In early February, a coworker mentioned to me that she would like to try to train for a 5k. So I suggested we find a 5k to train for and we could run it together. Due to timing (she was leaving for India in April and wanted to run it before then) we looked up 5ks in the Chicagoland area and decided on this one. It is in Oak Forest around a lot of forest preserves, so I figured it might involve a good trail run. It is also a smaller race so I figured it might be a less overwhelming place to start, and also the price was right (~$25).

This race is a fundraiser for Michael Cusack's Hurling Club and the Irish community in Chicagoland. This past year the race had 207 runners, which was its largest ever turnout. We definitely stuck out as outsiders, as (a) neither of us are Irish and (b) it seemed to be a race for a community that knew each other pretty well. Thankfully, Irish people are incredibly nice, so it wasn't too awkward.

This race is held in the middle of Oak Forest at a Gaelic convention center (who knew that existed? We didn't). There's free parking. The race itself is just running 2 loops around the grounds, which is basically just one flat field that is fenced in. Not much to see except gravel/grass and fences and some orange cones. I was a little disappointed as the area is surrounded by beautiful running trails in the woods, but I can understand as a fundraiser they would make a larger profit staying on their own property. This past year it was right after a week of rainfall, so the grounds were unbelievably soggy/wet.

Still, perhaps because there were a lot of moments of laughing at ourselves and the race (Where ARE we?! Why are we here? What is this place and why are we running around a parking lot? Does everybody here know each other except for us?) ...we still had a really fun time. My friend felt accomplished after running her first 5k and I felt inspired watching her complete that goal.

Pros:
+ legitimate Irish beer at the end of the race from a bar (Guinness, Harp, or Smithwick's on tap)
+ easy access to race, well managed, lots of treats after the race, t-shirt included
+ fun Irish theme with fun Irish people

Cons:
- scenery, course

If you want to support programs that aid in preserving the Irish Heritage around Chicagoland, I recommend this race. However, if you are an avid runner, this is probably not the course for you. If you enjoy big crowds and a more robust, all-around race experience, this is probably not the race for you.

And yet... my co-worker and I are seriously considering making this race an annual tradition, so you will probably see us there next year.