Pi Day Pi K - Putting Science and Math into Your Everyday Life

The weekend is fast approaching and, if you read my guide to Running in Chicago on St. Paddy's Day you know there are actually a lot of race options this weekend. But there's also a precursor to St. Paddy's Day running that looks to be pretty fun (and a little nerdy):

The Pi Day Pi K Fun Run.

As a programmer with a compute science degree I'm especially excited for a race that benefits the Illinois Science Council - self-described as "a Chicago nonprofit promoting science and math." While I also think that the liberal and fine arts are hugely important (I'm not just a computer nerd - I have a theatre degree too!*) I think that the sciences can always use a little more promotion in our day-to-day life (especially because we take so much of it for granted). The Illinois Science Council "was founded on the premise that understanding the scientific method and scientific discoveries is crucial to a well-rounded life." I couldn't agree more.

But aside from the obvious benefits of helping to promote an "appreciation of science and technology" this race has some pretty sweet benefits just as a race:

CHEAPNESS: It's only $25 - and this includes a shirt and post-race food. For a race within the city limits that's pretty impressive.
OPTIONS: It's put on by Fleet Feet and there are THREE locations to choose from: Lincoln Square, Old Town and South Loop. (I'll be running Lincoln Square)
SIZE: These are going to be some rather exclusive races. Old Town allows for 314 runners while Lincoln Square and South Loop will only allow 157 each. So register early!
PREPARTY: It's early Friday night - so after you run you can pre-party for the night at the post-race party (free pizza and pie; beer available with an ID).
NERDINESS: Being nerdy has become cool in recent years. You can pretend like you know something about math just by saying you're running this race!

Also, if you run this race you can skip running on St. Paddy's Day and start your partying a little earlier.

*Shameless plug: I'm the Assistant Theater Editor for Newcity - check us out for reviews and features about Chicago theater!

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