Seriously though, this is a nice addition to the RAMRacing race series, in an interesting setting we haven't all run 50 times. The course winds through the roadways of Humboldt Park, as in the actual park, and is flat and fast.

Seemed like everything was stacked against the race leading up to it: didn't show on the calendar until the early summer; packet pickup was canceled because of the fire near Fleet Feet Sports in Old Town; and there was plenty of rain race morning. The team at RAMRacing are pros though, and pulled everything off with professionalism and cheer. Always a pleasure to participate in one of their events.

Plenty of street parking around the park on race morning, and although a persistent rain kept things damp right up until start time, there were plenty of volunteers at packet pickup and gear check to keep it all moving. The expo suffered from the elements a bit and the tents didn't get much action, but people were trying to stay dry under the trees by the start line.

There was a staggered corral start which kept early-race congestion to a minimum, worked out very well as usual. Rain stopped just as people were moving into the corrals, everyone's mood improved, and everything started on time.

The course is flat flat flat and fast fast fast. Lots of long straightaways to build up steam, a few turns including two hairpins but the straights more than make up for that. If you can get into a good cadence rhythm you can burn up time here. The only minor annoyances are some uneven pavement patches, and the speed bumps in the roadway, you do need to pay attention to those so you don't end up on your face. I had some fun with some of the speed bumps that had water pooled around them from the rain, kind of made it like running a steeplechase. Maybe it was because I was wearing an Anthony Famiglietti Reckless Running singlet.

Here's a GoPro of the entire course. Apologies for the tilt and wobble, my headstrap was loose this time around: https://youtu.be/qiXcT0o_9dA

The one aid station (two passes) was well-staffed by very enthusiastic and helpful neighborhood kids. Didn't stop for water so don't know how good they really were, but they were loud and that's all I care about. Refreshments in the chute were fine: water, banana, pear, energy bar, Silk. More friendly volunteers, less loud than the kids.

Swag wasn't up to the high standards that RAMRacing usually sets for itself, but then, this was a first-time event added late in the season, they were working with new charities, and it's all sure to improve. Same with Age Group awards--they were clear at signup that there wouldn't be any because the race was too small, but there were about 500 finishers, and some age groups had 70+ people in them. Even my older group had 11. So hardware would have been nice, and it would be very cool if RAM ordered and sent out some medals after the fact.

There will be free photos available a few days after the finish, and there's also the Chronotrack real time scoring and video footage, both major pluses, and a boost to the SWAG rating.

All in all this is a most welcome addition to the Chicago running scene and I hope it's a permanent anchor on the race calendar. Will be fun to watch this one grow into something special.

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