Who wouldn’t want to run and get a great doughnut at the finish? Stan’s Donut 5k is another successful event by Adrenaline Special Events.
This year, the race moved from its previous route off of Montrose over to outside of Soldier Field; with 3,358 5k finishers — nearly 700 more from the first year of the race in 2017 — the move made sense.
ASE made it easy for packet pickup too. With three separate times at two of the area’s Ultimate Ninja locations prior to the event (including Naperville!), plus at the event itself, and pre-arranged packet mailing, this could not be more simple. Day-of packet pickup seemed to be a long wait, but it went by pretty fast. Pins at both the bib pick up and t-shirt line would have been ideal in order to pin the bib while waiting for the tshirt. Gear check was available, but it was a little difficult to retrieve gear if deposited in the bag given with the swag because they all looked the same. I am sure this will be improved in the future though; the volunteers handled it like champs, as did the participants.
The day includes a timed 5k, a kids dash and an untimed walk, leaving options for everyone. The event is very family friendly, and the swag is fantastic too! A dri-fit shirt for everyone that registered, a doughnut-shaped medal, a doughnut and High Brew Cold Brew Coffee after the finish!
Water (with doughnuts of course) was available at two aid stations along the course. It was humid out so the setup was great, and the volunteers rocked! The course went south leaving from Soldier Field, and came back along the lakefront path. The 5k run started at 8 a.m., the 5k walk at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids Dash at 10 a.m.
The charity partner of the event is The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago’s food bank, providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The race’s many sponsors were also found at the pre/post race party!
Congrats to all that participated. Overall awards of a medal and an extended stream of donuts went to to Men’s 1st-Ken Sprague, 2nd-Lionel Montenegro, 3rd- Roderick Bowlby. Women’s 1st-Ava Parekh, 2nd Vanessa Righeimer, 3rd- Megan Janezic. Top three finishers for each age group also received additional medals.
Join me next year for some Stan’s Donuts and fun, I am sure I will return!
