This Old Runner Writes About Running

Ram Racing BONUS SWAG for Runners

7/9/2018

Bonus Sunglasses at Pumpkins in the Park 5K

When you register for the @RamRacing Pumpkins in the Park 5K with the code: "BRPUMPKINS" you'll score the bonus sunglasses shown below.

Disclaimer: I’m promotion the Pumpkins in the Park 5K and Hot Chocolate 15K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

A Costume Idea for All Ages

You'll get your bonus sunglasses at packet pickup. Why not use them as part of your costume? Here's a suggestion that works for runners of all ages — 3 Blind Mice! Remember, Pumpkins in the Park has a costume contest each year.

The Clif Kids Spooky Sprints for kids 12 and under is at 2:30 pm. The 5K follows at 4:00 pm.

Source: The Mercury News

Source: Legendary Costumes

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K Bonus Phone Holder

The 2018-2019 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K series is back with some of the best runner perks around.

Goodie Bag jackets for Hot Chocolate 2018 race

All 2018-19 participants receive a jacket.

Finisher goodies for Hot Chocolate race in Tampa, FL

All participants receive yummy goodies!

2018 Hot Chocolate 15K Tampa finisher medal

15K finishers receive a HC15K medal.

The zip-front jackets are burgundy and black this year. The fully-supported 5K and 15K races offer hydration and more chocolate on course.

Every 5K and 15K finishers receives a custom cup filled with hot chocolate, fondue and dippable goodies at the finish! All participants get the zip-front jacket and post-race party. Only the 15K finishers receive the city-specific Tampa medal.

Get Bonus Hot Chocolate SWAG with Code

When you register for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 5K or 15K use code “BRHCTampa18” to score the BONUS armband phone holder shown above. You'll get it at packet pickup! This is the 3rd year for the Tampa race. If you've run each year, you're eligible for Legacy perks.

#PumpkinsBR #BRPumpkins #PumpkinsinthePark5K #HCTAMPABR #HC15K #HC5K #HotChocolateTampa #BibChat #BibRavePro #RamRacing #DiscountCode #CouponCode #RaceCode #DiscountRace #RunforChocolate #

Early Bird Pricing! Pumpkins in the Park 5K

5/29/2018

Next Price Increase is June 3 at Midnight

Don't miss out on the fun race and costume contest in Lincoln Park this October.

Are you an elite runner? Then check out the details on prize money.
If you like to run in costume, read about creating your race costume.

You'll find the complete price increase schedule is below. Register soon to save cash.

Early Bird Pricing graphic for Pumpkins in the Park 5K

Here's the pricing schedule for Pumpkins in the Park 5K:

$34 through June 3
$39 through August 11
$44 through September 23
$49 through close of registration

NOTE: Kids 12 and under can register for $15 until registration closes.

All participants receive a race shirt, timed race, and fun post-race party!

Score BONUS SWAG with my BibRave Code!

Use my code: BRPumpkins when you register to score a BONUS pair of Ram Racing sunglasses in your goodie bag. You can use them as part of your costume!

#RamRacing #PumpkinsinthePark5K #BRPumpkins #PumpkinsBR #LincolnPark #HalloweenRace #RuninCostume #RaceCostumes #Elite5K #ThisOldRunner #Chicago5K #October5K #Pumpkins5k #BibChat #BibRavePro

Chicago's Pumpkins in the Park 5K has an Elite Division with Prize Money

4/25/2018

The Cereal Crew enter the costume contest at Pumpkins in the Park 5K in Chicago.

The Cereal Crew! (Photo credit: RamRacing.org)

Don't Let the Children in Costume Fool You!

There's an Elite Corral at the Pumpkins in the Park 5K on October 20, 2018.

Disclaimer: I'm promoting Pumpkins in the Park 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

That's Right! If you meet the qualifying standards, you can join the Elite Corral at the #PumpkinsInThePark5K this Fall in Chicago! Elite Corral runners are eligible for cash prizes. Now, that doesn't always happen at a 5K!

