America Sports Fest in Hoffman Estates
The Alexian Brothers Fitness for America Sports Festival, which takes place today through Sunday, July 26, in Hoffman Estates, has something for everyone, be they spectator or participant - and you don't need to be a pro to be involved. Here's a breakdown of what's in store, with a big expansion of last year's event:
INLINE SKATING:
• Pro Inline Tour: Cheer on some of the nation's fastest pro racers, skating at up to 35 mph in 4 stages: 340-meter dash today; a 2-mile time trial and 10K criterium Saturday; and marathon Sunday. Skaters from several states and Europe compete for individual stage prizes and overall win.
• Chicago Blackhawks Chicagoland Inline Marathon and Criterium: For more advanced skaters. Saturday criterium a 10K circuit with prizes for top-5 males and females. Sunday marathon is weekend's main event.
• Recreational/fitness inline skating races: For beginners and up, 10K and half-marathon Sunday. Groups of 4 or more can register as teams.
• Children's inline races: Includes Saturday criterium for children up to 14 with racing experience; free Young Guns 100-meter dash Sunday for 8 and under; kids' 2-mile race Sunday for beginner to intermediate 14 and under; and 2-mile advanced race Sunday for 12 and under.
• What else you need to know: Helmets required; wrist guards recommended; quad or roller skates allowed; racing suits and speed skates optional.
CYCLING
• Children's Bicycle Blast: 2-mile course open to all bike types; no mass start time; compete against individual par times for awards.
• Fitness Bicycle Blast: Tailored challenges based on age, gender and bicycle type on 10K course.
• Advancing Cycling 10K Sprint Time Trial: Compete for cash and prizes in several categories on short, technical course; chip-timed.
• Helmets required for all events; all held Saturday.
RUNNING-WALKING
• 5K Run-Walk and 10K Run: Saturday races include chip timing, clock/time splits at each mile. Awards based on top finishers and on preset par times for age groups.
• For kids: Tiny Tot Trot 100-meter dash for 6 and under and half-mile Fun Run for 12 and under, both Saturday.
FITNESS, HEALTH, SPORTS EXPO
• 15 exhibitors offers products and demos throughout event.
ALL THE BASICS
• Cost: Young Guns Inline skate race and Tiny Tot Trot are free; other fees range from $4-$125, includes T-shirt, eco-bag and ribbon or medal, with some proceeds to Special Olympics; free for spectators.
• Where: Today's events - packet pickup, expo and Stage 1 of pro tour at 7 p.m. - take place at Hoffman Estates Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road. All Saturday and Sunday events, including races and expo, take place along AT&T campus, 2000 W. SBC Center Center Drive, Hoffman Estates, north of I-90 and east of Barrington Road off Lakewood Boulevard.
• Registration: 4:30-9 p.m. today or 6:15-7:45 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Further info and times: hefitnessforamerica.com