Valentines Massacre 3-Mile Prediction Run 2026

VALENTINE’S MASSACRE BEVERAGE-PREDICTION 3-MILE RUN

No bad Chicago weather, no garage, no “Buggsy” Moran, and no “Big” Al Capone or North or South Side Gangs.

So this Valentine’s day was possibly the most perfect race day for the Beverage prediction 3-mile run. Sun, no breeze, and even in the low 40s. The seven runners had a great experience along with the people, dog and baby that accompanied them. The course is challenging with its rather steep rolls and few flats and thus also a challenge to make a time prediction. BUT, for 65 year old  retiring physician Marshall Steel not a problem, put down 29:00 for the 3-mile and run 29:02. As they say this wasn’t his “first rodeo.” He and Suzie run this race almost every year and in 2013 he was “dead on” his prediction and with Suzie’s one second off also in 2013 they became the best team prediction ever. Marshall was the first runner since 2020 to make the top 8 predictor list when four did it that year and also only the second runner to make a zero predict, Jay Valentine (Taylor’s dad) is the other and he also has 9 top 8 predictions. 

Taylor Valentine, FMHS distance coach, was the fastest at 26:21, but only 3rd best predictor.  D. Plunkett was 27 seconds off for 2nd place.  Taylor and uncle Mike Valentine won the couples division, well the only entrants, but appropriately have the winning name.

Fun time, great weather, good socializing, and nice selection of entrant supplied drinks.  SORRY YOU MISSED IT. (Larry Ingram)

Conrad Adds:

About 4 years ago, our longtime editor Jay Krabacher announced that he was not going to put on the prediction run anymore. That was the event where I proposed to Kim in 1998 and didn’t want to see it come to an end. Another running couple also got engaged on this course. It used to be well attended. Larry agreed that it shouldn’t disappear and offered to help. Well, he does more than help, and enables us to keep up the tradition. However, Kim is still struggling with a ski accident last year and helped Larry with timing. 
Unfortunately a neighbor built a house right above our start/finish line. We think it is time to find a new venue so, will be working the location. I hope more Striders will help keep the prediction run going.