The new Prodigy Run 5K in Villa Park on Saturday had incredible prize money, which brought out a very top-heavy field with virtually no back of the pack. Most of the big names from local running were in a field of 91 runners. From the get-go, I think some poor planning/editing on the race signmeup form pretty much prevented it from being big. For a race run on Nov. 12, the following is still on the signmeup form:
Pre-Registration Protocol
Pre-Registration Deadline is midnight October 1, 2011 online and mail-in registration must be postmarked by October 1,2011. A LATE REGISTRATION FEE of $5.00 per applicable event will apply to each category.
Why would you have an Oct. 1 deadline for a Nov. 12 race? I e-mailed them about it, but they didn't seem to see the problem. What a huge screw-up, Oh well.
Kudos to the top three men and women who earned $1,000, $500 and $250 respectively. On the men's side it was Kris Gauson, 23, of New York City, winning in 14:48.5. He was followed by Chad Ware, 27, of Wheeling, in 14:52.4, and Shawn Lucas, 27, of Elgin, in 14:58.8. They were moving fast on a course that included limestone trails that can slow you down. The next eight men broke 16 minutes. The top three women were Emma Keenan, 23, home to come, in 17:18.5; Kathryn Hague, 23, of Chicago, in 17:34.5; and Ashley Saunders, 15, of Gardner, in 17:58.7. The race didn't have traditional age groups. It was different. Were you there? I want to hear about it. I couldn't be there because I was putting on a roller-ski race at the same time.
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22 comments:
Bob,
Thanks for posting. I agree the race could have done a better job promoting and advertising too, but for a first year race, it brought a great field like you stated. The course was great the first mile + then made some crazy turns going onto the GW trail. The footing on both trails wasn't so much an issue, just some zigzagging that slowed down the race the last mile+. I didn't where a watch, but was told we went through 2 mile upfront in 9:35ish and really don't think we slowed down too much so either the turns took a toll the last mile or it was a bit long, maybe a little of both. Either way it was still a fun race and great to see the local fast peeps come out to race one another. I think for next year, they could revise the course and make it 1)faster by doing loop course somehow and 2)better for spectators. Other than that, between the prize purse, raffle prizes, great bands and post race food, it was a good race and great day to run!
That's nice to hear. Thanks for the report, and good luck as you chase your dreams. I see that 2012 in your address!
In addition to the registration issues you noted, I think another big problem was the expensive entry fee ($40). I don't see a lot of people who don't think they have a shot at winning $$ paying 40 bucks to run a 5k when there are likely other 5ks that weekend for 25 bucks. If their goal was to attract a superstar field, rather than get a lot of participation, then they accomplished it. On the plus side, though, the people who put on the race were very friendly and helpful. Free Starbucks coffee and treats after was nice, too, and the band was pretty good. I think that if they could fix the registration confusion and lower the entry cost a little they could have a good event in the future. As for the course, 2012Shawn described it pretty well. I also heard that a number of people went the wrong way and ran long; not sure if this is true but I'd be interested in finding out.
In my opinion, when the charity itself it putting on the race, $40 isn't that high for a 5k. Look at how expensive half marathons are these days and I'd have to say the entertainment before and after for Prodigy was much better than many races of those races I've been to. You know the money is going to a great cause. The organizers weren't afraid to dish out the prize money, extra money for refreshments before and after and they had great raffle prizes for those that actually stuck around!
I agree with all of the positive things about the race that you have written. My point, though, is that 40 dollars IS on the expensive side for a 5k. Comparing a 5k entry fee to a half marathon entry fee is comparing apples to oranges. I was at one of the groups that the Prodigy folks promoted the race to. I can tell you firsthand that people were immediately disinterested in the race due to the entry fee. I also tried to convince friends, not as competitive as me, to run and they did not want to because of the cost. Forty dollars may not be a lot to you-- especially when prize money is a legitimate possibility-- but to mid or pack backers who could run the same distance for 15 bucks less, and get a t-shirt (which is important to a lot of people) why would they do the more expensive race? And yes, its great the money goes straight to a great cause BUT 93 runners x 40 bucks = $3720 and 200 x 25bucks = $5000.
Most of the field (myself included) did not follow the certified course after the turn onto Harvard from the GW trail. There was no one marshalling the course at that point and most runners continued south instead of turning west at Kenilworth. I assumed the course was changed at the last minute, and blindly followed the runners in front of me, but I later learned that only the front runners followed the proper course (of course they had the benefit of a lead vehicle). My Garmin read 3.11 miles, so the distance was basically the same, but that was a big miss.
Prodigy 5K run might have been strange! However, the uniqueness of the company's mission and vision is just that! Powerful!
It appears Prodigy plans to bring the underdogs to the forefront of others so that "strange" tune can be heard, recognized and valued by all. Go Prodigy2020.org!