To qualify, you must submit proof of performance from a similar event. See the chart below for specifics.

Men's standard is 17:00
Women's standard is 20:00

All proof must be from January 1, 2016 or later. You must submit your proof by October 1, 2018 to be considered for the Elite Corral.

Qualifying times chart for elite runners at the Pumpkins in the Park 5K in Chicago.

Note: If you don't submit proof by the deadline, you'll be placed in an alternate corral and will NOT be eligible for the prize purse.

Placement in the Elite Corral is on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't wait! Assignment is not guaranteed. You can verify your corral assignment in your Ram Racing account.

Think you have what it takes to win or place?

Cash Prizes for Elite Runners

Here's the deal. There's a cash purse for runners in the Elite Corral. The Top 3 overall Men and Women in the Illinois Elite Corral will receive awards.

The awards structure for 2018 is as follows for both the men and the women:

1st Place = $400
2nd Place = $250
3rd Place = $100

In addition to the overall prize money, the top overall male and female finisher who beats the existing Pumpkins in the Park 5K record wins an additional $100.

Current #PumpkinsInThePark Records to Beat

Male Event Record is 14:48.
Run by Dan Kremske of Woodstock, IL in 2016

Female Event Record is 16:53.
Run by Katie McMenamin of Lafayette, CO in 2017

Athletes must be accepted into and start with the Elite Corral in order to be eligible for the prize purse. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility.

How to Apply for the Elite Corral

Elite men runners at Pumpkins in the Park 5K.

Elite men winners. (Photo credit: RamRacing.org)

If you'd like to be considered for the Elite Corral (and be eligible for the prize money), you must be a US Citizen and you must have proof of a qualifying finishing time from a previous race.

To apply, register for the race and select the Elite Option during registration, and when submitting proof of results.

If you already registered, and want to be considered for the Illinois Elite Corral, email your proof of qualification AND your confirmation number to elite@ramracing.org.

Elite women runners at Pumpkins in the Park 5K.

Elite women winners. (Photo credit: RamRacing.org)

Proof of Qualification

Any of the following is considered acceptable proof of your race time:
Send a screen shot of your individual race results. You can include the screen shot in the body of an email. The name of the race, date and distance must appear with your results.
Attach a finisher's certificate to your email.
A printout from the online race results page, with your name and time circled or underlined can be sent as an attachment.
Send a link to your individual race results. Your name and results should be the ONLY results appearing on the page.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

The prize money and elite corral are only open to U.S. Citizens. You'll be asked for proof of citizenship at packet pickup, and on race day when you get your bib.

Accepted proof of citizenship includes the following:

A U.S. Passport
Birth Certificate and Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, etc.)
Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship

If you fail to provide proper proof of citizenship on race day, you'll be removed from the Elite Corral. You'll be reassigned to another start corral and lose eligiblity for the prize purse.

Whether you run in the Elite Corral, or with the rest of the ghosts and goblins, Pumpkins in the Park 5K is a fun event.

All registered participants receive a race shirt, on course aid stations, a post race party in the park, and free race photos.

Bonus SWAG Code!

Use the code: BRPumpkins when you register and score a pair of Ram Racing sunglasses. You can make them part of your costume, or just wear them around town.

Use code: BRPumpkins when you register and get these sunglasses for FREE!

2017 Pumpkins in the Park race course. Check the week of the race for any updates.

Runner in costume at Pumpkins in the Park 5K in Chicago.

Free race photos!

Register Before the Price Increase on June 3rd!

#PumpkinsBR #PumpkinsInThePark #Chicago #5K #OctoberRace #PromoCode #BonusSWAG #RamRacing #BibRavePro #BibChat #GoodieBag #Elite5K #PrizeMoney

Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K Tampa Price Increases on April 15, 2018

4/12/2018

Don't forget to sign up early for the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K in Tampa on December 16, 2018. The price for #HC15K #Tampa increases on April 15th. Use code TAMPAKAREN18 for bonus swag at packet pickup.

