Fun Races For Runners In Chicago Area

I wanted to jump on here and share some cool events that are happening around the Chicagoland area that many runners probably aren't aware of but maybe they should be.  Midwest Event Management is a new Chicago startup event management company that has started putting on some amazing running events in the Chicago area for runners!  

The first one and most popular is the Shamrock 5k Beer Run in Arlington Heights, IL.  This annual race is in its third year and has over 2,000 runners annually.  What makes this race unique is that it is a beer run that has beer stations on the course!  That's right at every 1k mark instead of having a water station there is a beer station!  Runners don't run this race they attempt to stumble their way through it and the after party includes more beer!  

If that is too much beer for you then there are two other races that also include beer, but not until you finish the race.  All of this beer is included for free with the race entry fee.  The Cheers To New Year's 5k race is a fun race in Itasca that starts and finishes at a the Church Street Brewery.  So, you don't have to worry about the weather you can hangout in the brewery and after the race go back in and enjoy a free drink on them.  The Beer5k is the same model; however, it starts and ends in downtown Chicago on the lakefront!  This is a great event for runners and once they finish they can hangout at the brew-fest taking place.

The Wine Run 5k is a super fun race that involves free wine for runners. This race has expanded from the south side of Chicago to a few other wineries in Illinois and Wisconsin.  This is a great way to run a fun race, get a free wine glass, and a free shirt.  These events have grown in popularity and are growing each year you don't want to miss out.

There are many other fun and exciting events that Midwest Event Management are putting on.  So, instead of paying $30 for a plain 5k think about one of these fun events and get so much more out of your running!

Beer Run 5k-A new Fad in the Running Industry

In the running industry there appears to be a movement towards fun races to increase the number of participants and less of an emphasis on competitive races.  Don't get me wrong there are a ton of competitive races and almost all of the 5k races are chip timed and competitive.  I am talking more about the color run 5k a fad that hit the nation a few years ago.  As the running industry evolves so does its races.  The new fad that I am seeing is the Beer Run 5k.  More participants are running then ever and part of that reason might be because their are simply better races out there now.

I am seeing more beer run 5k races popping up across the country.  One example of this is the Arlington Heights Shamrock Beer Run.  This race started two years ago and in its first year they had over 1,600 runners!  Let me explain what this whole beer run 5k is about.  Runners start the race with a 3 oz. drink.  Then at every 1k point in their 5k run they have a beer station... That's right a beer station where runners have the option to stop and have another 3 oz. beer.  If the runners are able to survive they end the race and it is a party where runners can rip off a free beer ticket that will get them a 16 oz. beer for the after party.  While participants might not be too worried about their time they are certainly having a blast at this race.  After the finish runners are able to hangout and interact with other runners and the breweries are present at the finish line for the runners to try other beers.  Each beer station is sponsored by a different brewer so you have the tasting options of five different breweries!  Then at the finish line you choose which brewer you want your 16 oz. drink from.  

There are options if the runners would like to stick around and enjoy the atmosphere of the race they are certainly allowed to purchase additional beer tickets for the after party.  The post race is filled with music and entertainment.  This race had a photo booth setup for pictures which the runners love!  

If you are a race director who runs a couple of events throughout the year I would recommend you add a beer run 5k to your race series.  It is great fun and the turnout is usually high for runners.  If you have any questions or would like more information please contact J3 Timing.