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2012-10-30 7:35 AM

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McHenry
Subject: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
I know this is a long shot but my niece decided last minute she wants to do the race with me and of course it's sold out.  Anyway have a bib or know of someone who needs to get rid of a bib?  Thanks!


2012-10-30 8:33 AM
in reply to: #4474767

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

I might. My friend got sick over the weekend and is tentative to run.

He's a tall guy, though, and probably signed up for an XL hoodie (if that matters). I can check with him to see if he's decided whether or not he's running yet.

Let me know if you have a price limit in mind (PM if you'd prefer), and I'll check with him.

2012-10-31 10:47 AM
in reply to: #4474767

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

Sorry. Looks like he's going to fight through his plague, and isn't ready to unload his bib just yet.

Good luck in finding a spare race bib, and best of luck for Sunday.

2012-11-02 11:51 AM
in reply to: #4474767

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
If you are running this race, be prepared to wait outside in the cold for a long time to get your packet.  I went at 10am and didn't get my packet until 11:15.  By the time I left the line was twice as long.  RAM is famous for having terribly organized races.
2012-11-02 12:10 PM
in reply to: #4474767

New user
14

McHenry
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
Awesome. We are going tomorrow to pick up our packets and I don't think we will get there until the afternoon.
2012-11-02 1:00 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
My buddy just texted me that it took him 2.5 hours to get his packet.  People are giving up and just leaving the packet pickup.  


2012-11-02 1:05 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

That's insane! Did you have your registration confirmation printout?

Last year, when packet pickup was a Union Station, I remember skipping a huge line of people getting their confirmations printed because they didn't bring it with them.

2012-11-02 1:09 PM
in reply to: #4480789

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
Yep.  There is only 1 line into the tent and only 14 people working the packet pickup.  If they can't fix it quickly, dress warmly and be prepared to stand outside for a long, long time.  Check out their page on Facebook and see the comments and pictures.  
2012-11-02 1:10 PM
in reply to: #4474767

New user
14

McHenry
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
They sent an email with a qr code you could print or use on your phone. You would thing it would make it faster.
2012-11-02 1:10 PM
in reply to: #4474767

New user
14

McHenry
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
They sent an email with a qr code you could print or use on your phone. You would thing it would make it faster.
2012-11-02 1:24 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Expert
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

I am so sorry this is happening you guys. I gave up on any RAM running events years ago. Under staffed, over promised, under delivered. Their triathlons are still ok, so I will do those sometimes. Unfortunately there are enough people who will buy into their "hype" with their goody bags and after race activities that they won't feel the pain of a boycott. You have to be burned by them to truly understand how arrogant they are and how poorly run their races are. 

Again, their triathlons so far seem to have escaped this problem, but buyer beware on their running races. So sad because they do so many of them.

Q



2012-11-02 2:25 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

I have been burned by them so many times.  I'm not really sure why I signed up this time or felt it would be any different.  I actually had the race director of Bangs Lake triathlon, when RAM did that one, tell me I need to learn how to swim better when I questioned her on the distance of the course.  I went off on her and emailed the owner of RAM with the response.  

Both RAM Racing and Running Away Mulitsports are terrible companies.  I buy zero product from them and would not shed a tear if they went under.  

2012-11-02 3:31 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Expert
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Chicagoland
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
Just got back after waiting in line for 30 minutes.  Couldn't wait any longer.  Don't feel like coming down tomorrow and waiting 2 hours.  Waste of money and time!
2012-11-02 3:56 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Expert
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Chicagoland
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

 

 
We apologize for the long line this morning at the Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Runner Expo in Chicago. We have made numerous adjustments to reduce the wait time and allow more people access to the expo. If you can wait until tomorrow to pickup your packet, the wait time will be substantially shorter. Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. We promise the Race will be worth the wait
 

 

