt yourself by rolling your ankle!