[madden72]

Would anyone be interested in ACen hosting a 5K race?

A typical 5K (3.1 mile) race will have:

• a measured course viewable before the race
  
• water/Gatorade at 1-2 stations along the course
  
• electronic timing via disposable wireless technology
  
• food/beverages at the finish line
  
• t-shirts for participants
  
• awards for the top finishers overall and in their age groups
  
• and an awesome after party (got that one covered)

What would make a 5K at ACen unique:

• The sheer number of potential entrants
  
• The resources already on hand to help make the event awesome
  
• The amount of cosplayers that would run the race
  
• The location (the Des Plaines River and Trail are literally 0.2 miles from the Hyatt parking lot... with some barriers. Alternatively, there are plenty of side streets nearby that barely anyone uses)
  
• The amount of sponsors related to ACen that could benefit from advertising

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but I know firsthand that if people really wanted to run a race, all it takes in the end is a place to run and a handful of volunteers. Maybe this won't happen this year, but why not?

Here are the questions I have for all of you:

• When would a good time for this be?
  
• Would you cosplay and/or make a cosplay for this?
  
• Would you be interested in helping to run this event?
  
• What other ideas do you have for this event?

And for the ACen staff:

• Has this been attempted before?
  
• What issues do you see with conducting this event?
  
• Do you see any way to overcome any of the challenges above?
  
• Who would be the appropriate contact for trying to get this event off the ground?

Thanks for reading, everyone! I look forward to your feedback!

-Rob Stoltz
(AKA The Leader of the CD Warriors/Samurai)

This post has been edited by madden72: 25 April 2012 - 06:22 AM

[Washu Takahashi]

Personally, I hate running xD But it sounds like a good idea and I'm sure some people would be interested! Maybe it'd be an event best saved for Sunday after 4? Then no one misses any actual con time.

[opimus.rm]

This type of event costs money. When you thrown in the cost of insurance, food,shirts permits,etc you are talking thousands of dollars. Btw what happens if it rains?

This post has been edited by opimus.rm: 25 April 2012 - 08:34 AM

[cactusmomma]

opimus.rm, on 25 April 2012 - 08:29 AM, said:

This type of event costs money. When you thrown in the cost of insurance, food,shirts permits,etc you are talking thousands of dollars. Btw what happens if it rains?

If?

[STVO]

As a guy who runs, yes I would be down! I was actually running 3 out of the 4 days I attended ACen before the con opened (well I ran Thursday morning before I left to Hyatt, lol.) I'm not sure if this will be possible but I would be interested if this event is made. I am training for Chicago Marathon this year so I would love for this to happen!

Now for answers to your Questions:

When would a good time for this be?

I would suggest either Saturday or Sunday Morning. It should start and end before the Dealer room open.

Would you cosplay and/or make a cosplay for this?

Good question. Maybe Sonic the Hedgehog? Something that doesn't require too much for me to wear or have items fly off of me, lol.

Would you be interested in helping to run this event?

Aside from promote it via social media and before the con, I'm sorry, but not really.

What other ideas do you have for this event?

None on the top of my head. You would want to contact both MAPS, ACen Staff, and the city of Rosemont pretty soon to try and organize such an event as depending on your path and what needs to be shut down, it would be difficult to hold in this area and time.

[rondo]

The Cosplay 5K, I can see it now.

[-JUNK-]

Running a 5k is good; but I'm sure most people wont want to wear them selves out during
the con. But for the athletic ones that would like to do it that would sounds great.

But with the previous posts intended.

[rondo]

It'd probably kick my butt (especially depending on that wacky midwestern weather), but I'd give it a shot.

[Gwydion]

Gotta admit, this actually kind of sounds like fun to me despite the fact that I haven't done that much running since middle school cross country (minus the occasional "mile training" in various gym classes). XD Sadly, I wouldn't have time to participate, though, as the only way I'd make it to ACen is if I'm in the AA. Sad, as I'd totally wanna do it and make some sort of cosplay specifically for it...

[shego]

I would do it! Its going to be a lot of work but I think its a fantastic idea.

This post has been edited by shego: 19 November 2012 - 01:26 AM

[Bloo09]

This is from my perspective as a member of Programming management.

"A typical 5K (3.1 mile) race will have:

a measured course viewable before the race
Would need city approval, which is possible, but could be turned down especially if streets need to be crossed.
water/Gatorade at 1-2 stations along the course
1. Would cost money 2. Again with city approval to place stands
electronic timing via disposable wireless technology
Would definitely cost a decent amount of money.
food/beverages at the finish line
Would take a lot of money. Catering is expensive.
t-shirts for participants
Would cost even more money at about $4 per t-shirt if we get uncomfortable itchy boxy shirts.
awards for the top finishers overall and in their age groups
Awards are fun
and an awesome after party (got that one covered)"
It would need to be safe for all ages, and currently all event space is taken.

I would suggest saving this for next year to propose then. The cost of something like this adds up very fast as I pointed out above, and our event space fills very fast as we plan through Sept/October. New events like this are best proposed in July/August.