Bonus Code TAMPAKAREN18 for Hot Chocolate Tampa 15K and 5K races.

Use Code: TAMPAKAREN18 for Bonus SWAG

Last year the bonus swag was an #HC15K cap. This year's swag hasn't been revealed yet, but from what I've heard — it's going to be a good one. Stay tuned for more on that soon.

In the meantime, don't wait for the price to go up. Get all the chocolate at a great price when you register early. See you at the starting line!

If You Run All 3 Years in Tampa, You're a Legacy Runner — That Means Even More Swag!

3 year legacy bonus items for Hot Chocolate 15K Tampa.

The 3 year Legacy swag includes an extra medal, a pin, a beanie and a special race bib! The baseball cap was last year's bonus swag item. The legacy bonus is good for any combination of 5k and 15k races run 3 years in a row. They can be run in different cities.

2018 is the third year for the Tampa edition of the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Races. If you run 3 years in a row you're eligible for the Legacy swag! You don't have to do anything except sign up. When you get to packet pickup, your extra goodies will be waiting for you! This is a picture of the 3-Year Legacy Swag handed out at last year's race. FYI: You don't have to run all the races in the same city.

#AllstateHotChocolate15K #RamRacing #HotChocolate15K #Tampa #HC15KTampa #HC15K #HC5K #WillRunForChocolate #LegacyRunners #PromoCodes #SWAG #BonusSWAG #SpreadingTheChocolateLove #HCAmbassador

Where Does BigFoot Spend the Summer?

4/10/2018

Picture of BigFoot at BigFoot State Park in Lake Geneva, WI

The Bigfoot Triathlon, 10K and 5K Trail Races, in Lake Geneva — Of Course!

He'll be in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Come join the fun at the #BigFootTri or a 10K or 5K #BigFootTrail Races. Even if you don't see you know who, you'll have a great time in this beautiful setting on June 23-24. Read all about the events here.

Disclaimer: I'm promoting the BigFootTri and Trail Races as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Score Sweet Shades with Code: "BRBigFoot"

The events are hosted by Ram Racing — the people who always give out great goodie bags. This year everyone who participates gets a BigFootTri Hydration Back Pack. And as if that isn't enough, use my code "BRBigFoot" and you'll score some sweet Ram Racing shades. You'll be set for summer!

Goodie bag for BigFoot Tri and Trail races is this hydration backpack.

Use code: BRBigFoot to score these sunglasses at packet pickup.

Register Before the April 29 Price Increase

Don't wait to register. The price increases on April 29 for all events. Register at BigFootTriathlon.com — right now!!

#BigFootTri #BigFootTrail #LakeGeneva #BigFoot #RamRacing #SummerTri #BibRavePro #FreeSwag #PromoCode #RunBigFoot #BigFootBR #BibChat #BibRave

BigFoot Doesn't Believe in You Either.

3/27/2018

Or does he? Maybe you should find out.

If you find yourself near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on June 23 and 24, try the BigFoot Tri or Trail Races. Even if you don't spot the big guy, it's a great event. Details below.

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Big Foot Tri & Trail Run as part of being a BibRave Pro.
Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and
check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

BigFoot Size Swag!

First things first! Use my Discount Code "BRBigFoot" to score bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! The code expires two days before race day.

Okay, now that you have your bonus shades, what else do you get?
Every participant in the Big Foot Tri and Trail Races receives a branded hydration vest. How cool is that?!?

Keep reading for the rest of the race day details.

Get extra swag when you use my code! Enter "BRBigFoot" at registration for these sunglasses!

All participants in the Big Foot Tri and Trail Races receive this hydration vest. You'll be ready to run on race day, AND to train all summer!

BigFoot 10K & 5K Trail
Saturday, June 23, 2018

Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, WI

Start Times

5k - 8:30am
10k - 8:30am
All start times are subject to change.

