47th Elgin Valley Fox Trot 10-mile race is scheduled for June 2
The Elgin Valley Fox Trot 10 Miles and 5K races will take place in Elgin on Sunday June 2. This will be the 47th consecutive Elgin Valley Fox Trot which makes it one of the longest running and most popular running events in the region.
Since 2020, the Kenyon Farm Runners, a local running group, have teamed with the Elgin Lions Club to stage the races. The events will include the traditional 10-mile and 5K runs, with both featuring scenic courses which incorporate a portion of the Fox River Trail and Judson University in Elgin.
Elgin Lions Club spokesperson Ed Bates said, “We are thrilled to be in contact with Dr. David Bruce, the original race director from 1978, who is offering valuable insights into the race’s past, present, and future.”
Rosey Valencia, of the Kenyon Farm Runners, said, “Our goal is to make the Elgin Valley Fox Trot the premiere 10-mile race in the Chicago area. We plan to amp up the fun factor with a great post-race party, finisher medals, and awards ceremony. But please know, it is our goal to host the Elgin Fox Trot on June 2 in the safest possible manner. Protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of all.”
The 10-mile race starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 7:40 a.m. Both courses offer some challenging hills and take the runners through the streets on the north end of Elgin and onto the scenic Fox River Trail as they head back south to the finish. The post-race party will feature the awards presentation (5-year age group awards), music, food, refreshments, free massage therapy, vendor exhibits, and a beer tent.
Online registration is now open at www.elginfoxtrot.org. Early registration fees for the 10-mile race are $55, and $40 for the 5K race. Online registration fees will increase on Wednesday, May 1.
Bates added, “Proceeds will benefit nine local nonprofits. The Elgin Lions Club will spearhead the fundraising and we hope to raise a greater amount than previous years, but how much will depend on our ability to attract more sponsors and volunteers to support the event.”
For more information about the race or volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ed Bates at elginillinoislions@gmail.com or Tim Williams at elginfoxtrot@gmail.com.
The Elgin Lions Club is a chapter of the Lions Clubs International, a service membership organization of over 1.4 million members worldwide. The Lions motto is “We Serve.” The Elgin Lions Club primary focus concerns assisting U-46 students as well as adults with eye screenings and glasses. The club also works with local schools on food collection drives that help stock the food pantry at the Community Crisis Center. Additionally, the Elgin Lions Club Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, offers scholarships to the local public high schools. In 2021, the Elgin Lions celebrated the club’s 100th anniversary of helping the citizens of Elgin. Contact Ed Bates at elginillinoislions@gmail.com.
The Kenyon Farm Runners is a group of approximately 50 runners/walkers and tri-athletes from the Elgin/South Elgin/St. Charles area. Their members range from beginner and recreational runners all the way through to competitive marathoners and tri-athletes. Their mantra is to have fun, promote fitness and life balance, and enjoy the company and camaraderie other members. They run/walk/compete outdoors year-round. There are several group runs/events scheduled each week and new members are always welcome. There are no dues or group membership fees. They encourage new members to simply show up and join in the fun. Seasoned and competitive athletes or those just wanting to get off the couch every now and then will find a comfortable place and pace in this group. For more information about group run dates and times email KFRathletes@gmail.com.