Dorothy's Run 5K (What?) VERY Front-loaded

For a small, off-the-radar race, Dorothy's 5K Run in Wheaton on Sunday brought out the heavyweights. Look at the top seven, which included the top three women in this event that had 50 people cross the finish line. Kyle Brady of Naperville won in 15:11.9, barely finishing ahead of Willy Kaul, also of Naperville, who ran a 15:12.7. Third was Ryan Giuliano of Schaumburg in 15:35.5. First woman and fourth overall was Jacqui Aubert of Crystal Lake in 18:18.4. Second woman and sixth overall was Kate DeProsperis of Downers Grove in 19:46.2; and third woman and seventh overall was Kaitlyn Ho of Arlington Heights in 19:57.7. Who was fifth? It was Chris Wehrman of Chicago in 18:29.5. Good to see you racing again, Chris! This was one of the more interesting races I've come across.

Halfs Breaking Out All Over -- It's May

The 5th annual First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon this Sunday in Palos Heights is the local headliner with top elites, great organization, Runners Choice Circuit points at stake and everything else that goes into a first-rate race. But the "Palos Half" is not alone. Other Halfs (or should it be the mathematical Halves?) this weekend include the Great Western in St. Charles, the Mini-Indy in Indianapolis, the Door County Half in Peninsula Park, WI, and other 13.1s in Ripon, WI, and, of course, Kenosha, WI, where the big Wisconsin Marathon and Half Marathon will be taking place. I'm doing Door County because we go up there all the time and I love the race. Sure, I'll put myself behind in points on the CARA Circuit, but hopefully, I can make up for lost ground later. Where will you be running? Which 13.1s have I left out?

Ravenswood's Fleetest: Ptacek, Prekop

The 16th annual Fleet Feet Ravenswood 5K Run on Sunday was run in breezy but good temperatures for running. A total of 2,751 runners crossed the finish line at Wilson and Hermitage in another smashing success for this event that helps a local foot pantry and two high school student health centers on the North Side. The top three men were Todd Ptacek, 27, of Chicago, in 14:58; defending champion Jim Akita, 31, of Elmhurst, in 15:21; and Mark Wehrman, 25, of Chicago, in 16:04. On the women's side, Heather Prekop, 30, of Chicago, took top honors with a 17:41. Christina Overbeck, 26, of Chicago (maybe Portland, OR?), was second in 17:54; and Mariana Trejo, 22, of Chicago, was third in 18:37. Overbeck made it two runner-up finishes in two days, having placed second at the lakefront 10 on Saturday. Great job by all involved with this A-level race.

Wiley, Montes Win Lakefront 10M

A strong south wind with temps on the chilly side made for a tough FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10 miler on Satuday. The course for the CARA Runners Chioice Circuit race, included the Montrose hill this year. It was conquered fastest by Rob Wiley, 36, of Gurnee, who turned in a 53:43, averaging 5:25 a mile. Jess Kleinjan, 28, of Chicago was No. 2 with a 54:01; and Jerome Tharuad, 32, of Oak Park, was third in 54:15. Grabbing fourth was Emisael Favela, 35, of Stickney, in 54:18. The women were paced through this grueling event by Columba Montes, 32, of Chicago, who ran 1:01:28 for a 6:09 pace. Christina Overbeck, 26, who is listed from Chicago but I am pretty sure lives in Portland, OR, was second in 1:01:47. Third went to Blossom Marimpietri, 26, of Downers Grove, in 1:03:29; and fourth was taken by Ann Schaefers-Coles, 47, of Cary, in 1:07:26. Some great age-group performances were turned in young to old. Congrats to all who braved the conditions.

Illinois Marathon Saturday

Thousands of runners likely will be dodging raindrops Saturday at the Illinois Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K in Champaign. It's a huge event, so plan accordingly from a logistical standpoint! If you're running, best of luck. Make that training count!

Lakefront 10, Ravenswood Pace Weekend

When it comes to late-April racing, two races stand out this weekend. The FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10-miler on Saturday (CARA Runners Choice Circuit) and the Ravenswood 5K (should be CARA Runners Choice Circuit! -- my opinion) on Sunday, both first-rate events on the north side, lead the schedule. There are many races this weekend, not to mention good old training runs. Watch out for rain, but it looks like a good weekend. There is NO race-day registration at the Lakefront 10. I'm out of town, but I'll be ready for my next race, the Door County Half Marathon on May 5. It's a beauty if you have time for a bit of adventure.

OSF Heritage 10K Fast and Furious

Long on my bucket list, but a race I confess I didn't do again this year, the OSF Heritage 10K in Rockford on Sunday maintained its reputation as a small but extremely competitive race. The race for the overall title was taken by Nicholas Bowerman, 29, of Dubuque, IA, in 31:22. He had to be that fast to beat runner-up Ryan Giuliano, 27, of Schaumburg, who blazed to a 31:40. Third went to David Grames, 25, of Cortland, in 34:55; and fourth went to Rynne Gardiner, 35, of Rockford, in 34:58. Those are some nice performances. The women's side was equally tough as Shannon Ring Teunissen, 29, of Belvidere, took first place with a 36:35. Jacqui Aubert, 25, of Crystal Lake, was second in 37:54; Olivia Aranda, 39, of Rockford, was third in 40:44; and Jennifer Roser, 30, of Rockford, was fourth in 41:06. A total of 186 runners finished this event. Great job.