Runners show their medal in annual Race to Wrigley for Cubs Charities

By Karie Angell Luc For Chronicle Media

Clark is at the start line of the 5K race with far right, William Baker of Elk Grove Village on Addison Street. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

The 12th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, raised more than $475,000 to benefit Cubs Charities.

The April 29 race began with an 8 a.m. 5K start at Addison Street and Racine Avenue. The finish line was on Clark Street.

Runners followed a course that brought them through parts of Wrigley Field.

Temperatures were hovering at 44 degrees under cloudy skies. There were some rain sprinkles earlier, organizers reported, but rain stayed away for the duration of the 5K.

“It could be a little warmer but I’m dressed for it so I’ll be fine,” said runner Aaron Rolfe of Aurora.

About those Cubbies, “They’re No. 1,” Rolfe said.

The National Anthem is performed at the starting line of the 5K race. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

Runners brought out fan galleries of relatives and friends. Many carried posters of encouragement.

Corporate groups ran as fundraising teams. People chanted “Repeat” for a 2017 championship World Series repeat win.

“It’s awesome,” said Mike Lufrano, vice president, community affairs with the Chicago Cubs.

“More than 8,200 runners are coming out to support Cubs Charities to make possible some great things in our community,” Lufrano said.

It’s 44 degrees and no rain. William Baker of Elk Grove Village warms up at the start line of the 5K on Addison Street. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

The home of the 2016 World Series Champions is a home away from home for many who participated in the 5K.

Laura Harland of Byron attended with Maddie Harland of Byron, Kristin Tuten of Wheaton, Maria Tuten of Rockford, Joel Tuten of Rockford and Kate Harland of Byron.

“We’re very excited,” Laura Harland said.

“We love the Cubs,” Kristin Tuten said. “Go Cubbies!”

Fans posed for cell phone selfies and wanted to get close up to the world championship ring worn by Clark, the Chicago Cubs mascot.

“That’s the bling we’re going for!” said William Baker of Elk Grove Village, first in line at the start line.

Diamonds are Chicago Cubs mascot Clark’s best friend. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

Baker was pointing to Clark’s plushy championship ring as Clark posed for photographs with other fans.

“Bling, bling right here, look at that!” Baker said with jubilation.

The 5K started with the National Anthem and warm-ups. One runner unfortunately fell shortly just past the start line.

The 5K first finisher was Nic Aubert of Chicago, who had a time of just over 16 minutes. Aubert had the final stretch portion of Clark Street to himself as he outdistanced thousands of others.

Shortly after crossing the finish line, Aubert said the course was, “a little windy,” but he was smiling.

The hat is a telltale sign. Clark is near the start line of the 5K race. on Addison Street. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

How does it feel to win?

“It feels awesome,” Aubert said. “I really wanted this medal.”

Other runners really wanted their medals, too, as evidenced by the morning rush-hour traffic jam of sneakers that took place on that final stretch of the finish line on Clark Street.

When a runner crosses the finish line, the chip-timed bib is supposed to generate a beeping sound.

The Race gets underway. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

But in the case at Wrigley, the beeping sound would not stop as people stood on the finish line, slowly moving forward, waiting for their medal and hoping for maybe a banana and a bottle of water.

He really wanted that medal, he said. A few minutes after crossing the finish line on Clark Street as first finisher, Nic Aubert of Chicago, had a time of just over 16 minutes. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

“I can’t wait to get that medal,” said Myrna LeMere of Streamwood, a 5K runner who was among those stuck in the finish line sneaker jam.

“It’s only about the medal.”

About the traffic jam, “I’ve never seen this before and I do a lot of runs,” LeMere said.

At the finish line on Clark Street, finishers have a traffic jam backup as they queue for their medals. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

But: “It’s for the Cubs,” she said, with a smile, giving a thumps up with her left hand.

“Go Cubs!”

 

 

 

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