Running Fri Mar 06 2009

A Dry Run... Finally

While the diehard runners in the city have been out there all winter pounding the pavement in below-zero weather, it's days like these, the ones where the string of 30 degree days are broken by the first 50 and 60 degree days of the year, that get most of us casual runners to get off the treadmill and let the rubber meet the road.

Nike evidently knows this. Either that or they're very fortuitous when it comes to scheduling events and getting cooperation from the weather. On the first warm weekend of the year so far, the sports shoe giant is holding what they're calling "The Official Opening Day of Running" event (and no, there is no real official opening day of running, so don't bother looking it up). Granted the weather forecast for the day of the event (to be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. at the North Avenue Beach house) calls for temps in the 40s and possible rain, but considering the teeth-chattering weather we've had just prior to this, that is (literally) a day at the beach.

As if the weather weren't enough of an enticement to bring out the Regular Joes and Josephines among the city's runners, there will be music, food, drinks and an Irish dance contest. In addition, Olympic runner and American record holder in the mile Alan Webb (in inset photo) will be on hand to lead participants in a two-mile run.

It might be a smart move to show up at this event. Considering the fickle nature of Chicago weather, who knows when you'll get another chance like this.

— Ken Green / Comments (0)