Put aside the high deficit, the appalling state of public schools, and the desperate search for revenues without raising taxes and let's focus on the important things. How did the new administration in Chicago deal with winter running?
1) Clearing the running paths. N/A
No real idea. It barely snowed this winter. The one time it did, everything was cleared within 24 hours.
2) Turning on the drinking fountains. A-
Most fountains already on, everything supposed will be turned on by next weekend and the Shamrock Shuffle.
3) Opening the Bathrooms. To bet determined.
Usually timed to coincide with opening of beaches on Memorial Day.
4) Traffic and Park management during Races. B+
Seems like usual number of races. First big test is Shamrock Shuffle on March 25 when roughly same number of runner as Chicago Marathon (40,000 plus) tackle an 8K course based on beginning and end of actual marathon in downtown Chicago.
5) No Favoritism toward Bikers over Runners A-
No sign of late Daley administration obsession with establishing badly designed and executed bike lanes on inappropriate streets. Real test are the night out rides when thousands block streets in annoying protest of no discernible real issue and appalling lack of common sense and safety by riders.
6) Will Rahm Run? N/A
Wonder if Hizzoner will appear in one or more road races during the coming summer and fall. But no indication that he will follow former Illinois jogger-in-chief Rod Blajoyovich whose jogging runs will be limited to the federal correction facility in Colorado for some years to come.
Was observing the government involvement in the half marathon today and realized that good government service simply has to include supporting this distinctly American phenomenon of the mega-race. It's healthy, it's great advertisement for the city. Between runners and supporters, I would guess 150,000 people got something positive out of today. (I was going to say 150,001, but I excepted myself.) Of course, maintaining a runner-friendly culture is part of that.
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