I will bring this up to the team, since we don't really have someone covering "special events" and this wouldn't really fall under anything we do have department wise. Projects like this are normally picked up by a volunteering dept, like how I run the Crystal Ball even though I'm head of Panels.

As an additional note, just from your wording it seems like you want to run it? ACen events would only be run by Anime Central staff aside from panels that can be considered minor events.

Feel free to message me

[kotomichi]

I know this won't happen for a while, but I am privately amused by the fact of a high heeled Madame Red holding her skirts up while running a 5k. LAWLS.

[shego]

I would think that any costs associated with the event could be offset by entry fees/possible sponsers. By making the run for some sort of charity (cosplay canter for cancer, etc) sponsers should be easy to obtain. Food at the finish usually consists of whatever a sponser wishes to provide for free (like cliff bars, etc) and then apple, oranges, banana and the like, fairly cheap fruit.

[QueensPuppy]

Cosplay 5K sounds like a lot of fun!! It can help everyone come together!!
Someone plz make it happen!!

[General_Iowa]

A cosplay 5k? Oh gods the possibilities for hilarity and filming!

[Kyuu]

opimus.rm, on 25 April 2012 - 08:29 AM, said:

Btw what happens if it rains?

Ever ran a road race in the rain? The real question: What if there's lightning? By which, the answer is cancellation.

[Bard-kun]

You know, there's another way to do this.

The Hyatt Regency has a fitness center. If its big, it'll have several treadmills. You could find out how many, invite that many folks to run, don a costume you can move in, and do a 5K right in the hotel.

No complicated race route, no liability to ACen if someone slips and falls (no running in heels!), and there's water fountains a-plenty. Sure, it's not as exciting as a run outdoors, but if you want to do a group fitness thing at the con, an indoor 5K could work! Or maybe just an indoor exercise session at an appointed time--a Cosplay Workout?

[rondo]

Bard-kun, on 14 February 2013 - 01:15 AM, said:

You know, there's another way to do this.

The Hyatt Regency has a fitness center. If its big, it'll have several treadmills. You could find out how many, invite that many folks to run, don a costume you can move in, and do a 5K right in the hotel.

No complicated race route, no liability to ACen if someone slips and falls (no running in heels!), and there's water fountains a-plenty. Sure, it's not as exciting as a run outdoors, but if you want to do a group fitness thing at the con, an indoor 5K could work! Or maybe just an indoor exercise session at an appointed time--a Cosplay Workout?

If I recall, the Hyatt's third floor is a designated indoor running track. You could do laps on the third floor enough to do the five K. Just have a water station in one spot and not take up the small number of treadmills they have.

The Annual ACen/Hyatt Third Floor 5K

This post has been edited by rondo: 14 February 2013 - 08:25 AM

[Bard-kun]

Bahahahaha even better! Who's in? I'm in!

[WatchJessieGo]

I would totally participate in this.

[Bard-kun]

rondo, on 14 February 2013 - 08:25 AM, said:

If I recall, the Hyatt's third floor is a designated indoor running track. You could do laps on the third floor enough to do the five K. Just have a water station in one spot and not take up the small number of treadmills they have.

The Annual ACen/Hyatt Third Floor 5K

Hey, I just called up the front desk about this...lady claimed they have no indoor track but have jogging routes outside. But she didn't sound certain about any of it. Where'd you hear about the indoor track from?

[Bloo09]

I've never heard of a track either. Also please do not try to set up an event like this in our event space (Hyatt, Hilton, Con Center), or contact the hotel to do so (it's fine to ask them questions, but not discuss an "ACen" event). ACen has decided not to hold an event like this for this year. The jogging routes are part of the forested area. They may have a fitness center but we are not the only guests in the hotel, there will be "normal" people around and staying in the hotel as well.

[rondo]

The third floor is the designated "indoor track", if you will or designated running area. The big square in the center of the hotel. It is one big square loop. They even have plaques telling you how much distance each lap equates to. I've ran indoors numerous times myself and I've been in that hotel so many times unless they recently changed this, which I doubt.

Truth be told, you may be better off trying to find a 5K in chicago that weekend (accessible by a line/bus) and field an "ACen Attendee" Team of sorts.

This post has been edited by rondo: 20 February 2013 - 08:52 AM

[Bard-kun]

Bloo09, on 20 February 2013 - 12:53 AM, said:

I've never heard of a track either. Also please do not try to set up an event like this in our event space (Hyatt, Hilton, Con Center), or contact the hotel to do so (it's fine to ask them questions, but not discuss an "ACen" event). ACen has decided not to hold an event like this for this year. The jogging routes are part of the forested area. They may have a fitness center but we are not the only guests in the hotel, there will be "normal" people around and staying in the hotel as well.

Oh, I didn't call them and talk about setting up an event--just told them I was staying there soon and asked them if they had an indoor track, since I'm a runner and want to exercise while I'm there (all true!).

I guess I considered this more of an informal meetup for a few runners than an attempt at a con event, but my apologies. I wasn't trying to usurp PanelOps or anything.

