When organizers for a hip, multicity 5K run approached the Chicago Sport and Social Club about bringing the event to the city’s lakefront earlier this month, Jason Erkes knew it could be a challenge.
Erkes, the social club’s president, didn’t doubt that thousands of participants would sign up for the Electric Run — a 3.1-mile nighttime dash on a darkened course lit only with glow devices. But with a lakefront already bustling with walks, runs and bike rides each weekend, would there be room for one more?