You may not have previously connected competitive running with copious amounts of chocolate, but if you're harbored a secret desire to chow down on Hersey's candy, hot cocoa and chocolate fondue after running a 15K you're going to want to be at Montrose Harbor on Sunday, Nov. 1
RAM (Running Away Multisport) Racing and the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute are teaming up to present The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race Nov. 1, 8 a.m., at the harbor, 601 W. Montrose at Lake Shore Drive. In addition to the usual runner's swag like a running jacket, wicking fleece running hat and draw string backpack, partcipants and viewers can indulge themselves in "200,000 pieces of Hershey's candy, over 140 gallons of warm chocolate fondue from chocolate fountains and nearly 800 gallons of hot chocolate."
The race is as benefit for Global Brigade, "the world's largest student-led international relief organization that helps empower volunteers to provide communities in developing countries with the tools to improve the quality of life." For registration information, check out their website.
So in case you get stiffed on Halloween, well, you've got a place to recoup your losses.
It's Chicago Marathon weekend, which usually places the locals in three categories: those who are in it, those who watch it and those who are annoyed by it ("Dang, I just wanted to get to Home Depot and I run into THIS?").
If you're in it, there's a good chance you took part in Thursday night's pre-race pep rally at Niketown that featured a number of elite runners and a Chicago Bear thrown in for good measure (wide receiver Johnny Knox, not a bad runner himself). U.S. marathon legend Joan Benoit Samuelson and other U.S. running stars took part in a Q-and-A session and led runners on a short run just to keep those marathon juices flowing.
Ok, so we may not have the 2016 Olympics to crow about. But who needs 'em? Fine, Rio, have a ball, knock yourselves out. We didn't really want the stinky ol' Olympics anyway.
Sour grapes aside, this weekend's 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is still a pretty good international showcase for the city, combining some of the excitement of the Games with a chance to show off the beauty and culture of the city to the world. An international field will ensure that more than a few nations will be focusing on the race, and the fact that average Chicagoans will also be taking part alongside the elite runners gives it enough of a local twist that the rest of us may be compelled to tune it to the telecast.
That is, if we aren't actually on the street cheering on the runners. We may curse the traffic delays and reroutes but there's something a little electric about seeing thousands of runners culminate months of training by running right past your (theoretical) front door.
Individually speaking, North Siders and South Siders haven't had a lot to cheer about this year, sportswise. With both the Cubs and the White Sox wrapping up a couple of nosedive seasons, the lone highlight this year might have been the annual crosstown showdown. But now that that's over...
But there's one more opportunity to renew this (for the most part) good-natured rivalry during the upcoming Chicago Marathon when high school athletes from the north side of the city and the south side will compete in a race within the race, the "Northside/Southside Challenge", a 2.62 mile run during the running of the actual marathon.
With the invitational meet, "Nike is inspiring the next generation of runners by giving them the experience of racing in the footsteps of their running heroes," according to Reg Hamlett, general manager of Nike's central territory. "The Northside/Southside Challenge is a ground-breaking way to bring a new energy to a preeminent marathon."
The race will begin the boys competition at 7:40 a.m., follow by the girls competition at 7:45 a.m. But groups of runners will start at 31st and Michigan Ave and will end at the Marathon finish line.
The prep athletes who will participate will be selected by Whitney Young coach Robert Geiger and coached by Nike athlete/spokespersons prior to the race. Individual and team winners will be named for the boys and girls squad and an overall winning team will be chosen from the group with the best cumulative time.
Space is running out to register for the 27th annual Chicago Triathlon held on Sunday, August 30, 2009. While you probably know by now whether you're in good shape to compete in a triathlon (the training program puts my cycling-specific program to shame), if you're into seeing what you can do with a minimum of time, or if you were fence-sitting, now is the time to register.
The international-distance Chicago Triathlon consists of a 1.5-kilometer (.93 mi.) Lake Michigan swim, a 40-kilometer (24.8 mi.) bike on Lake Shore Drive, and a 10-kilometer (6.2 mi.) run along Chicago's lakefront. For those aforementioned fence-sitters and those interested in a shorter test of endurance and will, a "Sprint Distance" race, approximately half the distance of the international distance is the ideal choice.
