Basecamp was just northeast of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where many other races have set up shop and things were well-organized, with a personality from Moody Radio providing the pre-race (and finish line) announcements.
It was an open course without any water stations ("There are lots of water fountains along the Lakefront Trail," Laura Ng reminded runners before the race) but with plenty of volunteers along the course directing traffic. This extra support along the course was extremely welcome, due to the amount of runners (both participating and just out for a morning run), especially at the turnaround and near the finish line (this is one of those courses where you think you're heading towards the finish line, only to find out that there's a final turn where you loop back towards it).
Overall, it was a well-organized (if minimal) run. But this event was more about raising awareness than about coordinating a race - many volunteers along the course were holding up signs with statistics, historical information and other data about human trafficking (particularly focusing on the Chicago area).
I finished with a 23:56 (the race did not have an official timer so that's just based on my watch) and John finished with a 24:04. As my first race back after physical therapy (and to finish without any pain) I was pretty happy with that time - especially since I still had the Firefly Run and the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K to go before the weekend was over.
This race was well-run for a small charity race, but at around 700 participants they're pushing the limits of what a "small charity race" is. If organizers seek to expand participation even more by next year a new location might be necessary - and an officially timed run as well. Still, creativity in regards to the goodie bag and information along the course helped make this run more impactful than it might otherwise have been.
B12? That is pretty sobering :(
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