Chicago Marathon Expo & International 5k run

The marathon expo opened up on the Friday. Luckily we landed in Chicago on Thursday so I was definitely be able to get to the expo first thing. If I can, I go to the expos when they open. They not as busy then, and also there’s a bigger chance to buy all the merchandise I want.

But before the expo, I met up with my Coach, Denise, at 6am and we went for a casual 5k donut run. She organised this run through the Chicago Marathon Facebook group, and there were a few of her runners as well.  It wasn’t many of us, probably because it was heavily raining. But I loved every minute of it. It was good to meet up with like-minded people and get to know others. Have to say the pace was way too fast for me, and I couldn’t keep up all the way round, but they did wait for me by the donut shop 😀

Heavy rain at 6am

Look at those donuts. Yumm Yumm Yumm

Stan’s Donuts. Best in Chicago

Nope, we wasn’t drunk! This is what happens when you run between tall buildings. 

So after getting soaking wet and really cold, we decided to go back to our house. Change clothes, dry up and get ready to the expo.

Because our hotel got cancelled back in september, a lovely Team Paws member  offered us her spare bedroom. So we’ve stayed with her and her husband. Our nearest train stop was on the red line, Argyle stop. Her house was only a 10 mins walk from it, so perfect location.

The expo was held at the McCormick Place, we didn’t have a direct train there but the journey was still really simple.  I think we got there just after it opened at 9am. It wasn’t crazy busy, I managed to pick up the free Marathon poster, then we went through security and checked in.

Ready to walk in

OMG. I’ll need to frame this

First we decided to go and pick up our  5k race bib because there was a bit of queue there, then off we went to pick up my marathon pack. No one were queueing in the marathon bib pick up table, so I got mine in minute. Really well organised, have to say.

5k bib pick up

After collecting all the important material, we’ve started the fun part. It was time to do some shopping. I love expo shopping. We’ve  decided to walk through and check out all isles. then also had to go to the Paws table to pick up the supporters cheering pack.

Collected as many freebies as we could, then went to the Nike stall to buy the Event jacket. After buying one in the previous Majors, I couldn’t say no to that.

New Nike Event jacket, with my new glasses

Whilst we were walking around we’ve seen a stand ( Biofreeze ) which was offering to get the Event t-shirt personalised. Well it had a massive queue, but I had to have it done. I’m only planning to run this race once, so had to have the full package. Took us about 20 mins to queue but it’s awesome. more races should do this. So easy, permanent and looks great.

By this time it was around 11.11.30am and started to get really busy. So it was time to go. I really don’t like busy places, people keep pushing each other and fighting for merchandise. It’s not for me.

Expo goodiebag 🙂

With the 5k and Marathon bib 🙂

06. October. 2018 – Saturday 

I was so excited about this day. It was time to run the International 5k run. When we woke up it was raining, again, what a surprise lol . I was so excited, because it was hubby’s first ever proper race. He did run the Breakfast run in Berlin, but there was no bib for that or medal. So it wasn’t a proper race. He felt so nervous in the morning, and as soon as we got to the start he said he’s really worried.  He didn’t do a single minute training for it, according to him anybody can run a 5k. Well well we will see haha

My outfit for the race

I’m not too sure how many runners were at the start, but it did look really busy for a 5k race. The start got delayed because of the heavy rain.

Look at his face. Hahaha

After a few hundred yards, he told me to go and leave him behind because he’s struggling and he doesn’t want me ruin my race. I said to him it’s not a race for me, just a casual run before the BIG race on Sunday. So I sticked with him. He did try to run as much as he could, but then we started walking. After that it was a fully run-walk-run race. It did look like he liked that better.

We managed to get around in about 44 mins, which is great for him. This was hist first proper race and he did finish it 🙂 I’m so proud of him. Now just need to tell him that Tokyo and Boston do a 5k run as well. Hahah

He was a bit red, but I’m so proud of him

Luke’s first ever race certificate

With my new medal

Nope, we still wasn’t drunk here. 

I highly recommend this race to everyone who’s running the Marathon in the coming years. It’s a flat course and it was so much fun running it.

It’s only $35 and you can sign up for it here: https://www.chicago5k.com

Love,