Big Ten Network's Big 10K

BTN has named college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner and Ohio State University Alumni Association President Archie Griffin as the Grand Marshal of the July 26 BTN Big 10K, an event that has quickly become one of the most popular summer Chicago races and one of the fastest growing in the region.

Joining Griffin will be an anticipated 15,000 runners participating in a 10K or 5K course that begins on the Soldier Field campus and ends directly into a Big Ten tailgate party.

“This race is truly an expression of Big Ten spirit,” Griffin said.  “I love seeing fans showcasing their school pride, and I hope to see a lot of Big Ten alums competing along the lakefront.”

BTN also announced several of the race’s partners.  All participants will receive a free chicken sausage sandwich, and runners 21 and over will receive a free beer, both courtesy of returning sponsors Sausages by Amylu and Goose Island Beer Co.   They join new marketing partner Chicago’s World Famous Garrett Popcorn Shops®, which will provide free samples of its Chicago Mix at the post-run tailgate party.

Other BTN Big 10K sponsors include Athletico Physical Therapy, Clif Bar & Company and Deloitte LLP.

To help runners train, BTN and Fleet Feet Chicago are hosting two free training runs at Fleet Feet Chicago’s Old Town location at 6:30 PM on both June 9 and June 18. Participants can run any distance as a tune-up for the July 26 event, and raffle tickets sold at the June 18 event will benefit Special Olympics Chicago, the charitable partner of the BTN Big 10K.  

Last year, a record-breaking 13,000 runners from 43 states and five different countries participated in the BTN Big 10K. This year’s race, which also will be televised by BTN, is expected to sell out, so runners are encouraged to sign up early.  In order to receive a Big Ten school-specific race shirt, individuals must register by June 23.  The race shirts are available in each of the 14 Big Ten school colors, including the University of Maryland and Rutgers University, which officially join the Big Ten on July 1.

Following the race, runners and their friends and families can enjoy the Big Ten tailgate party, featuring music, a water slide, football-themed games and activities such as corn hole, field-goal kicking and the 40-yard dash, as well as appearances by BTN talent and former Big Ten student-athletes.

Registration for adults is $48 for the 10K and $38 for the 5K. For children 12 and under, registration is $25 for the 5K. For all information on the BTN Big 10K, go to: www.BTNBig10K.com. Like the BTN Big 10K on Facebook for event details and race updates.