Back On My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser

Back On My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser

Back On My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser

( 12 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • February
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

See more of our race!

The good times will then continue at the post-race party at Fat Cat, 4840 N Broadway. When you’re done flashing your speed, join us post-race starting at 10:30am to enjoy a free beer, indulge in a signature libation benefiting Back on My Feet, dig into NOLA style brunch specials including Chicken and Waffles (Fried Chicken Breast with Banana Fosters Waffle) for $15 and Cornmeal Crusted Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy (Fried green tomatoes, Cajun remoulade, lettuce, pimento cheese, served with house cut fries) for $11. Opportunity to earn more beads buying raffle tickets for a chance to win jazzy prizes!

Heather

Chicago, Illinois, United States
109 87
2017
"Cold Weather Doesn't Stop the Fun!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Heather 's thoughts:

Back on my Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 5/10k was held on Saturday, February 25 with a 10am start (both races at the same time). Weather was real feel of 9 degrees - very cold and windy! When the race started, it even began to snow fairly heavily. Nothing seemed to stick, and the path was generally clear of ice/puddles.

PROS:
+ Cost is comparable to other races in Chicago (5k $35 until Jan 31/$40 after; 10k $45 until Jan 31/$50 after. Race Day registration: $45 for 5k and $55 for 10k and cash only) - - but ALL proceeds benefit BoMF Chicago, which is cool.
+ 10am start. I know some people don’t like starting that late, but I enjoy getting to ‘sleep in’ until 6:30 haha.
+ Packet pickup Friday at Fleet Feet Old Town 10am–8pm
+ Race day packet pickup for free starting at 8–9:30am. There was no expo, but I give them 5 stars for packet pickup for having a full day at Fleet Feet on Friday AND race day for free.
+ All participants received a 1/4 zip tech pullover (white... I sort of wish they were purple or green, but they were nice).
+ Bank of about 10 porta potties near the start. Not sure I ever saw much of a line. When I went around 9:15 or so, they were pretty open and no waiting. Also a hand washing station (water + soap), but honestly it was way to cold to use that haha. Hand sanitizer for the win that day.
+ 10k received fun bead medals
+ 4 aid stations (a LOT for a 10k, in my opinion)… I think 2 for the 5k, again, a lot. Gatorade and water at all of them I think…
+ Mile markers were shorter yard-type signs.
+ Course was well marked with cones and volunteers at sections that might be tricker, though it was a pretty straightforward course.
+ Volunteers on course were wonderful - whether handing out water/Gatorade, cheering, or helping with traffic.
+ Full sized Clif Bars at the turn around.
+ Plenty of treats at the finish line – cups of water and Gatorade, bananas, mini Clif Bars, Entenmann’s Mini Bagels (plain and cinnamon), Entenmann’s Little Bites, and a cracker type thing.
+ Free parking along the street (was told it was metered, but there were no meters set up, so yay!).
+ After Party at Fat Cat - $15 Buffet with LOTS of delicious foods. Yogurt bar: Greek yogurt, house made granola, fresh fruit, sliced almonds, sprinkles, and honey, Bananas Foster Brulee French Toast, Chicken Fried Chicken with gravy, Red Beans and Rice, House made Biscuits with Fat Cat home made jam and whipped butter, Scrambled eggs, Brunch potatoes, Bacon.
+ When you entered, there was a table set up where you can buy raffle tickets and cash in your beer ticket from your bib (there were a few selections).

OTHER:
• I’m not sure what happened, but when I went to grab my packet on race morning, my name wasn’t on the 10k list (or 5k, though I know I registered for the 10k). I had to go searching for my registration confirmation, and then fill out a form to get a bib number. It was pretty easy, but still a pain in the butt. Note to self: Have registration confirmation email flagged and at the ready when going to packet pickup haha.
• I know it was to avoid the potholes and cracks on the sidewalk, but the start was on a small blocked off portion of the street, which was a bit narrow. Made the start congested, but it cleared about around .75 miles.

I had a GREAT time running this year. Though VERY cold, I managed a PR. I did my run/walk intervals for the first 4 miles, and was near a friend the whole time, so at mile 4 I decided to run the rest of the way with her and see if I could do it. We stopped at mile 5 for water (which was a bit frozen, but a little squeeze broke up the ice that had formed on top and was then drinkable) and we finished strong. I really liked the out and back, because it gives me the chance to cheer on other runners and see my friends along the way. Helps the time go by quicker when looking for them vs focusing on my pace. Love the cause - All proceeds from the race will support Back on My Feet Chicago in providing programming to change lives one job, house, and mile at a time. BoMF uses the power of running to help change the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our city. Will definitely be back for 2018, if the schedule allows for it.

Here is my blog recap: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2017/03/mardi-gras-chaser-10k-recap.html

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