Hoffman Estates preps for running, in-line skating event
Hoffman Estates will be filled with hundreds of runners and in-line skaters this weekend for the fourth annual Alexian Brothers Fitness for America Sports Festival.
With more than 20 events over two days, the festival offers a little something for everyone, from a free kids obstacle course and a 10K run to an in-line skating marathon and more.
Event director Peter Starykowicz said participants will experience a “lighter feeling” than what they might expect at another athletic event.
“There’s a certain special camaraderie I think people have when they come to this event,” Starykowicz said.
“The support from the local community is so great in terms of how much everybody wants to be part of the event,” he said, adding that the Alexian Brothers sponsorship is “a natural fit” to the health system’s mission.
The festival kicks off Friday, July 20, with packet pickup and a fitness expo from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hoffman Estates village hall, 1900 Hassell Road.
Fitness events begin on Saturday, July 21, on the AT&T campus near Lakewood Boulevard with a half marathon at 7:30 a.m. The day also includes at 10K run at 7:30 a.m., a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. and a free kids 250 meter dash for ages 12 and under at 8:40 a.m.
In-line skating races will begin at 11:40 a.m. with an advanced men’s 10K circuit, followed by an elite and advanced women’s 10K circuit and elite, masters and veteran men’s races.
On Sunday, July 22, there will be multiple in-line skating races from 8 to 11:15 a.m., including the nation’s second largest in-line marathon, as well as awards presentations.
Another highlight of the weekend is the Luigino Chicagoland Inline Tour, featuring the nation’s top in-line speedskating athletes. Fitness for America also is an official charity of Special Olympics Illinois.
Hoffman Estates director of tourism Linda Scheck said there are participants from more than 20 states and a handful of other countries signed up for the event. Having a location close to major highways and O’Hare International Airport makes the event appealing for people from all over the world, Starykowicz said.
“All those people are out in the neighborhood, shopping and dining,” Scheck said, noting that the event boosts tourism to Hoffman Estates and helps local businesses and hotels.
As for weather, an event heat advisory has already been issued, as temperatures are predicted to exceed 80 degrees over the weekend. Participants with underlying medical conditions such as cardiac disease have been advised to consider not taking part in the races, and athletes who choose to participate are asked to take precautions, such as going at a slower pace, taking breaks and not aiming to reach a personal record.
“The heat is something that we’ve dealt with before,” Starykowicz said, adding that there will be misting stations on the course and Alexian Brothers nurses at the finish line. “We’ll be prepared to have a great event no matter what.”
Participants who have signed up for a half marathon but feel like they can only do a 10K or 5K race on the day of the event due to the warm weather can move down to those events, Starykowicz said.
The event’s overall mission, Starykowicz said, is to give participants an opportunity to have fun and “be fit with family and friends.”
Scheck said volunteers are always welcome and needed to greet participants, work at a registration table, hand out water or help with set up and take down. Volunteers can sign up by contacting Scheck at (847) 781-2664.
Athletes can register for an event online in advance for a discounted rate at allcommunityevents.com or at the festival.