[Bloo09]

You're fine bard :-) we've had it happen regarding a maid cafe before and it caused a bit of a headache. I was only posting to make sure that line isn't crossed. Years ago we did have an ACen team in a relay for hope event. That is something that could be considered later in the year. I'll make sure we discuss a fitness event at our programming meeting after this years con when we discuss possibilities for 2014 :-)

[Kyuu]

Being a runner myself, it'll be interesting to gauge the level of interest in a event like this. If I were someone else on this thread, I'd conduct a survey on this topic during the upcoming ACen weekend for consideration into 2014. Data data data. :3

Then two other things to consider:
1. Logistics
2. Location

Finally, the length of the race. 5K isn't necessarily the shortest possible for such an event. How about the good ole' classic 1-miler? Shortening to this distance may encourage greater participation.

This post has been edited by Kyuu: 16 April 2013 - 04:09 PM

[LhadyChloe]

Theres a Forest Preserve a in Irving Park and River Road. Looks like a great place to run, have outdoor activities.

[laceyarsenic]

I love this idea! I think participants would be willing to pay a SMALL fee to cover the cost since it would be including t-shirt and prizes. Although, honestly I'm not sure food is necessary and if the cost is high ppl lose interest.

I agree that it should be saturday or sunday morning before vendor hall opens. more ppl attend during those hours and wouldn't conflict with any "events" already planned.

[madden72]

I really like the idea of a 1 Mile Race /> That would be very very easy to organize, though I'm not sure exactly what to suggest for the course

Here's the email I wrote to Bloo a couple months ago. Since I got no response, I'm going to put it here, as it contains my followup on how this might be put together. I know I am not going to be offended if someone takes this idea and "runs" with it /> especially since it requires someone who is on ACen's staff already.

Quote

Bloo,

Thanks for your reply to my 5K topic! http://www.ACen.org/...5-ACen-5k-race/

Sorry about my lack of reply; I hardly check the ACen forums except near the convention. Here are some more thoughts on the subject, in case you do find a DH to volunteer to take this project on:

I'd be excited if ACen were to organize a 5K. I would be excited to help out with the event, and possibly even help organize if desired. I know a couple of race organizers in the area; perhaps they'd like to host an even in the Rosemont area in conjunction with ACen.

A barebones 5K will just have shirts, water halfway, water at the finish, and a clock. Shirt and water costs, with the help of some sponsors, would probably be negligible. If there is an entry fee, and a signup website (posted on ACen's website somewhere), that would definitely make this feasible.

As far as where to run the race...

Option 1: http://www.mapmyrun..../view/179010006
Streets and trails, using one lane for 0.4 miles of River Rd, and one lane of the Lawrence Ave Bridge. If it is possible to get these lanes closed early on a Saturday morning, then I think this would be the best route. My main concern here is that the route would only work with no more than 1000 people, due to the small trail width on the way to Lawrence. The scenery would be great for this course, and it would have an easy access aid station at the turnaround point.

Option 2: Use a room in the Con Center. It might sound strange, but the best winter 5K I have ran was indoors at McCormick Place. http://www.warmyourh.../5k-event-info/ http://www.facebook....Heart5k?fref=ts
Imagine running through an amusement park ride's line. It isn't very scenic, but it is a fun experience. Not sure if our Con Center has the space for this, or if it would be more/less expensive than an outdoor race.

Option 3: Have the route start at the Con Center, head south, go into the neighborhoods, and come back. This would have a great deal of road closure going on, and would be unadvisable for a first year event.

Please let me know if you have any additional thoughts/questions. Thank you very much for your interest, and I look forward to proposing this idea for ACen 2014!

-Rob Stoltz AKA madden72

This post has been edited by madden72: 29 April 2013 - 11:41 AM

[Bloo09]

We will look at this idea for next ACen, after the convention when we hold our meeting to plan new programming. I can address a few things right now though. I apologize it's not in order with when you wrote it, I'm scrolling up and down trying to address everything.

A room in the con center is expensive, not something an entry fee would come even close to covering.
We'll need to contact the city to see if they do have a preferred course for relay runs. They may have had events like this in the past. I know the city I live in has 2 routes that they allow relays to use.
Realistically you won't get even close to 1000 people participating in this. At most it might hit 500 but that would be a Good turn out.
If this is not entirely run by ACen it would be run like a panel/live event, with a Host attendee group running it and ACen staff overseeing the more official parts of it.
Sponsors aren't as easy as you'd think to get, it would be extremely challenging to find one who would donate 500 t-shirts even with their name on it (printed t-shirts range from 4-8 dollars depending on how itchy you want it to be). Realistically we could possibly try for a special lanyard saying they participated in it.
If a different organizer chose to run a race during ACen's time in Rosemont that is fine but they couldn't use ACen's name or logo unfortunately. Only those working with the convention would be able to.

We do like this idea, it just wasn't possible for 2013. Space and costs need to be considered and discussed by our management team after this year's convention.