Races in Chicago offer some unique problems for runners, races the size of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle can make those problems even more difficult. One of the biggest issues for runners is transportation, specifically making sure that they can get to the proper starting point on time. However, this year there is a new option for runners making to and from the race site.
Divvy Bikes, the city’s bike sharing program, allows runners to either take various forms of public transportation or park remotely and still make it to Grant Park on time. Divvy will be sending ambassadors to nearby bike stations to make sure runners are able to take out and return bikes with ease. During the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday ambassadors will be at the Streeter Dr. and Illinois St. station, then on race day they will be at the stations on Michigan and Jackson and Michigan and Congress.
Single day purchases for Divvy bikes can be purchased on site or in advance. Stations within the Shamrock race site will be closed, causing more traffic at some of the nearby sites. An added bonus that taking a Divvy ride to the site can bring is helping to warm up runners before the race. The short ride can get the heart rate up and get the body ready for the nearly five mile run. After the race concludes runners can slowly filter out into the city and use the bikes to leave. Sunday is expected to be one of the nicer days of the short year. Giving everyone a chance to enjoy the city without being completely bundled up.
Divvy will provide further information both online and using their app. Their app also allows anyone to check the bike availability at any nearby station. For more information on locations and the weekend’s events, visit their website.
