Paws Chicago Run for Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk

This was my second year running PAWS Chicago Run for Their Lives 8k, and I had a great time in spite of this year’s very rainy weather.
I love to run, and I love PAWS Chicago, so this 8k was a great chance for me to run for a charity that I support (runners/​walkers can also sign up to do some fundraising for PAWS in conjunction with the race). There are actually two events — an 8k run and a 4k walk (dogs are welcome to participate in the 4k walk).
Online registration was super easy, and there was all sorts of information about the race itself, PAWS Chicago, fundraising or donating, etc. There were also periodic emails sent with reminders and/​or updates about the race and packet pick up. There were plenty of packet pick up options, with four different days for advance packet pick up AND race day pick up. I really appreciated that they made it so easy, as having my packet in hand gives me one less thing to worry about on race day.
The shirt seems to be the same design as last year, but I love this year’s pretty blue color (I was not a fan of last year’s coral color). I don’t love that it is cotton, however, especially when they encourage you to wear the shirt on race day. I’m sorry, but I can’t bring myself to wear cotton while running, especially in the summer and when it is raining. I know it makes me a little snarky, and I know this is a charity race, but I wish they could have found a sponsor who would have donated tech shirts to the race.
The race itself was well organized, and everyone seemed friendly and happy, even as it poured rain before and during much of the race. There were plenty of giant puddles and a good amount of mud thanks to the rain, but that didn’t stop people from having a good time. The course was pretty standard, starting at Montrose Harbor and utilizing the lake front trail. There was plenty of support on the course, with water stops being well staffed and stocked, the course being clearly marked, and volunteers shouting out encouraging words to the runners.
At the race site, there were tents for all of the various sponsors of the race, various give aways from local vets and pet supply stores (I got a few cat food samples for my kitty, and a coupon for a free bag of cat litter), a fundraising tent (if anyone had cash or check donations to turn in), a tent selling raffle tickets, a tent where you could sign up to foster dogs or cats, etc. Basically, there was pretty much everything you would expect to find at a race benefiting an animal shelter. In addition to the race itself, there were other fun things to do at the race site. There was a parade of adoptable dogs, a group photo with all the participants who were PAWS adopters, and a fun little show from Junebug the Pitbull. There was even some treats and entertainment for the pups participating — dog treats were plentiful, and there was an agility course that people could take their dogs through.
For those who did some fundraising ($ 125 or more), there was the «Lifesaver Lounge», which was a fenced in area with tables, plenty of food and drink, and just a few little extras (there was also plenty of food for participants who didn’t raise additional money for PAWS, so everyone could have a good time).

I actually had a real ball with my pups. I didn’t realize so many people would be part of this awesome experience and it made my heart skip a beat to know that so many love their pets as much as I do. We got there fairly early so we were able to look around at all the cool outfits some of this pups had. The race was really well done and the route was good also. I didn’t like that fact that some of the people with bigger dogs didn’t realize that some of us have Chihuahuas and their big dogs intimidate them so they should hold them vs letting them try to sniff on the little ones. Freaked one of my dogs out but the other went into attack mode to protect his brother. Still all in all it was a pleasant walk and the pups were wore out afterwards. The only thing I do have to say is that the actual run was good but they had a big area for VIPS and so some of the pups couldn’t get inside due to so many crowding and not worrying if pups had water or not. I was really happy with all the free things given out and my pups racked up on treats and such. That made me really happy. Also, they did have a contest for the best dressed dog, but of course bigger dogs get the attention but still, I think it was fair.
Security was good too, although you have some rif raf who still think they can act any type of way and get away with it. Messing with dogs and such is not a good thing, especially when the owner (me) will die for his pups. I say this because some teenagers were messing with peoples dogs to make them growl but when it came to my pups, ummm that’s a no no because I don’t let anyone mess with my babies. Besides that I think it was a success and I would definitely do it again!

I was surprised at the number of people who participated. It was so much fun seeing all the doggies in their adorable costumes.

This race was done VERY well… my only complaint is that there was no water at the finish line. You had to walk clear across a large field to get water. That’s a huge no-​no when it comes to a running event.
From packet pickup to gear check to the vendors at the end… you can tell that this is a very well thought out race (except for the water debacle).
No bottle necks on the course. The walkers go the opposite way of the runners (genius!!!).
Lot’s of puppies. Awe.