Bucktown 5k

This was only my second official 5K race, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
At $ 40, the price wasn’t that bad considering other races. Signing up online was s breeze with no effort at all.
The race was set up nicely with sections clearly marked. The route passed a lot of places I have eaten and reviewed (Lottie’s, Jane’s and Cortland Garage).
One of my pet peeves about races is that there isn’t a lot of people cheering towards the middle of the race. There was no problem with that as every turn has a group of people.
I was trying to beat my best time, but the outside timer wasn’t correct, which meant I couldn’t see my mile pace. The streets could have been pushed e better, but you can say that about every Chicago street.
The finish line was full of people passing out water, energy drinks and snacks. I didn’t attend the post party, but I could hear the music from the bus stop across the street.
I ran this race by myself, and I will encourage my wife to run it with me next year.

This is a good quick run. I don’t think I’ll sign up for anymore 5k’s because the distance is too short. Parking over here was hell and we ran to the race late! Overall it’s an ok course, watch your feet for potholes!

This is about my 7^th time running this race. And this year was a bit of a disappointment. It’s a pretty expensive race for a 5k. When @properties used to sponsor it we’d get crazy ass swag from bags, vests, fleeces, dry-​fit long sleeves and even water bottle holders etc. There were also coupons for local restaurants and granola bars in the bag. Last year, even though it was a crowded mess, they set up a bunch of food vendors and had tickets on our bib to get whatever we chose. It was great!!! This year a sweatshirt and your bib. WTH? On an email we got info about an appetizer and fatpour and a Bloody Mary at Bristol. And if you drove by Bristol there were dozens of people waiting outside to get their free drink. So not worth it this year. I was very disappointed! I still love the neighborhood. And despite the rain people were great and cheered us on but the end was anti-​climactic. We walked onto an empty field. Boo! I guess that’s why it’s not a sold out event like it used to be.

First time running the Bucktown 5k. I’ve heard rumors of disorganization, overselling, and annoying baby strollers in the past, but I think the combination of the rainy weather and reorganized corrals resulting in a smaller crowd, made it very enjoyable this year. Great swag this year too — good quality hoodie that I definitely will be sporting this fall.
Much love to the Lululemon folk with their awesome signs. Why thank you, I am amazeballs.

This was my first time running the Bucktown 5k, and, as a relatively new runner, it was my largest race to date. I admit I was a little worried. I had read, both here and elsewhere, that RAM Racing tended to be a bit disorganized and to over-​sell their events to the point of insanity. I almost talked myself out of participating, but eventually I decided to give them a chance see for myself. I’m very glad I did.
I thought it was a lovely run. Yes, there were a ton of runners, somewhere just shy of 5,000, but we were each assigned to a starting corral based on our expected pace. Corral start times were spaced in two-​minute intervals, and this ensured that the course never became too crowded. Running through streets is a nice change of pace from the bulk of the 5ks that take place along the lakeshore. It is great how the neighborhood residents come out to support the runners.
Overall, a very positive experience. Packet pick-​up at the store the day before was smooth and efficient. The fleece is stylish. The «Taste of Bucktown» post-​race party was somewhat underwhelming, but the after race treats aren’t a big draw for me anyway. I will likely run again next year.

Bucktown is a beautiful neighborhood in Chicago so running this race is a pleasure to the eyes. I loved the neighbors that came out to support by making signs, mimosa station and even the kids that made the post-​race lemonade stand. This race is very organized allowing everyone time and space to run with their pace group. It was a bit crowded after the finish line and the taste of Bucktown was definitely crowded. The jacket however is the best looking goodie bag I’ve received in any race. I will definitely do it again, but I hope there will be more organization at the end of the race to keep the crowd moving! Also, beware of the potholes in this neighborhood I saw several people stumble a bit in the most uneven spots.

Honestly, I would have probably given this race a full five had I not body slammed a four year old into the side of a parked car. I encountered a man running with his stroller, which was fine. Lots of responsible stroller people run this course and I have never had a problem with a stroller.
At about the halfway point of the race, this guy running with the strolllers nine hundred kids decided it would be fun to run alongside dad. He thought this was hilarious and cute, so did I at first. About a half mile up, as I ran, trying for a PR, I had to go around one of the twenty random cars left on the course and as I went to go around this car, stroller guy’s four year old son decided he wanted to do the same thing, and I slammed a four-​year old into a car. In the process, I also earned myself an acute sprain in my foot as I reacted to nailing Jr. into a car.
At this point (I am limping) you would think the guy would take his kids off the course, they were literally weaving in and out of runners. Runners who paid $ 45.00 to run this, who were angrily glaring at the a-​hole. He did not. The man then said something along the lines of, «Bobby, be careful, she isn’t being a very responsible runner». I passed roughly three or four event «staff» who didn’t do anything about a load of really young kids running springs across the road no matter who was in the way. Don’t get me wrong, I really like kids and all, but I think little 4-​year old Bobby and his little sister should have been on the sidelines cheering dad on, not bobbing in and out of people. I don’t know if you have a cat, but if you do, it’s like when your cat is mad at you and she runs full speed at your feet.
Besides this, everything went really well. The start lines were coralled by running time. Strollers in the back, and most people who ran this had outstanding etiquette. The pullover is really cute. I wish we got a finishers medal, but I’ll settle with the memories (and the acute sprain in my foot.)

My third time running.
One of my favorite neighborhoods despite all the uneven roads riddled with potholes.
Getting more and more crowded every year.
Loved the fitted fleece pull over with adorned with Chicago stars.
Loved the homeowner that set up a «mimosa aid station» after mile 2.

