Running
Twenty-some years ago 5K races weren’t that common and 10Ks dominated the running scene. Since The Race That’s Good for Life began in 1982, maybe it can be considered sort of a 5K pioneer in the Chicago area. And Sunday, April 13, marks its 27th running, one of the longest histories of any regional race. That first one on Oct. 10, 1982 was a pretty modest affair-starting and finishing in Lindberg Park. Entry fee was only a buck and there were 133 runners. An early sponsor was Wednesday Journal, still on board today.
Later the race relocated, and to avoid competing with many other fall races, it was switched to a spring event on the south side of town where it quickly became one of the Chicago area’s finest early-season races. In 2001 the event moved once again to its current location at the high school. It’s still one of the region’s top races and a long-time fixture on the Chicago Area Runners Association Circuit, featuring 20 of the region’s best races. This year it’s the season’s first Circuit event, drawing competitive runners from the whole Chicago area.
The feature of separate 5Ks for women and men started in 1991-the first such double race in the Chicago area-intended to give women their own event, so the top female is the first finisher and not just mixed in with the guys. More features were added later including prize money, a Youth Mile, Clydesdale weight divisions and a 5K race walk. With the non-competitive 5K Fitness Walk and Junior Jog for little kids, there’s something for practically everybody. And this year we have a celebrity PA announcer, Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, recently featured in Runner’s World magazine and a member of the Oak Park Runners Club.
Three-time women’s winner Denisa Constescu, 32, is back to defend her title. Originally from Romania, Costescu has been prominent in Michigan road racing for several years. She missed our 2006 event due to the birth of daughter Alisia, but the whole family was here last year. Her husband Ovidiu Olteanu, also a champion runner from Romania, is track and cross country coach at Marian Catholic High School near Detroit where Denisa is assistant coach. Her ultimate goal is to make Romania’s Olympic track team.
Although the modest prize money ($200 for winners) attracts occasional high-caliber runners from out of town, the event is primarily intended to be user-friendly for all, with average fitness runners from our community making up most of the entries. Race funds benefit the Oak Park Library and the United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, so entry fees help our community. And since those entry fees cover only part of the costs, our sponsors are essential for producing a good event.
Mark your calendars for April 13-but there’s no race-day registration-you must sign up in advance. Race applications are at various places around town including The Competitive Foot. Or sign up online at race.oprc.net.
News Flash: Wednesday Journal Sports Editor Brad Spencer has now signed up for the race.
Paul Oppenheim has been a member of the Oak Park Runners Club since 1982.