"Prodigy pursues a vision in which all people who are from impoverished communities, transitioning from the military and aspiring entrepreneurs will have access to high-quality education and economic resources that will enhance their potential and help them become competitive in a global society."
I spoke to a couple of speedsters who ran the race and they had good things to say about it. Even though they did'nt finish near the top, as they normally do, they enjoyed being pushed into a crazy fast pace that tested their competitive spirit.
I'm all for the tremendous cause. I just don't get cutting off registration on Oct. 1. This run could have been much larger. I hope it comes back next year.
Bob,
I registered well after OCT 1st online, so not so sure what that was all about
Shawn
It was strange. They said there was a deadline but then didn't enforce it. But then they had a great field with a load of guys like you. I take my hat off to them (and you). At any rate, it seems there is great potential.
know of any races with prize money on thanksgiving?!
Hmm. There is a big one in Atlanta this weekend, but I'm not sure around here. I'll let you know if I find one.
Thanks for posting this blog and I am glad I found this blog to talk about the Prodigy 5K run this past weekend.
I really enjoyed myself this weekend participating in a new event with my daughter. We found out about the event while walking on the Prairie Path in Villa Park.
We signed up the morning of the event because we have just moved into the community and read about late registration online at the organization website.
I was very happy about the event and the registration was not an issue to us, they had three individuals conducting the registration and the individuals were very nice and ensure that we understood exactly what events my daughter and I could participate.
This was something my daughter really wanted to do and I wanted her to be able to enjoy herself. We received our t-shirts, information package, and my daughter even won her first medal.
The event had a large tent which served free Star Bucks coffee, fruit and other pastries.
The race started on time for both categories and I was very impressed in the way the volunteers, and the staff I believe they are called Ambassadors was dress in white and black shirts with identifying markings in order to support this 5K.
My issue I have is when I read second hand news about an event from someone who was not at the event, which is supposed to be a journalist.
This event was family friendly from the music, to the food, to the registration, from the starting line to the finished line.
My daughter and I had the chance to meet the founders of Prodigy and even were able to take pictures with them.
This was my first time ever meeting founders of any race let alone those who seem to be more humble and willing to help the community.
I am new here to the community, but I wish there was more community support for programs such as Prodigy. The founders told me there race stands for new beginning and with me and my family new to the community this was our new beginning and I am so happy we stumble upon the 5K race in Villa Park and I hope that it comes back next year!
Now, as for the course it was a challenge to me because of the hills and going from the street to the GWT, but I enjoyed seeing the neighborhood and the challenge of the ZiG-ZAG trail.
They gave away some many prizes after the run, I am going to Famous Dave courtesy of Prodigy 5k and my daughter wants to be an Ambassador, do you have a contact for people over at the foundation, besides the website.
I will look again, but it would have been nice to for you (Bob) to see it first hand before passing judgment on the nice event!
Kevin R.
Runner and Proud Father
Hey I heard some underground buzz that Prodigy2020Foundation is planning a Prodigy 5K Encore this year. Not sure but reach out to their organizers. The word is it supposes to be bigger than Saturday’s event.
Kevin, thanks for your comments. I am glad you and your daughter had a great time! It sounds as if they did a lot of things very well to excellent! As I've said, it's a great cause. I just questioned the one or two sentences about an Oct. 1 registration deadline when there really was no deadline. Also, on a personal note, people would be more likely to come if there were the 10- or 5-year age groups so standard in local races. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I just couldn't make it from a prior commitment.
Bob, so there seems to be some type of underlying issues with the race, it said that you stated that “pre-registration” dateline was October 1st not the registration deadline.
(Bob Richards “Also, on a personal note, people would be more likely to come if there were the 10- or 5-year age groups so standard in local races.”)
So, was it the fact that is out of the box thinking to a new and local race outside the normal? I went to the registration page it never said registration deadline was October 1st
it said pre-registration” dateline was October 1.
I am not a race coordinator, but from my view I do not believe that the categories or how you interpreted the registration deadline or your suggestion of age group hinder the race from being larger.
Even larger races that are well known have more issues and miscues than Saturday’s race. Thanks for responding to me.
Thanks
Kevin R.
You make some good points. I did not make the following up. It's still on the signmeup.com online registration form.
Pre-Registration Protocol
Pre-Registration Deadline is midnight October 1, 2011 online and mail-in registration must be postmarked by October 1,2011.
From what you say, this did not deter from a great event. That is awesome. And I totally agree some of the established mega races have big-time problems.
November 16, 2011
From the Desk of Edward Burns Jr., Vice-Chairperson of Prodigy2020 Foundation
Good morning to all of the individuals who have commented on this blog post.
We are very appreciative to our participants, volunteers and spectators that came out to Prodigy 2020 Foundation’s inaugural “Prodigy 5K Run” on this past Saturday, November 12, 2011.
We further extend our congratulations to our winners! Continue to be proud of your outstanding accomplishments. Job well done!
We here at Prodigy 2020 Foundation understand the importance of advertising and marketing to ensure clear and concise communication is conveyed.
