Each year on the third Thursday evening in June, runners and walkers converge on the downtown lakefront to help raise funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and all blood cancers. Now in its 23rd year, the event consists of a chip timed 5K Run and a 3K Walk.
Packet pick-up for the race was offered on two different days in the week leading up to the race at the Fleet Feet Sports South Loop store. Participants also had the option of picking up their packet before the race began. Registration for the race was actually open until 10 minutes before the race began.
It was a warm but sunny evening, a welcome contradiction to the prior evening’s severe thunderstorms. Prior to the race starting, runners were advised to hydrate themselves and take it slow on the course. The race started right at 6:25 with a live broadcast on the ABC 7 6 p.m. news.
Runners started first, with the walkers immediately following. There were no pace signs or corrals, but runners seemed to have a good sense of where to line up for this race. There were many teams of runners and walkers in attendance who had raised money for this cause.
The 5K course took runners south along Columbus Drive in Grant Park before heading east to the lake. We passed the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium and turned north to run on the path right along the lake. This part of the course was shaded at this time of day, and it was a beautiful evening to admire the skyline and the boats out on the water.
It was not a closed course, so there were many other people out enjoying the evening at the lake. However, the course was well marked and there were no issues sharing the path with others.
We ran north toward Millennium Park before turning around and heading south along the lakefront trail that runs adjacent to Lake Shore Drive. The water station on the course was located just before the turnaround. The finish line was the same as the starting line, and many runners put on a burst of speed for the final straightaway. Overall, it was a flat, fast course. After crossing the finish line, runners were offered cold bottles of water, fruit, Clif Bars, and best of all – cold washcloths!
A party immediately followed the run and walk where participants could enjoy food, refreshments and live music. Commemorative medals were presented to the top three male and female runners at an awards ceremony after the race.
5K Run Top 3 Women
- Vanessa Righeimer (20:06)
- Madison Heidemann (22:16)
- Rachel Sotelo (22:17)
5K Run Top 3 Men
- Benjamin Wynsma (16:54)
- Dominique Boulmier (17:09)
- Michael Castellani (17:54)
3K Walk Top 3 Women
- Wendy Roberts (21:03)
- Cher Swanson (22:25)
- Megan Riordan (25:14)
3K Walk Top 3 Men
- Grayson Shankey (24:35)
- Jaron Kleiman (24:57)
- Jacob Kleiman (24:58)
