Registration open for this year’s Chase, in Des Plaines

Registration is in progress for The Chase, the Des Plaines Park District’s sixth annual 5K Run-Walk, to be held Saturday, July 23, beginning at Prairie Avenue and Pearson Street.

Runners take off at 8 a.m.

This is a Chicago Area Runners Association registered race on a USA Track & Field certified flat course through residential streets in downtown Des Plaines.

Registration forms are available at all park district facilities, at www.DPParks.org and www.active.com. The preregistration entry fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 16 and younger, and $30/$25 on race day. CARA members pay $18 before July 23 and $28 on race day.

Runners/walkers can pick up their race packets on Friday, July 22, at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., in Mountain View I from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. or, on race day, before 7:40 a.m. at the registration tent. Day of the race registration is 6:30 a.m.-7:40 a.m. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 300 registered runners and walkers.

Age groups are: 8-younger; 9-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 and older. The race is run rain or shine with splits provided at every mile. Awards are given for the overall first place male and female; first, second and third place male and female in each age category, oldest finisher and first male and female resident of Des Plaines.

The awards ceremony will be held at about 9:15 a.m. onstage in front of the Des Plaines Public Library on Ellinwood Street. Official race results will be posted on www.cararuns.org, www.active.com and www.DPParks.org.

Water will be available at the start, finish and on the course. Fruit, bagels, energy bars, and water will also be available after the race courtesy of our sponsors, including this year’s 2011 Premier Chase Sponsor, First Midwest Bank.

Gear check is available from 6:30-11 a.m. at the Registration Tent for racer race packets and backpacks. park free in the Metropolitan Square parking garage at Lee Street north of Miner Street Racers with strollers must start at the rear. Please leave pets at home.

Proceeds from the Chase 5K run/walk benefit the Des Plaines Park District Scholarship fund, which provides recreation, education, and healthy activities for Des Plaines residents of all ages.

For details call Race Director Shelli Sarg, (847) 391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.