I agree with Tim M and Beth L on this one. Yes the swag bag included a nice jacket but was annoyed by several things. No race day packet pick up was the first pain and then they ran out of my size jacket and I had to settle for a men’s small. The start corrals were very limited. I usually run a 28 – 30 minute 5k but because I did not qualify for a starting position I was stuck behind walkers, strollers, etc… The entire time I was running I was trying to get around people. I have run dozens of races both lakefront and neighborhood but have never been bottle-​necked before the race even started! Between the strollers and the untowed cars it really felt like an obstacle course. The two-​way areas were the worst. Since it was so crowded I never even saw the 2 or 3 mile markers so I had no idea what my pace was. I am one of those people that like to sprint the last stretch but the literally you turn a corner and there it was. After you finished you had to fight your way to the water station where you poured your own water. The line just getting back in to the Taste of Bucktown area was long and then there were long lines for all the booths. We just left and didn’t even stick around even though it was a beautiful day. This is not a well planned race in comparison to others I have run. My advice would be to limit the participation next year or drastically improve the logistics of the course. I would not recommend this race.

I was excited about doing this race since I ran the Ravenswood 5k this year and had a great time. Figured that smaller community races are a fun time.
In the end, I can convince myself that I had fun, but there was a lot to be annoyed about. The track jacket seems decent. I think overall (and this was RAM’s problem at Hot Chocolate too) the big issue was the crowd. There wasn’t enough space for the nearly 5000 people to line up near the start (many people were stuck behind the school’s fence as the gun went off), and the congestion was especially bad on streets with two-​way running traffic. Some of the untowed cars made for fun obstacles!
If you’re going for an informal, family feel, you’ll probably have a good time. A few suggestions would make it better for everyone (especially those who would like to go a bit faster but aren’t quite fast enough for the small and very limited start corrals): (1) follow Ravenswood Run’s lead and put some pace suggestion signs up so people running 10−12+ min/​mile (or walking) don’t line up AS OFTEN near the front, (2) make sure everyone can get out into the starting area by not overselling the race, (3) figure out some way to allow for more than 2 chokepoints to enter the race start — I suppose I could have hopped the fence, but I didn’t want to.
The lines for the taste of Bucktown were insane, also. Some of the food looked good, but I wasn’t willing to wait for it. The free race food and supplies were good enough, I suppose.
Probably won’t be up for doing this again unless I can get in a corral. One of my friends up there said it was perfectly fine. You could hear announcements, the anthem, and everything (I heard nothing from where I started — just barely made it onto the street at gun time).

I ran RAM’s Hot Chocolate race last year, and after today’s Bucktown 5K, I can say that some things never change; RAM Racing still has a lot to learn about putting on a race. TOW the cars that are on the course! Some cars were towed, others ticketed, and numerous others were just left in the middle of the course, throughout the course. It would have almost been better (and less hazardous) if they had just left all the cars there.
The Finish line immediately after a turn in the road is a bad idea. A lot of runners I know sprint hard at the end, but without being able to see the finish line and not having a straight shot at it made that nearly impossible.
The clock also wasn’t working as I passed the Start line, so I had no idea if I was 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc… off from their clock.
The roads were dangerous– there were a lot of orange cones placed over boards which were placed over what I assume are huge holes in the ground.
Yes, the track jacket was sweet. It was indeed family friendly and had a fun feel to it. Considering my main concern in a race is safety, I wouldn’t run this race again, though.

I agree that the Bucktown 5k was the best organized to date, however the street conditions on Wabansia a major strecth of road was in horrible shape, especially for running, I can only imagine how folks drive this main access to Damen etc. You would think those responsible would take action on improving the infra-​structure of this beautiful neighborhood, several runners complained and there were a few injuries associated with these conditions.

2010 was my second year, and I think the best thing about this run is the swag bag. The route is a nice neighborhood route, but the streets are not in great shape and my friend rolled his ankle.
Their new «Taste of Bucktown» was not great. The items truly were just a taste at some booths, but it was a good effort.
I’ll probably do it again if they continue to offer up some good stuff.

Easy peasy race no different from a morning run, except lots of traffic, street blocks, but there is some charity stuff involved and a cool prize pack for participating. Today I saw dogs, and jogging strollers. If you are a champion runner, this race is probably not your thing, but its good for everyone else just to get out for a good cause. Its well organized and they did a fun after party.

This is a good warmup race for a marathon, or just for a short run. There are small crowds to cheer you on, and it goes by fast. Decent bag of stuff from some cool vendors too. Watch out for newbie runners here who might not otherwise follow etiquette experienced runners are used to.

I’m surprised that I am only the 2^nd person to Unilocal this event. I should start out by stated that hard core serious runners may find this event annoying because the majority that participate are not hard core serious runners.
You have several camps that are part of the Bucktown 5k. You have kids, mom’s with strollers, families, those starting to run and those who are participating in their last chance 5k one weekend prior to the marathon.
I’ve been on two sides of the spectrum of the Bucktown 5k-​it is what I ran when i first began to run and I ran it the year I first ran the marathon. I don’t mind the amateurs, walkers, families, stroller, kids, etc. It give the 5k a nice neighborhood feel to it.
This year will be my 4^th or 5^th Bucktown 5k and although the goodie bag has gone down a little-​it has always been enjoyable and very well organized.

This race truly is used by many to prep for the Chicago Marathon however, its still family friendly. The course is pretty easy and does have some spectators. The pace is a lot quicker than your normal 5k fun run.
Perhaps what this race is best known for is their goodie bag. They advertise their goodie bag to be worth around $ 100 bucks but I disagree. We got a great sweatshirt and reusable backpack but not worth $ 100 bucks. Wouldn’t mind doing again.