Record turnout expected for Arlington Heights Stampede

Organizers of the Stampede Run at Arlington Heights’ Frontier Days are expecting record crowds to turn out for the races Sunday.

As of Wednesday, more than 1,200 runners had registered for the 5K, 10K and kids’ quarter mile dash events, as well as the 5K walk, said race director Craig Carlson.

Those numbers should rise before race time, he said, especially knowing that last year some 300 people signed up on the day of the event.

“We had 1,400 people register last year and we’ll smash those numbers this year,” Carlson said.

Organizers say it’s a combination of the race’s reputation among runners and new technology being put in place that’s leading to the expected record turnout.

“It’s reached a maturity level,” said Mark Rouse, owner of Runner’s Hi ‘n’ Tri in Arlington Heights. “It’s got a reputation as a well-run, quality event, with a well-marked course, lots of volunteers and a well-stocked finish.”

For the first time, race officials will be offering a chip-based timing system to participants in the 5K and 10K events, with their running bibs containing micro chips woven inside to accurately record their start and finish.

The chip-based timing system will bring the race up to a level of much larger events that rely on its dependability, including marathons, triathlons and bike races.

“It takes out any uncertainty,” Rouse said. “It records the exact time you cross the finish line — and cross the start. Sometimes it can take an extra minute or so just to get up to the starting line. This takes the guessing out of it.”

Both the 5K and 10K routes are sanctioned by USA Track & Field Association, and will be cleaned and patched before the race by Arlington Heights’ Public Works Department.

The courses weave runners through the neighborhood just north of the festival. Traditionally, families turn out along the way to cheer on runners and some even have hoses in hand to spray participants.

The Stampede offers one of the only 10K events in the Northwest suburbs over the July Fourth weekend, and consequently organizers are seeing increased participation from residents living outside Arlington Heights.

“More people are staying home for the holidays and looking for something to do,” Rouse said. “This offers a measuring stick for what kind of shape you’re in.”

If numbers of runners are up, so are corporate sponsors. Carlson said he now has sponsors coming to him, since it draws so many local participants.

People’s Bank in Arlington Heights heads the list of local sponsors, but new this year is Asics, the California-based manufacturer of running shoes and apparel. With their involvement, every runner will receive one of their Asics tech shirts for participating in the race.

Racers start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday at Miner School, 1101 E. Miner St., just east of Recreation Park. The finish is located at 500 E. Miner St., in front of the festival entrance.

Online registration is available at www.frontierdays.org. Race day registration begins at 6:15 a.m.