Raise money while running the Elgin Fox Trot
It's running for a reason.
This year planners for Elgin's annual Fox Trot hope to boost participation levels to new highs by promoting both the race's location and by giving runners ample opportunities to give back to local charities and nonprofits.
The Elgin Valley Fox Trot, now in its 34th year, features at 10-mile run, 5k and 2-mile fun walk. The race will be on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The 10-mile race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 5k race at 8:05 a.m. and the 2-mile fun walk at 8:10 a.m.
The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) endorses the race.
“We just want to make sure we're putting on the best quality event we can prepare,” said race director Barb Keselica.
Race planners are hoping for 2,500 participants this year, about a 500 runner increase over last year.
Keselica hopes that with the addition of some new race features, runners from around the area can get a sense of what Elgin is really all about.
Becca Schuck, 20, from St. Charles, ran the 10-mile race last year and is looking forward to racing it again.
“The (10-mile) race is so much fun because you get to go all over Elgin,” Schuck said.
“It's not something you get a chance to do and see everyday.”
The Fox Trot also paired up with United Way, Elgin Crisis Center and the YWCA to create opportunities for runners to donate and raise money for local charity groups. For a two-week period this year race organizers donated half of a participant's race entry fee to a local nonprofit.
“We understand that nonprofits are struggling,” Keselica said.
“Now we need to re-evaluate events and how we can partner with (nonprofits) and help them out.”
As always, a portion of the race proceeds will benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund, a program that helps children from lower income families participate in Elgin Park District programs.
Both the 10-mile and 5k races begin in front of the Elgin Police Station and City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. The 10-mile race winds through Lords Park, down to Dundee Avenue and runs through several Elgin neighborhoods.
New this year, about half a dozen local vendors will set up shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during race packet pickup on Sunday, May 29 to talk with race participants.
Race planners hope that with the addition of elite start corrals for the 10-mile and 5k races, plus cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers in each race, the Elgin Fox Trot will become more of a destination race.
The top 10 male and female racers will be in this year's elite corral, Keselica said, as a way of rewarding people who have been loyal to the Fox Trot.
“We're trying to create different elements throughout the Fox Trot to give participants an idea of what Elgin is about. Almost 50 percent of our race participants are not from Elgin,” Keselica said.
If you go
What: The 34th annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot, featuring a 10-mile race, 5K run and 2-mile fun walk
10 Mile and 5K race: The 10-mile race begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:05 a.m. at 150 Dexter Court, Elgin.
Two Mile Fun Walk: The Fun Walk kicks off at 8:10 a.m. at 150 Dexter Court. The fee is $10 per person or $30 per family of four (in advance or on race day).
Corporate Challenge: $175 fee for a corporation to register for the Two Mile Fun Walk. $500 for a corporation to register for the 10 Mile/5K races.
Registration: Advance registration for the 10 mile and 5K is $35; race day, $45. In-person, fax, and mailed registrations close at 5 p.m. today, May 26.
In person is at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. Online registration for Fox Trot closes at 5 p.m. Friday, May 27. Race day registration is available from 6:15 to 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 30.
Registration and details: conceptmill.com/foxtrot/