Early season pricing discount for Soldier Field 10

How did 2011 go by so fast? One minute we’re ringing in the unofficial start to the running season with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and then we’re battening down the hatches to prepare for winter training and opening holiday gifts for the next running season. And more importantly, perhaps, we’re busy planning those races for 2012 and setting goals. Here’s one to put on the calendar for 2012—and do it sooner rather than later if you’re the planner or penny-pincher type: the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile race.

This race has become a favorite among Chicagoans. It typically welcomes the summer running season (and warm weather) with its Memorial Weekend kick-off on Saturday, May 26. It offers the unique opportunity to run through Soldier Field—and finish on the 50-yard line of its hallowed grass. If you’re a newer runner, the 10-mile distance is perfect to train for without moving into half marathon and marathon territory (but also works as a good jumping-off point to prep you for those longer distances). If you’re a seasoned distance runner, the distance is one you can likely cover without too much thought or anxiety (and wouldn’t we all like that every once in a while when it come to racing?).

But here’s the best part, at least for my budget-saving brain: The Soldier Field 10 offers attractive pre-season pricing that’s good until the end of the year. Uh, make that 24 hours (I wasn’t lying when I thought the year flew by). From now until the clock strikes midnight to welcome in 2012, you can register for the SF10 for $65. After the new year, the price goes up to its regular season pricing--$80. It’s an offer that’s hard to refuse, especially if your running race calendar is looking to be a full one.

For more details about the 2012 Soldier Field 10 or to register, check out soldierfield10.com.