Marathon man takes shorter course
It took only two hours, 36 minutes and 48 seconds for first place-finisher Brian Scott to complete the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins last May.
The Naperville runner has his hopes pinned on doing just as well or better in October's Chicago Marathon.
But while he trains, the marathon man is looking forward to a much shorter contest: the Fling Mile, a 5,280-foot asphalt-pounder through the heart of Naperville's downtown.
In its fourth year, the Fling Mile begins in front of Naperville North High School on Mill Street at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
Scott, who along with several friends came up with the idea of adding the Fling Mile to the long list of Last Fling festivities in 2004, organized the race last year. The responsibility kept him on the sidelines.
This year, with his efforts to organize the event aided by race director John Corrigan, he'll be out there running.
"It'll be an adventure," said Corrigan, a new member of the Naperville Jaycees, presenters of both the Fling Mile and the Last Fling. The race is a fundraiser for the Jaycees' philanthropic efforts.
"We donate back to nonprofits all over town," Scott said.
Scott notes two changes from last year. First, the race will begin 30 minutes earlier this year to shrink lag between the race, which takes most runners less than 15 minutes, and the Labor Day Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., making for a more action-packed spectacle.
"This year, hopefully, we'll have a crowd watching the parade," he said, recalling last year's rainy weather and relatively low spectator turnout.
The second change is a new race route. The Fling Mile now will follow the same route as the parade, starting at Naperville North. Runners will head south on Mill Street to Jefferson Avenue and east on Jefferson to Eagle Street, ending at the finish line on the Eagle Street bridge.
"It's a pretty easy course," said Corrigan.
Scott said organizers hope to draw 200 to 250 runners to the race this year. Last year, about 125 runners participated, he said.
The top male and female overall runners each will receive $75; second-place winners will receive $50 and third-place winners will be awarded $25. There are also prizes of $50 each for the top male and female in the masters category, for runners age 40 and older.
Young competitors also will be recognized for their athletic zeal.
"We'll have ribbons for all the kids that run," Scott said. "This is a family-oriented event. It's short enough that kids can do it."
If you go
What: Fling Mile, part of Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling
When: 9:30 a.m. Monday; registration begins at 8 a.m.
Where: From Naperville North High School, 899 Mill St.
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 on race day
Info: (630) 961-4143 or lastfling.org