Along with that, a blend of genuine goodwill efforts has to be initiated by everyone.
Comprehensive efforts were made to truly make this a joint effort as we had locally and abroad as we had envisioned. As always, it was from a spirit of excellence, camaraderie, goodwill and sincerity.
Our Prodigy 5K Run focused on the “intrinsic value” of what Prodigy could bring to participants beyond the 5K race, e.g., serve as a platform of new beginnings, encouragement and inspiration that will help propel an individual towards accomplishing his or her goals.
It was garnered with the athleticism of our participants and volunteers that it attracted. We are different and believe that we accomplished our goal.
In closing, despite the astronomical barriers put before Prodigy, it survived a very treacherous storm.
We here at Prodigy 2020 will continue to take our cues from those who genuinely have a sincere desire to help position Prodigy for continued success and who have its best interest at heart.
We are looking forward to our next race and are confident that with ongoing insightful recommendations from our participants, volunteers to include making some other adjustments; Prodigy will continue to be Powerful. Phenomenal. Profound!
As always, our doors are always open for a genuine dialogue. Prodigy 2020 Foundation is located at:
18W140 Butterfield Road, 15th Floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. We can be reached at 630-613-7480. For more updates about Prodigy 5K Run, please visit us at www.prodigy2020.org and http://www.facebook.com/Prodigy2020Foundation
For the Love of Humanity,
Edward Burns, Jr. Vice Chairman
Cc: Rosalind C. Abrams, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
November 16, 2011
From the Desk of Edward Burns Jr., Vice-Chairperson of Prodigy2020 Foundation
Good morning to all of the individuals who have commented on this blog post.
We are very appreciative to our participants, volunteers and spectators that came out to Prodigy 2020 Foundation’s inaugural “Prodigy 5K Run” on this past Saturday, November 12, 2011.
We further extend our congratulations to our winners! Continue to be proud of your outstanding accomplishments. Job well done!
We here at Prodigy 2020 Foundation understand the importance of advertising and marketing to ensure clear and concise communication is conveyed.
Along with that, a blend of genuine goodwill efforts has to be initiated by everyone.
Comprehensive efforts were made to truly make this a joint effort as we had locally and abroad as we had envisioned. As always, it was from a spirit of excellence, camaraderie, goodwill and sincerity.
Our Prodigy 5K Run focused on the “intrinsic value” of what Prodigy could bring to participants beyond the 5K race, e.g., serve as a platform of new beginnings, encouragement and inspiration that will help propel an individual towards accomplishing his or her goals.
It was garnered with the athleticism of our participants and volunteers that it attracted. We are different and believe that we accomplished our goal.
In closing, despite the astronomical barriers put before Prodigy, it survived a very treacherous storm.
We here at Prodigy 2020 will continue to take our cues from those who genuinely have a sincere desire to help position Prodigy for continued success and who have its best interest at heart.
We are looking forward to our next race and are confident that with ongoing insightful recommendations from our participants, volunteers to include making some other adjustments; Prodigy will continue to be Powerful. Phenomenal. Profound!
As always, our doors are always open for a genuine dialogue. Prodigy 2020 Foundation is located at:
18W140 Butterfield Road, 15th Floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. We can be reached at 630-613-7480. For more updates about Prodigy 5K Run, please visit us at www.prodigy2020.org and http://www.facebook.com/Prodigy2020Foundation
For the Love of Humanity,
Edward Burns, Jr. Vice Chairman
Cc: Rosalind C. Abrams, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the blog, I was going to open my on blog, but I was able to find this blog about the Prodigy 5K Run!
November 12th was a great day for me.
The race was great, the person was great, and the individuals that was in charge of the race was simply great.
I had one of the best times of my life at this event. I was able to sign- up on the course and even received a T-Shirt.
The big white tent had tons of goodies in there such as a heater, StarBucks coffee, fruit, and cake!
I was able to meet the Army Color Guards, and met the USO Air Force band. I received my second racing medal at the ripe age of 38 years old with my disability. I do not know any of the slogans, but I can say I had a great time at the race.
I had great pleasure with meeting the leaders of the organization; they were friendly and helpful. I was made to feel as if I had a chance at winning the race as well as being around a group that wanted to help support others.
I am glad I drove up to the Prairie Path on last Saturday, simply because it was good for met o meet people outside my area giving to a worthy cause.
Gina Simpson aka RunWalker
I did not run the race for the reason stated above. $40 for a race I had no chance winning when there are plenty for $15 less w/great goodie bags. I don't really need the entertainment.
Also, their facebook page and website are troubling. How do they accomplish their "great cause?" I mean, it sounds great as everyone agrees, but do they give scholarships to the impoverished kids, those transitioning from the military, or entrepreneurs? They don't say. Maybe they are doing good but a little more info on the how, not just the what or why. It just seems like a lot smoke and mirrors to me.
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