A Big Race for a B1G Conference

     15,000 people(including this writer) crammed into start corrals yesterday on the Museum Campus at 6:45 in the morning.  We weren't crazy(well, that's up for debate), we were there to run.  And run we did.  The Big Ten Network has been sponsoring a race in Chicago at the end of July for the past 3 years to promote itself, the conference, and the upcoming season. At the beginning of the race, Ohio State standout Archie Griffin made some introductory remarks, and after a singing of the national anthem, the race was underway.  Almost immediately, Abraham Chelanga(of Kenya, what a shock) ran away(no pun intended) with the race.  By the time the race turned north for the last 3 miles, it had turned into a race for second place.  Surprisingly, that race was quite tight, and remained that way all the way up to the final tenth of a mile, when Matthew Blume bested Daniel Glaz at the finish line by a mere 10 seconds.  Upon finishing, they(as well as all of us) received this medal:

     After the exhilarating finish, the affair opened up into the BTN Fan Fest, where both racers and Big Ten Fans could mill about and see what the Fest had to offer.  There was a combine area where people could try their hand at making a field goal kick.  There was a 40 yard dash set-up, as well as a youth football toss.  But the fest had more than just athletic pursuits to offer.  Those who wished to do so could partake in a corn hole tournament, as well as visiting booths representing all 14 Big Ten schools.  But then, we have the food.  Now the tradition of offering post-race beer to runners has been growing steadily(I've gotten a cold one after 4 of the past 5 races I've run), but not every race also gives out sausage.  The Big 10k does.  And good sausage at that.  Other than that, there were a few different exhibitor tables there, and a main stage providing entertainment throughout the fan fest.  At 11 AM, the fest wrapped up, and the BTN Big 10k was officially over for 2014.  Much like the L.A.T.E. Ride, it was an enjoyable event that I will certainly be doing again next year.