On the other side of town, the Cubs' top pick says he was hoping they would select him all along because he admires their history...
...which, as a Tribune article states, has been well documented on film.
A golf foursome with Ben Roethlisberger, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jordan? Somebody pinch former Chicago cop Larry Giebelhausen, because he must be dreaming.
Chicago's long history of heavyweight boxing add another chapter as Frez Oquendo takes on Gonzalo Basile in a June 26 bout.
Fire fan favorite C.J. Brown looks back on 12 years with the team.
Finally, meet the man who motivated Michael Jordan to greatness (by beating him out for the last spot on their high school basketball team): Leroy Smith. (If he looks a little like Charlie Murphy, that's purely coincidental, we're sure.)
...nor some combination of the two was able to keep hearty runners from showing up ad a cold and wet North Avenue Beach house Saturday morning to take part in the "Official Opening Day of Running" sponsored by Nike. OK, sure there isn't an "official" opening day when it comes to running but if baseball and other sports can have one, well...
Even if the title of the event was a bit tongue-in-cheek, the event proved to be a seasonal start of sorts for some of the participants who, unlike the TRULY dedicated runners - the ones who don special gear and hit the trails in 10-below temperatures - have been waiting for just the right day to leave the indoor treadmill and hit the pavement. Not only were they coaxed out of their holes like groundhogs by food, music and giveaways, but Olympian Alan Webb and runner Sanya Richards were on hand to lend inspiration as well.
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.
That commercial with LeBron James dreaming of playing fo the Cleveland Browns? What if some of our local non-football athletes had the same dream?
A charity stair climbing event takes place this Sunday at the 80-floor Aon Center. Around floor 57, just keep telling yourself, "It's for the kids, it's for the kids..."
A Cubs fan still can't get over the loss of Mark DeRosa.
The 35th Street Review gives you 10 things to watch for in Chicago baseball, 2009. Meanwhile, the Sox Machine is looking for good relievers on the cheap.
Da Bears Blog lists the only three good things about this season's team.
Bear legend Dick Butkus (not to be confused with bupkes) announces the winners of his annual national college lineman award next Tuesday.
The local high school basketball playoff picture begins to take shape, the Derek Rose Shootout brings the best in city prep hoops under one roof and one local school hopes to derail the top team in the country.
Bulls legend Michael Jordan talks about his shoes. Well, not exactly his shoes, but THE shoe.
Not a big fan of the ultimate fighting myself (Saturday nights in Wrigleyville about 10 years ago... Been there, done that). But for those who are, this is a big weekend in UFC-land, including a weight-in and Q&A open to the fans on Friday at the Chicago Theater. The main event, of course, is Saturday at the Allstate Arena.
If you think you want to give it a shot yourself, there are tryouts on Monday. Note: There will be blood.
Not to be outdone, UFC's bastard cousin, pro wrestling, has a bunch of events lined up in the coming days as well on the local level.
USA Today is as surprised at Kyle Orton as we are.
A Chicago woman is at the center of a controversy on how marathons are timed. The recent Chicago Marathon also has a mini-controversy base on the timing system.
The Windy City Rollers crack the seal on their new home, the UIC Pavilion, with a match against the Carolina Rollergirls. Oh, and there's supposed to be free beer!
The bye-week Bears talk about their scariest Halloween costumes. Probably not as scary as their game against Atlanta, but still...
The Minnesota Vikings' Bernard Berrianexpects boos when he returns to this old stomping grounds at Soldier Field this Sunday. C'mon Bears fans, don't let him down.
If his contract doesn't discourage the White Sox from resigning him, Ken Griffey Jr.'s recent knee surgery might.
Evanston remembers one of his favorite sons, former MLB pitcher Kevin Foster.
Speaking of favorite sons, new Wolves head coach Don Granato is happy to be back home as he prepared for the team's home opener Saturday night.
