The Oak Forest Fleadh 5K was on Saturday morning.  It’s a race we have ran before, this is our 3rd time actually, so we knew what to expect.  It’s one of the many Shamrock theme races in our area and this one has a great course with 2 miles on a normally very busy road, Cicero Avenue.   Yes, I do keep coming back specifically to run on Cicero Avenue.    Something great about busting it down the middle of a city street that is normally brimming with traffic!

Easy packet pick-up, a block from the race site on several different nights leading up to the event OR you can get your packet the morning of the race.  Win, WIN for me!  I also like that the event collects food for a local food pantry so we took lots of goodies with us for donation.  This is the fifth year for the event and I’m happy to say that it gets better every year.  The event is in a prime location at the most busy intersection in town but the organizers do a great job keeping everyone safe by directing traffic, shutting the roads down, and setting up the pre & post race events in the train station parking lot AWAY from the traffic. 

The Fleadh 5K is a fast race which is close to home, cheap and convenient.  I also love that this year they gave the option of a cotton long sleeve tee or for an additional $5 we could upgrade to a technical long sleeve wicking tee.  Nice touch.  I think when I registered the cost was $25 with a $5 fee (optional) to upgrade the shirt.  Super affordable for both Aby and myself to run. 

Temps were in the low 30s on Saturday morning but it was snowing hard, and blowing, and then snowing some more, maybe even snowing sideways, yeah, I think that’s an accurate description.  Despite the weather, the race director and the village did an excellent job salting the road and everything was clear, even the side streets in the neighborhood.  I was super happy and it was safe even it the wind was fierce and I had to wear sunglasses to keep the snow out of my eyes. However, the weather did effect turnout.  Originally, they had about 700 registered runners but only 350 who showed up to run in the blowing snow.  I didn’t have as much in my legs as I had hoped and quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be my “best 5K ever” but I was able to run well enough for an age group win.  My friend Aurelia passed me in the last mile (to secure 3rd place overall female!!) and tried to get me to pick up my feet.  Her words did help a little because I tried to go with her but my legs were just heavy.  Thanks for the encouragement Aurelia!!  And my girl Aby took 1st in her age group too.  It was a good day for all of us!

Big THANKS to Nicki T. for not defriending me on Facebook after this race too.  She always goes to all the local races with me and well, we usually don’t get good weather.  It’s always a topic for conversation as to weather she should “reevaluate our friendship”.  LOL!  But hey, what are friends for, right?  Let’s all suffer have fun together!

Now for the SWAG!  Loving the shirt design this year!

Great local race for a reasonable price.  Potties at the start/finish.  Two water stops on course.  The majority of the race is on Cicero Avenue too so plenty of room for spectators!  I’ve also heard that the after race “bar scene” is pretty good too but I normally go home.  So if you want to give the Oak Forest Fleadh a try, maybe schedule in time for a green beer or two after the race!

** See You Next Year ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **