Alumni and Community Run to Support Maine South Cross Country Team at 2017 Hawk Harrier 5K
The Maine South Boys Cross Country program will be hosting the 3rd annual Hawk Harrier 5K race, which will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017. The event, which is open to the public, will include a 5K (3.1 mile) race, refreshments and awards for each age bracket.
The 5K course starts on the beautiful tree-lined campus of Maine South High School in Park Ridge, and ends on the school's state-of-the-art track. Runners will be chip-timed by Realtiming, Inc. All participants will receive a Hawk Harrier T-shirt, and awards will be given to the top three males and top three females in each age bracket.
Back in 1972, the race was conceived as a heated competition between the current Maine South cross country team and program alumni. After 43 years of the annual race, it was opened to the running public and Maine South supporters in 2015. Coordinated by Maine South coach Dave Fermanich, the race has served as both a kickoff and a highlight of the cross country season.
"I really want to get the community involved in rallying around the team, and what better than a race," says Fermanich. "This area has a huge running community, and this race gives them a chance to come out and run a 5K while supporting the cross country team."
Current Maine South team members are excited about running side-by-side with the the alums. Senior Brandon Christopher, two-time cross country team state qualifier and track & field All-Conference athlete, is looking forward to the competition.
"I knew some of these guys when I was younger. Now as a team veteran, I am able to run with these past runners and get to know them."
The entry fee is $30. Proceeds from this year's event supports the Maine South Boys Cross Country team. Placing 9th as a team in the IHSA State 3A Meet in 2016, the Hawks are slated to have another strong season. Online registration is recommended at: http://tinyurl.com/Hawk5K2017. Race day registration is also welcome beginning at 7 a.m. See the website for more information.