The Race That’s Good for Life was honored at January’s Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) awards banquet as one of last year’s top four races. And since 2006 was the event’s 25th running, the award added a nice final recognition of that major milestone.
At the end of each racing season, CARA’s Race Committee reviews the approximately 20 races on the CARA Race Circuit and selects a few for special recognition as the best of the bunch. The evaluation process reviews overall quality and what a typical runner would experience at the event. Was registration information clear and easy to follow, were entry fees reasonable, was packet pickup handled efficiently, and was the t-shirt something you’d wear again? Was water available beforehand and were adequate restroom facilities available?
During the race itself, was the start smooth and trouble-free, were miles marked accurately and mile split times announced? Was the finish line free of back-ups or other problems, were results tabulated quickly and accurately? And afterwards, were there good post-race refreshments and other amenities?
A surprising amount of detail goes into the organization and handling of a good road race, and the planning process starts many months before race day. Therefore it’s gratifying to have our neighborhood race honored as one of the region’s best.
Last September the Oak Park Runners Club began official planning for this spring’s event, but Race Director Geri Bensen has been thinking about this year’s race ever since last April at the conclusion of Number 25.
Costs involved in putting on a good race are significant, and without the participation of sponsors who contribute funds and products, the entry fees would be excessive. Without sponsors it would be impossible to put on a quality event. For our sponsors, the event provides an audience to market their products or services to approximately 1,500 competitors, plus friends, families and spectators.
New for this year is a revised race course, “mid-pack” cash prizes and a major new sponsor, Naked Juice. The course, as previously noted here, was changed due to the closing of Humphrey Ave. for expansion of Resurrection/West Suburban Hospital’s new emergency room; the 200th finisher in each 5K, female and male, receives $100; and yes, with our new sponsor, the jokes have already started.
The race will not be re-named “The Naked 5K.” Competitors are expected to be clothed, a possible disappointment to some spectators, but this is a family event. For Naked Juice, the identity with our high-quality running event fits well with their product image.
Ms. Bensen and her experienced committee have been working many months on the race, set for Sunday, April 15th. Yes, it’s tax deadline day, but you’ll still have time to complete and mail your IRS tax returns after you get home from the race.
Note that there is NO race day registration. Watch for posters and race entry forms at many places around town. Sign up by mail (entry forms are at the Competitive Foot and in the Wednesday Journal), in person at the Competitive Foot, or online at http://race.oprc.net.
Paul Oppenheim is a member of the Oak Park Runners Club.