Despite the snow and wind, 364 (π × 10 + 50) runners and walkers participated in the Illinois Science Council’s fifth annual Pi Day Fun Run on 3-14-17. The run, which raised money for ISC programs, was held at Fleet Feet Store locations in Oak Park and Chicago’s Old Town and Lincoln Square neighborhoods. About 5 inches of snow fell in Cook County that day, which meant that the runners who came are the most hardy, math-loving folks out there.
While the run itself was not competitive, the Pi Day quiz was! Participants were asked to answer 20 quiz questions before setting out on a 3.14-mile course (get it, 3.14?). The quiz wasn’t too difficult – a sample question: What is Americans’ favorite pie flavor?
After the run, participants were invited to eat Connie’s Pizza, drink Lagunitas beer and Bai fruit juices, and, of course, have a bite of pie. Prizes were awarded to winners of the quiz contest at the end of the night. (That’s right, our races aren’t about physical agility, they are about smarts!)
Natasha Wadlington, an Oak Park resident and longtime ISC volunteer, headed up the Oak Park location’s run. She said she loved seeing her community come together to celebrate STEM (science, technology, engineering & math).
“Despite the cold weather, we had a great turn-out, and people were highly enthusiastic for the run and the quiz,” says Wadlington. “The staff at Fleet Feet Oak Park was perfect, helping with the set-up and organization at the store. It was one of the best Pi Day Fun Run events I’ve been too.”
The annual run is one of the Illinois Science Councils biggest fundraising events. The proceeds from this year’s run will be used to support other ISC events, such as the Chicago Science Festival, which will be held May 18-20. The Science Fest will celebrate Chicago’s rich STEM culture with fellow scientists as well as anyone who is sci-curious. The event will be open to the public and host several presenters and lecturers from universities, business, museums, and nonprofits from all over Illinois. We hope to see you all there!
Jennifer Flynn is a freelance science writer. You can follow her on Twitter @FlyWrite1.
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