Run course for Big Foot Tri and Trail Races in Lake Geneva, WI.

The 10K and 5K trail races use the same run course map as the triathlon.

BigFoot Triathalon
Sunday, June 24, 2018

Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, WI

Start Times

Olympic Triathlon - 7:00am
Sprint Triathlon - 7:00am
Triathlon Relay - 7:00am
All start times are subject to change.

Triathletes receive this medal. No medal for the 5K and 10k, but there are plenty of post race perks at the finish line party.

BigFoot Tri —> Swim Course

Swim: The swim is in beautiful Lake Geneva. Water temps are expected in low 70s (wetsuits allowed below 78 degrees). The course is rectangular. Certified guards will patrol and monitor the course per USAT regulations. There are 4 minutes between wave starts for ease of movement to and through the transition area. Different colored buoys mark the Olympic and Sprint distances.
Distances: Olympic: 1.5k, Sprint: 750m

Swim course for Big Foot Tri and Trail Races in Lake Geneva, WI.

BigFoot Tri —> Bike Course

Bike: The scenic one-lap bike course is on gently rolling and hilly terrain. It's a mostly rural area to the southwest of the park. Marshals monitor for illegal drafting. Helmets are required. All handlebar ends must be SOLIDLY plugged during the race. Tape is insufficient. If your bar ends aren't solidly plugged you'll be disqualified.
Distances: Olympic: 38k, Sprint: 20k

BigFoot Tri Run. This is the 2017 map. This year's map will be posted during race week.

BigFoot Tri —> Run Course

Run: The course is inside the state park on wooded and field terrain. The scenic grassy trails vary from flat to slightly undulating. Fluid stations every 1.5 miles. The course is 3.1 miles long. One lap for Sprint; two laps for Olympic.
Distances: Olympic: 10k, Sprint: 5k

A Professional Race Experience

Ram Racing prides itself on making sure all their events meet these benchmarks:

USATF-certified. The course is certified for accuracy.
Preferred Start Corrals for qualified participants.
Open corral assignments per estimated pace.
Larger events use Wave Starts.
B-tag chip timing system via Chronotrack
Results are posted in real-time online.
Live Runner Updates. Text and social media posts deliver to friends and family as runners pass points on the course.
Emergency medical plans above industry standards.

Register for the BigFoot Tri or Trail Now!

Register for the BigFoot Tri & Trail here. Don't wait — the next price increase is April 29th. Use the code "BRBigFoot" to score your bonus sunglasses at packet pickup.

If you run, (bike, swim) I hope you have a great event. Remember to race like BigFoot is after you!

Get More Chicago Race Discount Codes

You may have heard of Ram Racing because of the Hot Chocolate Races. But did you know they have a whole series of local races in the Chicago area each summer? Check out all the discount codes for Ram Racing events here.

#RamRacing #LakeGeneva #BigFootBeachPark #BigFootTri #BigFootBR #BigFootTrail #BibChat #BibRavePro #Promo #BigFootRace #SummerTri #SummerTrailRaces

Mark Your Calendar. Chocolate is Coming!

3/21/2018

Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K Returns to Tampa

Sunday, December 16th

The third annual #HC15K and 5K in Tampa are on December 16, 2018

Register with code TAMPAKAREN18
to get extra Hot Chocolate Branded Swag in 2018 at packet pickup.

Register early for the best prices.

Price increases April 14!

Inflatable arch for Hot Chocolate race in Tampa, FL

Tampa starting line arch in Dec. 2017. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

2017 race medal for Hot Chocolate race in Tampa, FL.

2017 Tampa HC15K medal.

Hot chocolate race inflatable at Tampa Convention Center

The race expo is on Saturday, December 15, 2018.

#RaceCodes #DiscountCode #PromoCode #RacePromo #DiscountCodeforRaces #WillRunForChocolate #SpreadingTheChocolateLove #HC15K #HC5K #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunFlorida