RAM Racing's Bucktown 5K Ramping Up Preparations for its 11th Year as Chicago's Neighborhood Race

Sept. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- CHICAGO - On September 16th, for the 11th straight year, RAM Racing will bring the local running community together for the Bucktown 5K. Neighborhood families, businesses, and government combine efforts to enjoy a wonderful late Chicago summer morning running picturesque open streets, with a finishing stretch down Wabansia Avenue into Burr Elementary.

“The Bucktown 5K race is a great opportunity for Jonathan Burr Elementary to participate in this healthy and exciting community event. The financial assistance from the Bucktown 5K race helps Burr fund programming and purchase instructional material, as well as, supports our health wellness culture,” said Jonathan Burr Elementary School Principal William Kleé. Following last year's race, also finishing at the school, participant Linda Blanco wrote "Loved the race & the neighborhood! Thanks Bucktown!" via Facebook.

A similar sentiment was echoed by 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack "The 32nd Ward has been home to the Bucktown 5k for 11 years now. It's great to see runners pushing themselves, but it's even more wonderful to see their families cheering them on. I am looking forward to the race and know it will be a big success." Additionally, 1st Ward Alderman, Proco Joe Moreno is enthusiastic about the event, "I'm very excited about this race. I'm an avid runner myself and have been running in this neighborhood for over a decade."

After finishing the Bucktown 5K, participants will be treated to a plentiful runner refresh, featuring taste treats from Starfruit, Choppers, West Town Bakery and Olivia’s Market. Missy Senffner, Store Manager of Starfruit's 1745 W Division location, says "There is always a great turn out of runners and supporters from all over the Chicago area. We enjoy attending local events like this  that support our community and value the importance of a healthy lifestyle." Likewise, "Olivia’s Market is proud to sponsor the Bucktown 5k. Runners can stop by the Olivia’s tent to fuel up before and after the race with fresh fruits and sweets," said Bill Maheras of Olivia's Market.

Participant Lauren of the Lauren Runs weblog ran the event in 2010 and 2011, and called it “one of my favorite races" echoing the sentiment of I Heart Pikermis blog's Maureen who declared the event “one of my favorite race[s] in the whole city” in her 2011 race report. In 2011, Jeff Jonaitis of Tinley Park was the men's overall winner, with a time of 14:51; this January Jonitas competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the marathon. Last year's female winner was Ingleside's Pamela Staton, formerly the 2009 Horizon League Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

The event has grown from 500 finishers in 2001, RAM's first year organizing, to almost 5,000 last year for its 10th anniversary. Over that time RAM has become a homegrown business success story, putting on races up and down Chicagoland, from the South Shore Tri to the North Shore Half Marathon, with 6 more in between. They expanded into an emerging force on the national endurance event scene though its Hot Chocolate 15/5K RAM Racing Series. "As we continue to grow, this event is a special opportunity for us at RAM to put on a world-class event with a beautiful, safe course for the Bucktown residents and neighborhood who have supported us from the beginning," said Brandon Presern, RAM's Race Director.

LauraJane Hyde, CEO of Gilda’s Club, the event's charity partner, stated  "We are so proud of our partnership with RAM Racing. Their support of our Red Door Runners over the past five years has benefited countless men, women, teens and children impacted by cancer throughout Chicago. We are very grateful and look forward to the next five years!"

About  Gilda’s Club Chicago

With over 200 activities each month and more than 10,500 visits in 2010, Gilda’s has served members from 92% of Chicago zip codes. Their mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer—men, women, teens and children—along with their families and friends. Their innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities. From art and yoga classes, to an indoor playground and discussion groups, Gilda’s door is open for those searching for support to carry them through the hard times and to celebrate the victories.

About RAM Racing

RAM Racing was co-founded 10 years ago by Steve Ginsburg and Paul Rosenblum as a result of their passion for endurance sports. Since its beginning, RAM exploded onto the racing scene and now the RAM Racing series hosts 8 Chicagoland running and triathlon events with 8 Hot Chocolate 15/5Ks in key markets across the country. RAM is committed to providing an excellent, safe race experience with award-winning goodie bags; while focusing on well organized and supported race courses.

Reporters May Contact
Adam Murray, Marketing Director
(224) 374 - 1740
info@ramracing.org
www.bucktown5k.com