Remember the Cubs' "fan" who tried to auction off his loyalty on eBay? He may have found a buyer and a kindred spirit in the Boston Red Sox.
In the battle of sports radio on Chicago (well, it's actually just a two-horse race), WSCR-AM has taken the lead.
De La Salle's Mike Shaw is being touted by ESPN as the "next big thing" in Chicago high school basketball.
Even if you're not entered in this weekend Urbanathlon, you can still go down and enjoy the party.
The Windy City Rollers are holding tryouts. If you think you have what it takes (and can come up with a clever alias like "Val Capone" or "Lucy Furr"), come to a scrimmage preview on Monday. Incidentially, the WCR All-Stars made it to the national finals in Portland, Oregon.
Participants in this Sunday's Chicago Marathon are no doubt getting their final tune-up runs before the big day. So why not make that final run while trotting alongside a real Olympian?
Being a lifelong Chicagoan, I have to admit that I have a touch of that thing called civic pride. Even in the face of a do-nothing, bloated, cash-devouring City Council; a public transportation service that occasionally likes to take little siestas during rush hour and a sports scene that more often than not leaves your throwing items in frustration (present baseball teams excluded, of course).
It's not boastful civic pride. I don't travel to other cities and tell them how much better our city is, how tall our buildings are or how clean our streets are (well, only when in NYC) or how our pizza is better. But if they ask, sure I'll explain to them what makes Chicago so freaking cool, from its great lakefront to its kickass summer music festivals. I just don't mention
I even like the Chicago Marathon. Yeah, it can be a pain in the ass sometimes, trying to navigate the city streets on those October Sundays, getting blocked by stampede of whippet-thin runners with two-percent body fat and parka-wearing supporters and slapping your forehead as you suddenly remember, "Damn, the race is today!"
Sure, they're involved in a heated playoff series. Doesn't mean that Derrek Lee and Mark DeRosa shouldn't think about their longterm future.
The Wrigley Field faithful aren't the only ones singing "Go, Cubs, Go". A "fan" in California wants them to win too, although for admittedly selfish reasons.
If the Twins had their way, it would have been double-or-nothing against the White Sox. (OK, not really, but...)
According to one writer, the Fire fans are some of the nicest around town.
Got an extra $90,000 or so lying around? You can sponsor your own triathlon.
Two more elite runners (PDF) announced for the Chicago Marathon field.
No, we didn't expect the Bears to beat the Colts last Sunday night either. But if they're going to build on that, there are three things they must do to beat the Carolina Panthers this Sunday.
Even if they don't win the game, the Bears are still scoring touchdowns at the bank.
Arguing over who gets the last drumstick is one thing. But a Cubs-White Sox World Series could drive one family nuts.
REALLY old school White Sox fans will mourn the death of former manager Don Gutteridge.
Current White Sox star Carlos Quentin hopes to be healthy by the playoffs. Question is: will he be playing or watching?
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Towes, the Blackhawks' Teen Titans (OK, they're not really teens but it's not far off) get some more (inter)national publicity.
From Kansas City to Chicago on a bike: Are gas prices THAT high?
The marathon gold-medalist from this year's Olympics, Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania has joined the field (pdf) of runners for the 2008 Chicago marathon. Hopefully, we'll have better weather this year.
The Sky take on the New York Liberty in their next-to-last game of their WNBA regular season.
Chicago teams finished third, fourth and fifth in the 2008 North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association Gay Softball World Series.
You're in Lisle. You're riding your bike. You have a hankering to see a play. What are you going to do?
As an (extremely) novice runner, I'm slowly understanding the reasons why so many people leap (drag? Stumble?) out of bed early in the morning to pound the sidewalks and bike paths of this city as part of their morning running ritual. Granted, making those initial steps in the wee hours of the day can take a bit of effort, but once you get into the rhythm it can be a refreshing experience, particularly at the end of a run when feeling of "good tired" sweeps over you.
