Fun 5K’s for the summertime

Jordan Hedgren finishing with a 27:07 and her father after the Running for Hope 5K.

Photo By David Velazquez

Jordan Hedgren finishing with a 27:07 and her father after the Running for Hope 5K.

Running can be fun with all the different activities these 5K’s have to offer. A 5K can be ran or walked and is three miles from start to finish.

“The feeling when you cross the finish line is so rewarding,” junior Jordan Hedgren said.

There are many 5Ks offered in Chicago. All one has to do is register. Some races may charge a fee, but there are also some that are free.

In Chicago there are many different races throughout the summer months.

The Pride Race was held on June 26 and was run to demonstrate gay and lesbian pride. Sign-up is necessary to run in this race and could have been done on runguides.com. Medals and awards are given to the top runners of the day. This race is running for a good cause and also offered food and drinks afterwards.

The Disco Dash was also held June 26 and benefits great charities. People could boogie their way through this 5K, and after the race everyone was welcome to enjoy a disco dance.

If dancing isn’t someone’s thing, getting down and dirty at the “Pretty Muddy Chicago” 5K may be. This 5K, held on August 16, is set up like an obstacle course and is only run by women.

Some races are ran for the sole purpose of entertainment for the runner. Others are ran for great causes, including the race senior Brooke Jablonski ran.

“I ran a 5k for my cousin Charlotte. It was a 5K for down syndrome that I run every year in honor of her. It means a lot to be there and support her and all of the other kids because all of them are such amazing kids,” Jablonski said.

Getting oneself to be motivated to run can be hard, but entering a fun one with many friends can be an exciting experience.