Elgin starting its own Amazin' Race

Since 2001, you've seen it on TV as pairs race around the world.

And next month, you can do it in downtown Elgin.

June 7 is the date of the first Elgin's Amazin' Race.

Teams of four to eight people will walk, jog or run to at least 20 locations in an attempt to complete the course.

Employees at the city's parks and recreation department believe the event will be a good way to get people to exercise, have fun and be introduced or reintroduced to the downtown area and its new amenities.

"You don't realize what a gem downtown Elgin is until you walk around and see some of these places," said Greg Bruggeman, an Elgin native, parks and recreation employee and one of the race's organizers.

The entry fee is $99 per team, and it's tax deductible because it is considered a donation to the Elgin Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund.

The fund provides financial assistance so children in low-income families can enjoy recreational programs and memberships.

Bruggeman said the fund assisted 797 children last year.

Teams will meet about noon at the Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago St., before being driven to their starting locations at 1 p.m. and handed a radio.

From there, it's up to them to complete tasks, solve puzzles and navigate through "detours" and "roadblocks" to finish the race.

The top three teams will receive prizes. Bruggeman said organizers hope teams can finish in about 2 ½ hours.

Greg Shannon, who co-owns the Elgin Public House with his fiancee, Lou Gramm, said it was an easy decision when asked to be the event's main sponsor because it helps the downtown.

Shannon said patrons and families were asking about the contest when he put up posters about a week ago.

"It sounds like it's a lot of fun," he said. "A lot of people are excited about it and a lot of people watch the show."

The event has the support of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

"This is a really great opportunity for individuals who have not been to downtown Elgin for a while to come and see what's happening," said Carol Gieske, chamber vice president. "There's so much that's being offered in the downtown area."

The sign-up deadline is June 6, but organizers said registration could be closed earlier if they run out of space.

Applications are available at The Centre, 100 Symphony Way, and at some downtown businesses.

Questions? Call (847) 531-7007 or e-mail bruggeman_g@cityofelgin.org.