Benefiting the Human Race: Nike & Fall Out Boy Come to Chicago

by: Paul Banks

 

The “Runner’s High” is a widely known effect which occurs when exercising activates endorphin production. Endorphins are released during long, continuous workouts when the runner is exerting a moderate to high effort.  I’m a swimmer, not a runner, so I don’t know what that feels like, but I imagine it involves the “Chariots of Fire” theme playing in your head. Then again, I did an hour and 45 minutes of lap swimming today at a South Suburban “Water Cube,” (and swimming is another sport that releases a high level of endorphins), so maybe I can understand the millions of runners participating in the Nike+ Human Race, the largest 10K run in history on Sunday, August 31^st. Chicago is one of 25 cities in 22 countries on five continents hosting the world’s most unique race.  Cities were choosen based on optimal geographic location and the ability to showcase famous landmarks along the race course. Runners in Istanbul will cross the bridge connecting Europe to Asia. UK participants will race through central London. Taipei’s course passes by the Taipei 101- one of the world’s tallest buildings. Chicago’s race runs past Lake Michigan, through the museum campus and starts/finishes near Solider Field. For a map of the Chicago race route click here.

 Running for the Cause

One Chicago participant is training for his first marathon. He’s Jonny Imerman, founder of Imerman Angels, a non-profit foundation that connects cancer fighters with cancer survivors. I’ve met and worked with Imerman, whose organization pairs a cancer fighter with a survivor who’s conquered the exact same form of the illness. From what I know of him personally and professionally, I’m sure he will do his city and organization proud. The Chicago Nike+ Human Race 10K is an opportunity to run for a noble cause. When you register for the race, a portion of the fee goes towards the charity of your choice: the World Wildlife Fund, ninemillion.org, or the Imerman Angels’ passion, the Livestrong Foundation. One of the most appealing and important aspects of the race is that no matter how you place, your effort supports your chosen cause.

 Fall Out Boy Rocks the Human Race

Every race features performances by some of pop music’s biggest acts. The Chicago race will feature a concert by Fall Out Boy, a pop-punk emo^ band from Wilmette, an exclusive North Shore suburb of Chicago. In 2007, F.O.B. scored a #1 album with “Infinity on High” and a #1 single with “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.” During that year, I spoke with the band’s front man, Patrick Stump about their development and Chicago’s role in the pop culture landscape. The interview took place at U.S. Cellular Field while I was covering a Chicago White Sox-Kansas City Royals game where his band performed a short pre-game acoustic set. I asked him his thoughts on how pop music and sports can converge.  “I think it’s just like anything else, it’s like culture. We all share the same culture: sports and music.” I also asked him what makes his hometown and mine so unique. “I think it’s one of those things, Chicago has all the perks of a major city but then geographically it’s kind of off by itself. Yeah, definitely, Chicago’s got something absolutely awesome, man.”