Historic course beckons runners to Raceway 5K

No engines will be starting on Saturday, Aug. 13, but there will be plenty of racing going on at the Raceway Woods Forest Preserve in Carpentersville.

Rotary Club of Carpentersville-Morning members will hold their annual 5K fun run and walk that day.

This is the fourth year Rotary members will hold the run at the former Meadowdale International Raceway. The Route 31 and Huntley Road track is appealing to runners and walkers for many reasons.

"The scenery is great, and the (3.2-mile) track is challenging with hills, curves and different surfaces," said James Olvera, Rotary Club member. "All year people enjoy walking around the track."

The race is the organization's leading fundraiser for the year. It nets most of the money members use to provide scholarships to college-bound students and other charitable programs.

Registration is $30 for each runner. On the day of the race, registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m.

"Last year, we had 180 walkers and runners participate in the race," Olvera said. "We hope to have over 200 this year."

Many more people are expected to watch the runners and walkers and stand in the midst of the historic former Meadowdale Raceway, once a jewel in the crown of the automobile racing circuit.

The racetrack opened in 1958 and for 10 years hosted events. It closed in 1968 and sat idle until 2000 when the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Dundee Township and the Dundee Township Park District bought it and the land surrounding it.

Now, hikers enjoy it.

Volunteers are needed the day of the race to help with registration. Volunteers will also help with set up, break down, clean up, course spotting, serving at water stations, and holding motivational signs.

Anyone who is available to volunteer should contact the group at CarpentersvilleRotary@gmail.com to schedule a time and assignment.

More information about the race can be found at www.raceway5k.com.

"We'll hold the race rain or shine," Olvera said.