Wacky 5K race offers a chance to run wild
No matter what it is, we always seem to want our cake and eat it, too. Is that such a bad thing? Especially if it involves running a race, like the Wacky 5K in Chicago on March 1.
"February is National Snack Month and the unique part of this race is that it celebrates the end of snack month," says Steve Bingham who is the Race Director at Chicago Events. "You get to run competitively guilt free and then come inside to indulge on both and junk food and healthy food."
Seriously, this race has a seriously glutinous post-race party that has been aptly described as a snack food fantasy buffet.
"This race is all about self-indulgence," says Bingham. "It doesn't begin until 10 a.m. so you get to sleep late, then exert yourself for awhile and then reward that exertion."
This is the 18th year of The Wacky 5K Run, which as stated in the name started on Wacker Drive and has since moved to the West Loop at the Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., where the registration and post-race activities take place. The race benefits Blind Services Associations by helping the members in the blind community be just as functional as anyone else can be.
"We have several blind individuals run the race with a guide and have better times than those who are not visually impaired." Bingham says. "We have rewards for the top visually impaired runners as well as for the top male and female runners of each age group."
In addition to all the running and the post-race gluttony, you can also wear a costume.
"We have a costume contest so you can come dressed as your favorite snack," Bingham says. "We have had people come has bunches of grapes and even in a costume made from Kit Kat Wrappers."
Despite all the fun, the Wacky 5K is a serious event with timing chips.
"This race is advertised and conveyed as a competitive race," Bingham says. "It is ran in the middle of city streets and one of the few first 5Ks of the year."
Still need a little motivation to put on those running shoes? Studies show that runners live longer, have lower blood pressure and less heart disease, plus the average runner burns 100 calories per mile.
If you go
Register: Online at chicagoevents.com or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Running Away Multi sport, 1634 W. North Ave. in Chicago.
Cost: $30 ($35 on race day)
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, March 1
Where: 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago
Other upcoming races in Chicago
• St. Patty's Day 5K and Leprechaun Leap on Sunday, March 15
• The Wrigley Start 5K on Saturday, April 18
• Race To Wrigley on Saturday, April 25