Posted: July 18, 2005

Athletics: Wehrman, Ulrich Win Inaugural Chicago BIG 10K

200 Colleges and Universities Participated

CHICAGO - (July 17, 2005) - On a very hot summer Sunday morning in Chicago, nearly 2,500 runners, representing 200 colleges and universities, dressed in their school colors and ran the inaugural Chicago BIG 10K, presented by the Chicagoland Agents of Farmers Insurance.

The 6.2 mile city course started and finished at Armour Square Park, adjacent to U.S. Cellular Field, made its way to the beautiful Chicago lakefront and looped back. Alumni, students and fans from schools all over the country came out to run as well as revel in the post race Tailgate Party that followed immediately thereafter in Armour Square Park. Reminiscent of Animal House, there was even a group of Team Toga runners running in toga sheets and laurel wreaths.

Running well ahead of the pack was Chicagoan Chris Wehrman, 29, who has won the Chicago Half Marathon four times. A graduate of Michigan State (Class of '98; law degree in 2002), Wehrman crossed the finish line in 33 minutes flat, a pace of 5:19 per mile.

Second finisher was Dwight Thomas, 27, from Atlanta, who was in Chicago on business, heard about the BIG 10K and decided to run it. A graduate of UT/Chattanooga, Thomas' time was 34:32.

The female winner was Kay Ulrich, 33, from Los Alamos, New Mexico in 36:07. The University of Oklahoma graduate, Class of '95, who will run in the Helsinki Marathon in 28 days decided to visit Chicago and run the BIG 10K. Rockford's Jessica Langford-Sweeney, 34, came in second with a time of 36:24.

In the Masters Division, 40 and older, Jeff Salach, 44, of Stickney finished first in 35:55. The women's master's division winner was Laura Kennedy, 48, from Lake Forest, IL, in 40:43.

Immediately following the race and awards ceremony, runners got a chance to relive those tailgating moments in the College 'Quad' area post race. There were numerous booths, college Frisbee, hackeysack and bean bag games, alumni/alma mater booths and reunion areas. In addition, Chicago Northside Toyota previewed the world's first 7-passenger SUV Hybrid - the 2006 Highlander.

The rockin' Tailgate Party featured Elevation - a hugely popular U2 Tribute Band. Elevation has traveled throughout the world entertaining fans with their authenticity and energy. '93 XRT personalities were on-site, and Jennie-O Turkey Store grilled up tasty turkey brats and turkey tenderloin for hungry runners along with Vitner's Potato Chips and Stewarts Coffee. Equinox Fitness provided post-race massages and Pilates stretches for all participants and their friends.

Developed by Chicago-based Devine Racing, the inaugural Chicago BIG 10K run was created to provide a fun summer race and party for area runners. It was also an official CARA Circuit Race. According to Chris Devine, Chairman of Devine Racing, "We wanted to create a great summer fun run that would involve everyone who loves to run. The idea of playing off the Big 10 angle gave us a great way for runners to come out and show their school colors and pride. We want this to be an annual tradition. Today's response lets us know the runners want it too."

Committed to the celebration on individual accomplishment, Devine Racing was created to bring a new level of quality and professionalism to amateur road racing events - delivering the highest level of professional service in the industry - for participants, sponsors and the communities where races are held. In the process of building its national footprint, Devine Racing currently owns the City of Los Angeles Marathon, the New Las Vegas Marathon, the Salt Lake City Marathon, the Chicago Half Marathon and the Chicago BIG 10K.

In addition to the Chicagoland Agents of Farmers Insurance, other sponsors included Chicago Northside Toyota, New Balance Chicago, Stewarts Coffee, Jennie -O Turkey Store, Vitner's Potato Chips, Southwest Airlines, Chicago Sport and Social Club, Clif Bar, Equinox Fitness Clubs and '93 XRT, Chicago's Finest Rock.

Find more race information at: ChicagoBig10K.com .

Source: Cher Cox.