burgers and beer 5k recap

The Burgers and Beer 5k was on Monday, July 14 with a 7pm start. Yes, it was a weekday run (it's like going against the rules on a school night, except for adults haha). It is a Universal Sole event, with registration on RunningGuru. 

Packet pickup was the week prior, on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with race day packet pickup on site. I went on the Wednesday – I met up with my mom for lunch, and then headed over there for our bibs and shirts. I was really happy with the shirt – it was a tech shirt, gender specific, blue (my favorite color), and had a fun logo.

T-shirt and bib.

The race was being held outside of Soldier Field (on the south side). It was a simple out and back on the Lakefront Path, starting and finishing near Waldron Drive, with the turnaround and aid station near 31st Street. It was a lovely night for a run. I was a bit cold when I was done, and it looked like rain might come in, but thankfully never did. The race itself was pretty uneventful. I ran with my mom doing 30s:1m intervals. I was excited because Nuun was the hydration sponsor for the race, but I didn't see any Nuun until afterwards (was just water). I grabbed a bottle of water at the finish line, and went on the hunt for the post-race deliciousness.

The course.

See lovely skyline views.

The Finish Line.

Where this race excelled was in the post-race party. One of the best ones I've been to yet. Included in your race fee was a free beer, and get this, it was craft! Whoo! You know how happy that makes me. You had your choice of 312 Urban Pale Ale or 312 Urban Wheat. For food you received a burger (they had veggie burgers as well) from Billy Goat Tavern. Also, ice-cream from Rainbow Cone. Plus, some Skinny Pop popcorn bags. There were lots of vendor tents, with samples of Nuun, Saucony shoes, Pretzel Crisps, and I think there might have been massages. 

Love Rainbow Cone!

YUM.

We stuck around for awards and the raffles. This was an amazing raffle! They gave out soooo many prizes, but unfortunately, I did not win. I was really hoping for a case of 312. Other prizes included gift certificates for Saucony shoes, gift certificates for Universal Sole, and cases of Red Bull. It was awesome!

Did I mention a portion of the race proceeds went to supporting Special Olympics Chicago? I love when races help raise money for great causes, such as the Special Olympics.

This was definitely a fun race, but I was pretty tired the rest of the week. Being out late on a Monday can take it's toll haha. At least with Thursday races you only have one more workday to get through ;)

I'm going to keep an eye out for this race again next year! I'm generally steering clear of most 5Ks now, but if you are offering such delicious treats afterwards (a cheeseburger and craft beer?) – sign me up!

Here is my BibRave.com review: http://bibrave.com/races/burgers-and-beer-5k/1386