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2012-11-02 5:38 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Master
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Straight outta Compton
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
Let us know how that sweatshirt is in the goodie bag.  Last year they gave away running jackets that had a total value of about .39 cents.  I did get a cool running hat though- I told them I was on the Wheaties FUEL team, I guess that scared them into thinking I have some sort of influence or something.
2012-11-02 8:33 PM
in reply to: #4480837

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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
quincyf - 2012-11-02 1:24 PM

I am so sorry this is happening you guys. I gave up on any RAM running events years ago. Under staffed, over promised, under delivered. Their triathlons are still ok, so I will do those sometimes. Unfortunately there are enough people who will buy into their "hype" with their goody bags and after race activities that they won't feel the pain of a boycott. You have to be burned by them to truly understand how arrogant they are and how poorly run their races are. 

Again, their triathlons so far seem to have escaped this problem, but buyer beware on their running races. So sad because they do so many of them.

Q

Up this way it seems like a lot of their hype came from Bigfoot Beach. It was ok, but it was more that they weren't Frank Dobbs and people got carried away like they were the greatest thing. I've sensed the arrogance a bit in some things though. I have actually liked their Turkey Trot in Highland park the past couple years, but don't think I'll do it this year. I got there fairly early in the morning to pick up the packet the day before, but the line circled the whole store, taking more than an hour to get it. Their logistics were terrible for the workers putting things together. The line actually went out the door and up the street when I left. I had taken the day off, and taking half a day (with driving) to do this is not really what I had in mind. The individuals I see out on the floor seem alright, but can't shake the feeling that somewhere up a level they're looking out their noses at us.

ETA: I still can't believe people are so excited about signing up for the goodie bag. The stuff looks expensive (for this purpose at least), but I've never used any of it. I can't get around the primary focus not being the actual event for some.



Edited by brigby1 2012-11-02 8:38 PM


2012-11-03 9:31 AM
in reply to: #4481612

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Master
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Straight outta Compton
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
I don't race for the schwag, but they make it the primary focus.  Check the website- it's more about the sweatshirt and the chocolate at the end.  It's not an "A" race for anyone who is serious, IMHO.
2012-11-03 9:57 PM
in reply to: #4481437

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

mcgilmartin - 2012-11-02 5:38 PM Let us know how that sweatshirt is in the goodie bag.  Last year they gave away running jackets that had a total value of about .39 cents.  I did get a cool running hat though- I told them I was on the Wheaties FUEL team, I guess that scared them into thinking I have some sort of influence or something.

They improved.  This years sweatshirts are valued at .59 cents.  You had the pleasure of waiting outside in the cold for 2 hours to pick it up.  

2012-11-04 1:07 PM
in reply to: #4474767


110
100
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
whew looks like a dodged a bullet with this one.  one of my coworkers was trying to get me to run this with her.
2012-11-04 4:00 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Master
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Straight outta Compton
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
Regardless of whether you loved or loathed the experience, anyone that did it should write a race report.  I NEVER register for a race until I've read a few BT RR's for a feeling about the race.  Why train and spend $ on something that sucks?
2012-11-05 1:18 PM
in reply to: #4474767

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k

Interesting replies here.  I was fortunate enough to have a friend pick up my packet, but he said it wasn't "too bad" on Saturday.  I actually love the hoodie.  It's one of the few "swag" type items in the last couple of years that I can picture wearing on a more consistent basis. 

Just picking nits, but the mug they used for the fondue had a deep and narrow slot for the chocolate so it made it a bit difficult to dip stuff (especially if you got shorted on the chocolate like me!).  Your hands got a little messy too....oh well.



2012-11-05 1:21 PM
in reply to: #4474767

New user
14

McHenry
Subject: RE: Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k
I agree!  I think I was one of the lucky ones!  The line was long on Saturday when I got there but it moved.  We were inside within 15 minutes and I love the hoodie (even if it's sized a little small).  Race day went well.  It was slow getting through the corrals but there were so many people, it had to be that way.  My only advice for next year is to have fewer people.  It was pretty packed until the 5k runners broke off and then it started to spread out a little.
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