Runners invited to farm's 5K gallop

Fox Valley Park District's Blackberry Farm is the place to be Saturday for area runners eager to get out of the house.

Blackberry Farm will sponsor its first USA Track and Field certified course 5K race at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Registration and packet pickup for the 5K Spring Gallop will begin at 7:15 a.m. at the farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.

More than 200 runners already have registered for the run prior to the March 20 deadline. District spokeswoman Amy Roth said many more are expected to register on-site Saturday.

"We expected to have about 100 runners and we doubled that, so we're looking forward to a great run," she said Tuesday. "So many runners are anxious to get out of their homes and start gearing up for their longer runs throughout the summer."

Roth said the annual Fall Pumpkin Run at the farm had gained enough popularity over the years that district officials decided to "step it up" and launch a spring run.

The blacktop and gravel course will start in the farm's parking lot and lead runners on Gilman Bike Trail and around Blackberry Farm's Lake Gregory before ending back in the parking lot.

Parking will be across the street from Blackberry Farm in the Splash Country Water Park parking lot.

"Once we had the course certified by USA Track and Field, the Chicago Area Runners Association started advertising it and it's taken off from there," Roth said. "Our registered runners are coming from all over the suburbs and as far away as Minnesota."

Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 and younger; 15 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69; and 70 and older. Awards also will be given to the top overall male and female finishers.

T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered runners. Saturday's walk-up registration will cost $25 and T-shirts may still be available, but are not guaranteed.

For details, call (630) 892-1550.

If you go

What: Fox Valley Park District 5K Spring Gallop

Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora

When: 8:30 am Saturday; registration at 7:15 a.m.

Cost: $25 for walk-up registration

Info: (630) 892-1550