Volition Run Chicago

Volition Run Chicago

Volition Run Chicago

( 3 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • September
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Heather

Chicago, Illinois, United States
109 87
2016
"Another great event by Volition!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Heather 's thoughts:

Volition America Half Marathon and 5k Chicago was held on Sunday, September 11. The half marathon began at 7:00am and the 5k at 7:15am. Weather on race day was in the upper 70s, about 55% humidity, and sunny. Not too shabby compared to the temps Chicago had been dealing the week leading up to it (back in the 90s, 70+ humidity).

PROS:
+ Packet pickups at 2 locations, 2 days - Road Runner Sports in Chicago on Friday, September 9 from 3–7pm and Saturday the 10 at Road Runner Sports in Willamette from 10am–2pm.
+ Race day pickup available until 6:30am (not sure what time it started).
+ Packets consisted of a tech race shirt, Volition America blue drawstring bag, your bib, and safety pins.
+ For some unknown reason, my mom's name wasn't on the list for packet pickup (we went Friday around 3). Everyone was very helpful and quick in rectifying the problem and they created a new bib for her in the system. No hassles.
+ Race start was at Arvey Field in Grant Park (the southern part) - easy to access via public transit and plenty of parking options.
+ There were 12 portapotties available to use. 2 lines were formed, so it seemed like it would take long, but I think I only waited in line for maybe 5–10 minutes. Plus, they had the hand washing stations with soap and water, which I always appreciate.
+ Race started promptly at 7am after the National Anthem played.
+ The course went around Arvey Field on the sidewalks (that first part is always so cramped and makes it tough to start intervals right away even though I started near the back), but once you turn the first corner runners seem to spread out pretty quickly. You then went under the bridge and onto the lakefront path headed south around the aquarium, past Soldier Field, down to about mile 7.5 and then turnaround to head back north. Some parts of the trail had runners headed both out and back, but a lot of it separated the runners going out and back which is a nice way to keep things less congested. When you got back around the aquarium, you would take the lower part of the path near the lake (which is all messed up, I wish Chicago would re-surface that area) down to the end, and turn around on the upper path to head back, go back under the bridge, up and one final sharp right turn to get to the finish line.
+ Plenty of aid stations (maybe 8? My runner brain tries to keep count, but by the end I forget haha). Water at them all, and Gatorade at all but I think the first stop and the last two (and the last ones could have ran out, as I'm on the slower side - can't say for sure). Most of the time volunteers would have a cup of each, so if you wanted something specific I just look at someone and say water and they hand it to me. Sometimes I would just take both so I could mix them to dilute the gatorade even more. All volunteers were friendly and all tables ready for runners passing by.
+ Race Guards were running the race, and I saw multiple volunteers on bikes going up and down the course checking on runners.
+ Mile flags at every mile, and clocks at maybe 4 of them.
+ Mile 2 was the Blue mile. It was for Wear Blue: Run to Remember. It was lined up with photos of service men and women that died in the line of duty - all people associated with participants of the race. Then there were people lined up holding American flags wearing the blue shirts cheering on the runners. It was an emotional mile, and it helped me push myself harder. It was a fitting tribute, especially on this date.
+ The race benefits Folds of Honor, which is an organization that honors the sacrifice of our fallen and disabled service members by supporting their legacy with educational scholarships.
+ At the finish line you received your medal, bottled water, bananas, oranges, and pretzels.
+ Photographer taking photos with a Volition backdrop at the finish line.
+ If it's the same as Busse Woods, photographs will be available free to download in about a week. I didn't see too many photographers, but I know they were at the start and finish lines, and I might have missed the ones out on the course.
+ Post-race party had a DJ, Volition clothes for sale (shirts, pullovers, etc), Naked handing out samples of their juices and smoothies along with free sunglasses, stickers, cold compresses, and shoe laces.
+ Double Duty Challenge medal for those that completed: half marathon Busse + half marathon Chicago, or a combo of a half and 5k, or a 5k at both.
+ There was also a PR challenge you could register for (at an extra cost you received an additional medal if you beat your PR).
+ I appreciated that this race happened to land on September 11. It was a very patriotic race, and I felt like I was honoring those that lost their lives on that horrific day in history. It certainly made me think about people's sacrifices, selflessness, and made me thankful for their bravery. And thankful that I was there and able to run.

CONS:
As far as the race itself - no complaints here. Things that were bothersome are things that the race doesn't control - like the uneven footing on the lower path down by the lake.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this race series in 2017 and hope I can run again. I love that it benefits a good cause, and it's a well-organized event. 100% recommend!

Recap: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2016/09/volition-america-chicago-half-marathon.html

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