UNIVERSAL SOLE TRAIL CHALLENGE UNVEILED
Runners Invited to “Rock Your Sole” on December 12 at Schiller Woods

CHICAGO, IL. - Chicago’s scenic Schiller Woods Forest Preserve will serve as the backdrop to the
2009 Universal Sole Trail Challenge, slated for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12. The 5.25-mile offroad course is a favorite on the Chicagoland running scene and promises challenging terrain with mud and water crossings, as well as fallen trees, loose gravel and other natural obstacles. The event is open to runners and walkers but will be capped at 500 entries.

“We are ecstatic to be able to offer the Trail Challenge to the running community in 2009,” said Joel Feinberg, owner of Universal Sole. “We really feel this ‘off the beaten path’ event reflects Universal Sole’s personality and provides a unique opportunity for runners and walkers to gather and play in the woods with their friends and families in the midst of the holidays. A trail run like this can be a serious test for any competitor as well as a treat for those looking to finish out their 2009 running calendar with a bang.”

The race will take place at the Schiller Woods Forest Preserve, Groves 3 & 4, near the intersection of Irving Park Rd. and Cumberland Ave. Competitors will be greeted at the finish by welcome amenities common to Universal Sole events, including hot oatmeal, Rock Your Sole Chili and Goose Island Beer.

All registrants will receive a premium embroidered beanie cap. Additionally, the top three male and female finishers will each earn a pair of Saucony shoes and Universal Sole merchandise, while the top three in every age group will walk away with a special edition Trail Challenge Trophy.

The race is supported by Universal Sole, PERL Mortgage, Saucony, Goose Island and Clif Bar among others. Participants are encouraged to bring a pair shoes and socks to change in to after the race.

Registration is available online now at www.signmeupsports.com for $30, or participants can save $5 by registering in-store at Universal Sole, 3052 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Race-day registration at the event site is $40. For more information visit www.universalsole.com or call the store at (773) 868-0893.

Sure, the Olympics would have brought a whirlwind of business to Chicago. Hotels would be packed…but so would trains and buses. Stores would thrive…but your favorite restaurant might be booked for months. After all, what would you do with a 3-hour wait for a gallon of milk? There’s always a silver lining, Chicago.

Here’s our take:

Traffic: You think driving in the loop is crazy now? Now imagine the rush with twice the amount of cars and tour buses whizzing by. Pedestrians setting up tri-pods. And Lake Shore Drive would probably have become Lake Shore Sit and Wait.

Congestion: You love riding your favorite bike ride along the lake. Would it be as fun in a dead stop with tourists, maps, kids and balloons? Dodging arrows from the local archery course? Ouch!

Tourism & Access: For natives, Michigan Avenue, Museum Campus, Millennium Park and other Chicago favorites are always available for the taking. But with the Olympics, these popular venues would be packed like Clark & Addison after a Cubs game. There’d be an official event celebrating the new 2-hour line just to get a drink at the House of Blues or see an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art.

Wear: The Bean is only beautiful when it’s shiny and clean. And the streets can barely withstand the current traffic and garbage load. With the influx of people, Chicago would be littered with debris, flags and flyers. And the sidewalk would be pink with old gum.

PERL Founder Ken Perlmutter was even ready to enter the Mortgage Banker Steeplechase - but will have to save that showcase for next time. All in all, Chicago would make a great Olympic city - but it’s okay to celebrate a loss. Because when 2016 comes around the corner, we can enjoy the Olympics at the corner bar.

Jim Miller, head of The Miller Group at Jameson Real Estate joins Top 200 Producer Dean Vlamis to discuss the current real estate weather report — and how supply, inventory, and the national mortgage market affects Chicago.

Click the play button to listen!

On July 23rd, PERL supported PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) by donating bikes for the live auction at their Castaways Beach Party. This fundraiser helped to raise thousands of dollars to support the PAWS shelter and save as many dogs as possible. Here is a link to the news footage on the event where you can see highlights such as “doggie ice cream” and doggie beach outfits.

About PAWS
PAWS Chicago is the city’s largest No Kill humane organization, focused on alleviating Chicago’s tragic pet homelessness problem. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding, the number of homeless pets killed in the city has been reduced by more than half ―from 42,561 pets killed in 1997 to 19,288 in 2008. PAWS Chicago envisions a No Kill Chicago and that dream is within reach because of important lifesaving work that is being done every single day.

On July 16, PERL Mortgage helped to sponsor the Chicago Association of Realtors 102nd Golf Outing. We couldn’t have had better weather and had a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. For photos of many of the golf groups, please follow this link and become a fan of PERL Mortgage.

See you at the Inaugural Gala!