Divas can't wait to return to Lake Zurich
One visit to Lake Zurich hooked a couple thousand divas last month.
Village board trustees will be asked Monday to allow a return of the Divas running series in October. Champagne, tutus and boas were part of the women-only half-marathon and 5K when the national series made its Chicago-area debut April 30 at Lake Zurich's Paulus Park.
Kyle Kordell, assistant to the village manager, said Friday that officials heard back from Divas representatives almost immediately regarding a second race after last month's debut.
Race organizers, in part, cited professionalism from the Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department and a high level of communication with village officials in seeking a quick return. Divas representatives also praised the village's lakefront scenery.
"It's pretty cool that they chose Lake Zurich," Kordell said.
Roughly 2,200 runners from across the country turned out on a dismal day for the Divas' Lake Zurich inaugural. Many of the runners brought friends and family for the race, which started and finished at Paulus Park on the village's namesake lake.
At least 3,200 participants are projected for the Divas races on Oct. 15. Half-marathon runners once again will use a course through Lake Zurich and Hawthorn Woods, while those in the shorter race will go around the lake.
Divas race director Robert Pozzo expressed satisfaction with how 2,200 participants were willing to run in the wet and windy conditions last month. He said the fall runs will serve as a wind-down for women who ran in the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 8 or those who continue through cold weather.
"The event in Lake Zurich was extremely successful," Pozzo said.
Another big race will return to Lake Zurich on Sunday, May 21, with the ColorVibe 5K run and walk. The global fun run series features participants getting hit with color powder.
ColorVibe offers more than a jaunt around the lake. A typical race has a master of ceremonies leading the crowd in stretching, followed by a race countdown and the powder tossed in all directions on participants wearing clean white shirts.
Lake Zurich officials said businesses have reported an economic boost from big races such as Divas and ColorVibe.
"The economic activity creates a multiplier effect that benefits hotels, restaurants and retailers," Kordell said.