Yeah, I said it. Me, the guy who used to run through a pack of Benson and Hedges (accompanied by the appropriate amount of alcohol) in a night. OK, I still sneak the occasional smoke every now and then, but it hasn't dimmed the strange new feeling of actually looking forward to a run at least two or three times a week outdoors (the treadmill wins the rest of the week) or, yes, actually participating in a 5k race some day... soon.
It may not make it to the side of a milk carton, but the Chicago Fire fan club Section 8 is missing their banner.
Some people might have an opinion about who they are, but a new book of photos entitled "We Are Cubs Fans" seeks to define the loyalists visually. The obligatory Ronnie Woo Woo photo is included.
Speaking of the Cubs, Sports Illustrated joins the rest of the country in being amazed that they AND the White Sox are both in first place and may make the playoffs in the same season for the first time since 1906.
And speaking of the Sox, Fox Sports calls the acquisition of Carlos Quinten the steal of the century. OK, they call it the steal of the season. It just LOOKS like the steal of the century.
Tickets for the National Pro Fastpitch softball championships go on sale this Saturday at Judson Sports Complex in Elgin, home of the Chicago Bandits. The Bandits are one of the four teams who will be participating.
Now that the Blackhawks are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, new fans might want to read about one of the team's legends featured in a story from the Sports Illustrated vaults.
If you've been reading Tailgate's own Zach Thomas, you know that bike racing is booming in the Chicago area. The Chicago Tribune plays catch-up.
A South Side group is getting kids as young as eight into the challenging sport of triathlons...
...while elsewhere on the South Side, another group is bringing the sport of rowing to a new, younger crowd.
The Urbanathalon is coming! Yes, it sounds like some B-movie monster, but actually it's a moderately strenuous 10-mile race, obstacle course thingy. Not too late to enter
Bring the pain: The UFC is coming to the Allstate Arena October 25. Top bout on the card is Anderson "The Spider" Silva vs. Patrick "The Predator" Cote. Anyone in UFC nicknamed "The Fluffy Bunny"?
Start saving your betting bucks now. The Arlington Million is this Saturday.
Twenty-five years ago, they installed lights in Wrigley Field. Purists howled. The world survived.
Lakefront Path is one of Chicago's primary alternate transportation arteries. Over eighteen miles of trail pass through Southshore, Lincoln, Jackson, Burnham, and Grant Park allowing thousands of cyclists, skaters, tourists, and runners to pound the path daily. The path is both a reminder of Chicago's rich architectural history (skyline views are plentiful) and glimpse of a potential future where alternative transportation methods replace gas hungry automobiles.
Nuzzled next to Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive, however, the path adopts many components of car culture. A familiar mixture of pedestrians, stoplights, informative signage, and different sized vehicles litter Lakefront Path. Pay attention to the below analogies and always remember to avoid Gapers Block (the social phenomenon not the publication).
Sedans, SUVS, and Hybrids. Driving down Lake Shore Drive usually presents an interesting collage of vehicles ranging from taxi cabs to Hummers, all driving at different speeds with separate destinations. Filling the role of the Hummer and large SUV on Lakefront Path is the in-line skate. Both SUVs and in-line skates boast a disproportionate "energy to distance traveled" ratio and also consume an excessive amount of lane space. Scientific studies from the Angelos Foundation suggest one skater occupies the space of 2.5 cyclists with road tires.
If you were planning to enter this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon (and you were, right?), you might want to hold off on the carbo loading. Race directors announce they've reached their 45,000 participant capacity. But hold on, you're not completely off the hook. You can still fulfill that vow you made last year to run in the next one (while you were sitting on the couch watching the finish while scarfing down a McGriddle). You can register to run with one of the official charity partners or an affiliated international tour group.
After the deadly incidents of last year's abbreviated race, you'd think that registration would trickle in rather than fill up a little more than six months before the race (October 12). I guess that's due to that thing they call dedication. An early good luck to the participants.
You may not have previously connected competitive running with copious amounts of chocolate, but if you're harbored a secret desire to chow down on Hersey's candy, hot cocoa and chocolate fondue after running a 15K you're going to want to be at Montrose Harbor on Sunday, Nov. 1
