Does anyone know if the Chicago Distance Classic will have splits at the mile marks or at the 5K marks. I looked all over on their web site but could not find any info. Also, has anyone done this race before? It is my first time doing this particular half, just want to know if it is a "good" race. Thanks for any info.
I've heard bad things about it (I considered doing it), but I'll let others with experience elaborate.
I don't recall from last year if they had markers at the 5K marks. But it is a good race. Flat course, scenic, close to lake (so a bit cooler than elsewhere), and it starts nice and early (6:30am). They also have pace groups for 1:25 and slower (wish they had 1:20 as well, like the Chicago Half). The course has changed slightly from last year, and the last mile is a bit weird, with lots of turns. I'm signed up, and am hoping for some cool, dry PR weather.
Ran it last year and thought it was a nice race. As the other poster mentioned, its a real early start. It's a flat and fast course so you should have a shot a PR. I'd recommend checking it out.
the race is run and owned by john binhgham aka the runnersworld penguin.
fwiw.
not a bad race wrote:
I've heard bad things about it (I considered doing it), but I'll let others with experience elaborate.
If you are going to talk shit, at least get up to date with your information.
The CDC got LaSalle bank as a sponsor over a year ago and it was very well done last year. The start is almost the same as the marathon, and on course splits are the same as the marathon.
It's a great way to preview the first few miles of the marathon course. The start is wide open and last year the penguin himself was telling slow runners to line up in the back and stay out of the way. The early start helps a lot to beast the heat and last year they handed out iced hand towels in the finish chute. The Hansons ran last years race and will likely be there again this year.
13.1 wrote:
Does anyone know if the Chicago Distance Classic will have splits at the mile marks or at the 5K marks. I looked all over on their web site but could not find any info.
All over?
http://www.chicagodistanceclassic.com/pdf/cdc07halfcolor.pdfTo answer your question, yes, there are time clocks at every mile marker and 5K marker.
It is run by the Penguin; it probably doesn't give splits because that would defeat the purpose of "enjoying the experience" if you are forced to stress over your pace. My guess is the race probably does not even have a time clock at the finish, just a "YOU FINISHED!!! YOU'RE THE GREATEST!!!" banner. It will have water stations but they will be unneccessary because most of the "runners" will have 4 gallons of water attached to their belts along with 25 packs of Gu. There will be cosmetologists available about 400 yards from the finish so the ladies can get thier makeup down by a professional to look good for their finish line picture. The course is designed so that it passes the Greyhound Bus Terminal at the 3-mile mark for those struggling at this point. Runners will be transported to the 12.75-mile mark so runners can get their makeup down and receive their finisher medals that they can wear to the local Dunkin' Donuts for their post-race meal.
If you were to actually run this race, I think you'd change your mind about it and the Penguin. Sure, he is a champion of recreational runners. But he is also a businessman. This is a professionally run event that caters to runners of all paces -- even that of Brian Sell. If you don't like your big finisher's medal, I suggest donating it to a charity.
The only bad part of the race, I thought, was that the last 4 miles head north on a narrow, public bike path that isn't closed for the race. If you're closer to the front, it may be less obvious to the pedestrians that there's a race going on.
13.1 wrote:
Does anyone know if the Chicago Distance Classic will have splits at the mile marks or at the 5K marks. I looked all over on their web site but could not find any info. Also, has anyone done this race before? It is my first time doing this particular half, just want to know if it is a "good" race. Thanks for any info.
I am just glad you had the "courage to start."
Good for you. Even if the big distance scares you, just know you are still in a winner in my book!
I am just glad you had the "courage to start."
Good for you. Even if the big distance scares you, just know you are still in a winner in my book!
Yeah...thanks for the encouragement? I appreciate all of the info. I just wanted to know because I am looking for a PR. I had heard that the course was relatively flat and your time would reflect that. My training has been going very well and look forward to a great race! Thanks guys!