Run Like Hell

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 9, 2005 5:23PM

Outside of iPods in the gym, it’s rare that physical fitness and rock and roll intersect. Frankly, Chicagoist prefers it this way, as the results can be a bit dicey. Sure there’s punk rock aerobics, but there’s also sweatin’ to the oldies.

Nike’s Run Hit Wonder Tour intends to change that perception. At its heart, it’s a 5K and 10K run (or 3.1 and 6.2 miles if you missed the 1970s educational system’s flirtation with the metric system). But instead of lining the race route with Gatorade tables and people yelling “Way to go, blue shirt guy!”, Nike brings a few bands along with them to motivate the runners. This year’s racecourse lineup includes The Aquabats, Nina Sky, DJ Z-Trip, Chingy, Fountains of Wayne and The Donnas with a post-race concert by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Because there isn’t an envelope opening someplace else that night, the self-firing Bill Rancic will emcee the event.

Run Hit Wonder kicks off at 8 PM on Tuesday September 13th in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field. The start and finish of the race is on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Roosevelt. Runners will cruise north on Columbus then head south at Randolph St. to finish the race along the lakefront running path. The top male and female finishers will receive Fender Squier Stratocasters. All proceeds from the event will benefit NikeGO, Nike's program to get kids to be more physically fit. So less Playstation, more pilates.

Chicagoist has a long-standing rule: only run when chased. So we’ll be skipping the running portion of this event and walking the racecourse to cheer on the people who are in much better cardiovascular shape. And to ogle rock stars. But if you’re the type to forego the bar in favor of the gym, you’ve got until Tuesday September 13th to register. The cost is $30, which gets you a spot in the race, a t-shirt and a close-up spot near the stage for Joan Jett. For once in your life, her sweat might actually mix with yours.